The final version of the sci-fi comedy, which features Adam Sandler and was released by Sony Pictures Entertainment in the United States this week, no longer includes a scene where iconic sites are destroyed by aliens. The Taj Mahal in India, the Washington Monument, and parts of Manhattan are now targeted instead. Sony executives decided to remove the Great Wall scene in order to ensure the movie's approval for release in China, based on internal Sony Pictures emails. This change was one of many made to avoid content that Chinese authorities might view as negative towards their country. Other alterations included removing a scene implicating China in an attack and eliminating a reference to a "Communist-conspiracy brother" hacking a mail server, all in an effort to increase the film's chances of success in China, the world's second-largest box office market. Li Chow, Sony Pictures' chief representative in China, advised against breaking a hole in the Great Wall in a December 2013 email to senior Sony executives. He stated that although it may not be a problem if it is part of a worldwide phenomenon, it is unnecessary and will not benefit the China release. Li's email was among the confidential Sony emails and documents that were hacked and publicly released in late 2014. The US government attributed the breach to North Korea. In April, WikiLeaks made the trove of emails, memos, and presentations from the Sony hack available in an online searchable archive. A spokesperson for Sony Pictures, a subsidiary of Sony Corp based in Tokyo, stated that they will not be making any comments on leaked emails or internal conversations regarding specific content decisions. They emphasized that there are numerous factors involved in determining the best approach for releasing a film, with creating content that appeals to a global audience without compromising creative integrity being a top priority. Requests for comments from Chinese government and film-industry officials were not answered. The leaked emails also showed discussions among studio executives on how to make other movies, such as the 2014 remake of "RoboCop," more acceptable to Chinese authorities. In one email from 2013, Steve Bruno, who was the senior vice president at Sony Pictures Releasing International at the time, suggested moving a fictional weapons company from China to a Southeast Asian country like Vietnam or Cambodia to make the film more appealing. Ultimately, Bruno has left Sony and a viewing of the movie reveals that the proposed change was not implemented. The leaked Sony emails shed light on the extent of self-censorship by one of the world's top movie studios as executives anticipated reactions from Beijing. The messages also highlight Hollywood's increasing reliance on the Chinese market, where box office earnings have risen significantly. In order to secure approval for screenings in China, some studios have made alterations to their films. The comparison between the Chinese and international versions of "Iron Man 3" reveals that a scene featuring a Chinese doctor was extended in the Chinese version and included popular Chinese actress Fan Bingbing. Produced by Marvel Studios, "Iron Man 3" was the second highest-grossing movie in China in 2013, although Marvel declined to comment. In the case of "Pixels," the Sony emails suggest the creation of a single version for all audiences, with a focus on making it China-friendly. Steven O'Dell, president of Sony Pictures Releasing International, discussed the logic behind this decision in a September 12, 2013 email regarding "RoboCop," stating that changing elements to appeal to China should be a simple adjustment. Changing only the China version of a film could lead to criticism from the press when comparisons are made between different versions. This move to appease the Chinese market comes at a time when the Communist Party is cracking down on civil society, with numerous human rights lawyers and dissidents being detained. This illustrates how China's efforts to restrict civil liberties are influencing global entertainment standards. Peter Shiao, founder and CEO of Orb Media Group, noted that studios have become more knowledgeable, especially when it comes to producing global blockbusters, to ensure they are not creating content that would offend the Chinese audience due to social or political reasons. He mentioned Sony's decision to release "The Interview" despite initial concerns and threats, highlighting the issue of self-censorship raised by US President Barack Obama. In his year-end White House press briefing, Obama expressed concern about the potential consequences of allowing intimidation to prevent the release of satirical movies. He warned about the dangers of self-censorship in response to disapproval, emphasizing that America should not compromise its values. Hollywood studios are increasingly drawn to the Chinese box office, as evidenced by the significant growth in box office receipts in China compared to the United States and Canada. China is projected to set a new record for box office receipts in 2015. The action movie "Fast & Furious 7" was the top-grossing film in China by early June 2015, making $383 million, which was more than the $351 million earned in the United States and Canada combined. Following closely behind were "Avengers: Age of Ultron" and "Jurassic World." The vice president of the China Film Producers' Association, Wang Fenglin, predicted last November that the Chinese film market would surpass the United States to become the largest in the world within three years. This prediction seems to have influenced