Chinese Film 'Outcast' Debut Gets Pushed Back to Early 2015

Nov 07, 2014 07:29 AM EST

Nicolas Cage waves as he arrives at a replica of a street in Monte Carlo ahead of a launch ceremony of Mont Blanc's new Princesse Grace de Monaco jewelry collection inside the Mont Blanc concept store in Beijing June 1, 2012.

(Photo : REUTERS/Petar Kujundzic) Nicolas Cage waves as he arrives at a replica of a street in Monte Carlo ahead of a launch ceremony of Mont Blanc's new Princesse Grace de Monaco jewelry collection inside the Mont Blanc concept store in Beijing June 1, 2012.

"Outcast," a joint Chinese-French-Canadian action film starring Nicolas Cage will be released in early 2015 in China. The film, directed by former stuntman and cinematographer Nick Powell, originally was set for release this month.

Principal backer Yunnan Film Group never gave a reason for the postponement of the film's release, but sources believe the company was having trouble lining up an acceptable number of Chinese theaters to show the movie. Another reason may have been a spot of trouble with Chinese censors over the film's sometimes explosive 3D violence content.

Like Us on Facebook

Jeremy Bolt, "Outcast" producer, said while Yunnan Film Group never got a full explanation as to why it had trouble with theater procurement and censorship, the group remained committed to the production. Yunnan has the final cut and paid close attention to details geared to Chinese audiences, he said. "They also bought it the North American rights, which shows their faith here, too," he added.

The show is set to go in January at mainland theaters. Entertainment One reportedly is close to acquiring U.S. rights that will allow the film to be released by that company's recently acquired Phase 4 distributor in the states in February.

New release dates for the film will be announced soon for Asian markets including Singapore, Vietnam and Malaysia. These markets originally were scheduled to show the film in conjunction with Chinese release dates.

The film had a $25 million budget and stars Hayden Christensen alongside the seemingly indefatigable Cage. It's set in 10th Century China. Cage plays a warrior who tries to salvage his reputation by rescuing a princess from danger.

James Dormer wrote the script. He is well known in the U.K. for his work on the BBC spy show "Spooks." The veteran stunt director and cinematographer Powell makes his directorial debut. The production has had a bit of a long march of its own with project details first disclosed in mid-2012.

TagsNicolas Cage, outcast, movie, film, hollywood, yunnan film group, nik powell