"Transformers: Age of Extinction", the fourth installment in the action-thriller series, may not see screening in Mainland China on June 27 as originally scheduled.

That is if Beijing film regulators grant the request of a Chinese property developer to suspend the film's screening on grounds that its Hollywood and Chinese producers breached a sponsorship contract they entered into with the property developer.

Like Us on Facebook

The Beijing Pangu Investment Co. Ltd accused Paramount Pictures and its two Chinese partners of reneging on their sponsorship agreement that the Pangu Plaza Hotel complex, which the former owns and where several scenes were shot, would be featured in the film's trailers.

"The loss of rights and interests not only caused the Pangu company's original business plan to fail, incurring huge losses, more seriously, it has affected Pangu Plaza's image and reputation," the property developer said in a statement.

As a result of the breach, Pangu said they are suing the film's Chinese co-producer for breach of contract and demanded that Paramount Pictures delete the movie scenes showing their properties and company logo.

Pangu also asked China's film regulatory body to stop the June 27 scheduled screening of Transformers 4 in Mainland Chinese cinemas.

Pangu said they shelled out at least US$1.6 million funding but the Chinese partners did not deliver on their agreed deliverables such as the holding of  the movie premiere at Pangu Hotel, and that images of their property be featured in the movie's trailers and posters.

The worldwide premiere of the movie was instead held in Hong Kong on Thursday.

Pangu added that the Chinese co-producers of the film allowed them to produce and sell "Transformers 4" merchandise and to exhibit the movie's filmmaking equipment within the Pangu Plaza complex for about eight months.    

However, Pangu did not make it clear in its statement whether or not Paramount Pictures was part of the deal or if it was aware of the promises made by its Chinese co-producers.

The Pangu Hotel hosted executives of Paramount and Jiaflix, the Chinese co-production company, as well as the film's director and crew while they shot scenes within the Pangu Plaza Complex.

The breach of contract case has been filed by Pangu at the Chaoyang District People's Court in Beijing.

China's State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television has yet to issue a statement or decision on Pangu's request for suspension of the film's screening on Mainland cinemas.

"Transformers: Age of Extinction" features famous Chinese actress Li Bingbing and has been widely anticipated in China.

TagsTransformers 4, Transformers: Age of Extinction, Li Bingbing