China give green light to Casino Royale nationwide release despite foreign film blackouts

China's Film Board has agreed to let the new James Bond film, "Casino Royale," become the first 007 epic to play in the nation's cinemas - reports Playfuls.

Sony Pictures China said the film would be released in Chinese theaters on Jan. 30, 2007, Daily Variety reported Thursday.

"We are extremely pleased that the film has passed and expect it to be one of the highest grossing films next year in China," Sony's Li Chow said.

None of the Bond films have released on the big screen in China, getting approval for the movie marked a major success for Sony in China.

The release of "Casino Royale" could impact the scheduled China debuts of other foreign movies slated for January -- including Luc Besson's animated film "Arthur and the Minimoys", Variety said.

Thanks to `Robbie313` for the alert.

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