BEIJING—Aiming to crack new frontiers in China, Hollywood studios are turning to something familiar: established American films and TV series that can be remade for Chinese audiences.

Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., based in Santa Monica, CA, is in talks to produce a Chinese-language sequel of its magic-themed “Now You See Me” films, which were popular in China after first screening in 2013. Shooting has already begun on a Chinese spinoff of its “Step Up” dance franchise.

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