The big news today is that Marvel Studios is releasing two versions of Iron Man 3. The Chinese version is destined to be a hot collectors’ item while fanboys will have a field day dissecting every frame that’s different from the Hollywood version of the Robert Downey Jr film. This third installment of the billion-dollar franchise is scheduled to be released in the U.S. and China on May 3, 2013. It will be distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures in almost all territories worldwide except China where it will be distributed by Chinese distributor DMG Entertainment. Here’s the statement:

Marvel Studios and DMG announced that a Chinese version of Iron Man 3 will be released in China on a date to be announced in the near future. DMG, a Chinese media and entertainment company, collaborated with Marvel Studios on the Chinese elements in the film, and is marketing and distributing the film in China. While Marvel and DMG have decided not to apply for co-production status in China, the film includes significant Chinese elements. Renowned Chinese actor Wang Xueqi will appear in both the studio’s Chinese version of the film and in its international and domestic US version. Both versions of the film include Iron Man 3 footage filmed in Beijing in December. The Chinese version of the film will also feature a special appearance of China’s top actress, Fan Bingbing, and will offer specially prepared bonus footage made exclusively for the Chinese audience. Marvel Studios’ experience working on this film with Fan Bingbing and Wang Xueqi and in shooting in China has been very positive and has created a springboard for future collaboration with China’s talented stars and its growing film and television industry. The Iron Man cast and filmmakers look forward to bringing Iron Man back to China.

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