‘Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood’ Blocked in China Due to Complaint Over Bruce Lee Scene

Quentin Tarantino reportedly will not recut scenes from the film to appease Chinese regulators

Quentin Tarantino Bruce Lee Mike Moh Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Tarantino

China has blocked the release of Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood” after a complaint was made by Bruce Lee’s daughter to China’s National Film Administration, asking that changes be made to how the martial arts star is depicted in the movie, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

THR is additionally reporting that Tarantino has no intention of recutting scenes from the film to appease Chinese regulators. A representative for Tarantino had no comment.

Though no official announcement has been made about the film’s release, multiple sources told THR that the film was put on hold indefinitely. THR added that Bona Film Group, the Chinese financier on the movie, is working closely with Tarantino to make cuts to the film in an attempt to salvage the release.

Sony had no comment. Bona Film Group did not immediately respond to TheWrap for comment. Shannon Lee, Bruce Lee’s daughter, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

“Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood” was previously approved for release in China beginning on Oct. 25, which would’ve made this film Tarantino’s first major release in the country.

Shannon Lee previously told TheWrap that she was “disheartened” by her father’s portrayal in the film and said that Tarantino depicted Lee in one scene as “an arrogant a-hole who was full of hot air.” Lee is played by Mike Moh in the film, and he gets into a fight with Brad Pitt’s character, Cliff Booth, after boasting that he would turn Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) into a “cripple.” Tarantino has defended his characterization of Lee.

Tarantino’s “Django Unchained” received a release in China in 2012, but was pulled after just one day in release due to the film’s graphic violence.

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