decisions made by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc in the production of their 2012 remake of the action movie "Red Dawn." The studio changed the nationality of the invading soldiers from Chinese to North Korean during post-production, as revealed by Red Dawn producer Tripp Vinson. MGM did not provide any comments in response to requests for clarification. The apparatus of control in China's film industry is overseen by the Film Bureau, led by Zhang Hongsen, a senior Communist Party member. Zhang emphasizes the need to strengthen the Chinese film industry in the face of pressure from foreign films. The Film Bureau is under the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, which reports to the State Council and controls state-owned communications enterprises. Censorship guidelines are outlined in a 2001 order issued by the State Council. The directive prohibits content that poses a threat to China's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, as well as content that damages national honor and disrupts social stability. It also prohibits material that goes against public morality and national traditions. Additionally, the guidelines from SAPPRFT include bans on content that criticizes the government and political figures. This expansion of the guidelines was evident in an email sent by Sanford Panitch last November to Sony Entertainment CEO Michael Lynton, outlining new measures being implemented by SAPPRFT officials. Panitch noted that the officials were now addressing previously unspecified areas such as decadence, fortune telling, hunting, and notably, sexuality. Studios are required to collaborate with China Film Group Corp, a government-owned company responsible for importing and distributing foreign films. China Film Group Corp also occasionally functions as an investor. Sony executives exchanged emails discussing a co-financing agreement in which China Film Group Corp would finance 10 percent of the budget for "Pixels". China Film Group Corp is overseen by La Peikang, a member of the Communist Party and former deputy head of the Film Bureau. Under a revenue-sharing system, a maximum of 34 foreign films can be shown in China each year, with foreign studios receiving 25 percent of box office earnings. The censorship process in China can be unpredictable, as shown in Sony emails. In early 2014, the studio was asked to remove a key but disturbing scene from "RoboCop" for Chinese audiences. The email from international executive Steven O'Dell on January 28, 2014 expressed frustration with the censorship, stating they were trying to shorten the scene where the main character's suit is opened to reveal the remaining human parts. The decision whether or not to make changes to the film is uncertain due to the significant financial implications involved. There is concern that the political climate under President Xi is influencing the decision-making process. Sony executives are debating how to navigate the sensitivities of the Chinese authorities, with one suggesting changes to the script to avoid potential censorship. She wrote that it would be acceptable to show destruction on a global scale, with recognizable historical sites being destroyed in different parts of the world. She also recommended changing a scene where the President, an ambassador, and the head of the CIA speculate about a possible attack by China using unknown technology. In the final version of the movie, they speculate that Russia, Iran, or Google could be responsible. Li suggested mentioning China alongside other superpowers, but not in a way that implies they lack advanced technology. She also advised against portraying China in a negative light due to recent news about hacking incidents. In December 2013, Li proposed removing a scene involving the Great Wall, deeming it unnecessary. Additionally, Sony executives discussed potentially moving a car-chase scene featuring Pac-Man from Tokyo to Shanghai, in hopes of improving the film's release in China. Li Chow warned against moving the Pac-Man action from Tokyo to Shanghai due to potential destruction and sensitivity issues in the city. She expressed concerns about the unwritten rule regarding collateral damage and where the line should be drawn. Ultimately, all mentions of China in the film were removed, a decision that was likely made in early 2014. According to O'Dell, Doug Belgrad appears to be following Li's advice to remove all references to China from the movie Pixels, including the Great Wall. The consequences of not receiving approval to release a film in China are evident in Sony's emails, as seen in the case of Captain Phillips. Sony executives had initially expected to make $120 million globally from the film, but this changed when it was not approved for release in China, resulting in a $9 million loss. In December 2013, Rory Bruer, president of worldwide distribution at Sony Pictures, emphasized the importance of maximizing revenue in order to achieve objectives. He expressed concern that the film "Captain Phillips" may not be approved by China's censors due to the plot involving the US military rescuing the ship's captain, which could make Chinese officials uncomfortable. Bruer speculated that China would likely not approve the film for censorship. The text suggests that China would not want to promote the idea of a big military machine saving one citizen, as shown in the US film. However, Beijing seems comfortable with the film "Pixels" as it has been approved for release in China. The political tone of the film is accepted by China, and it will be released there on September 15.