Sony, Spider-Man, and the Statue of Liberty

Spider-Man is a comic-book character that was created in 1962. The inaugural issue sold for 12 cents. Sony Pictures, which now owns the screen rights to the character, decided not to release the latest Spider-Man movie in the world's biggest movie market. That decision might cost Sony as much as $340 million.

- KEN C. POHLMANN

Why on earth would Sony do such a thing? Spider-Man: No Way Home cost hundreds of millions of dollars to make and to market, and I am guessing Sony would appreciate a certain ROI (Return on Investment). Yes, the film has already grossed $1.9 billion and counting, was the highestgrossing film of 2021, and is the sixth-highest-grossing film of all time. But still-why walk away from those extra hundreds of millions? As you might guess, the reason has to do with China.

As you might also guess, the reason is censorship. Receiving permission to show a movie in China is hardly a fait accompli. In this case, reportedly, Chinese authorities did not approve of the film's finale. In particular, the final extended scene takes place on and around the Statue of Liberty. Apparently, Chinese censors initially demanded that Sony remove all images of the statue because of perceived patriotic connotations. Sony refused. Perhaps as an accommodation, authorities then reportedly asked for more subtle changes; in particular, it would be acceptable to partially obscure otherwise clear images of the statue. After deliberation, Sony declined to make any changes, and thus the film will not be shown in China. Various sources estimate that Sony will lose anywhere from $170 million to $340 million.