3 international films hit China this April: Mario Galaxy (Apr 3, Chinese dub), Michael (Apr 24), Devil Wears Prada 2 (Apr 30, controversial).
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By Billy Jiang
After the packed momentum of February and March, and with May's holiday box office just around the corner, it's often treated as a breathing space.
But not this year.
This April, international films may be few in number—but every single one feels like it's aiming to be an event.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
April 3
As the title suggests, this film draws its core inspiration from the beloved 2007 Wii classic Super Mario Galaxy—a game that, for many players, still represents the absolute peak of the franchise.
Its signature 'planet-hopping' gameplay and gravity mechanics became iconic—and now, they finally make the leap to the big screen.
The story stays true to the spirit of the game.
The peaceful Mushroom Kingdom is thrown into chaos once again as Bowser kidnaps Princess Peach and escapes into the vastness of space, aiming to conquer the galaxy.
Mario sets off on a cosmic rescue mission—but this time, he's not alone.
Rosalina joins the journey, along with Luigi and a cast of adorable star-like creatures, as the adventure expands beyond anything we've seen before.
Brothers united, traps to overcome, and a galaxy to save—it's shaping up to be both a high-energy and heartwarming ride.
From early trailers, the level of visual fidelity is seriously impressive.
Classic elements like planetary traversal, galaxy rails, and floating worlds are recreated with stunning color and detail—it genuinely feels like stepping inside the game itself.
For longtime fans, this is pure nostalgia.
For newcomers, it's a gateway into a much bigger, brighter Mario universe.
The voice cast returns in full force, including Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, and Jack Black.
*Some cinemas will offer Chinese-dubbed versions, so be sure to check when booking.
Michael
April 24
He was controversial.
He was complicated.
But when the music starts, something undeniable happens—the rhythm takes over, and the world moves with it.
Michael traces the extraordinary journey of Michael Jackson—from child star to global icon.
On stage, he was electric; off stage, he was navigating isolation, pressure, and transformation.
The film revisits his rise through the Jackson 5 and his solo explosion with albums like Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad—moments that didn't just define a career, but reshaped pop culture itself.
Iconic performances, including the legendary moonwalk at 'Motown 25' and the groundbreaking 'Thriller' music video, are recreated in full detail.
With over 30 of his most famous songs included, and presented in IMAX and Dolby formats, the film promises a fully immersive audiovisual experience.
Produced by Graham King (Bohemian Rhapsody) and directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film stars Jaafar Jackson—Michael's own nephew—in a casting choice that already has audiences curious.
This isn't just a biography. It's an attempt to capture a phenomenon.
The Devil Wears Prada 2
April 30
The movie hasn't even been released yet—and it's already doing numbers.
From Anne Hathaway casually sharing the stage with Anna Wintour (yes, the real-life Miranda Priestly) at the Oscars, to a poster so controversial it sparked global group chat debates, this sequel clearly understands one thing: attention is currency.
And business is booming—just not all positive.
The new poster design is compared with 'Tiny Times' on Chinese social media.
The new poster, for example, triggered a wave of reactions online, ranging from 'fake fashion' to 'aesthetic downgrade,' with some even asking if it looked more like a social media side hustle than a luxury brand campaign.
Compared to the original's now-iconic minimalist design, this one has been widely crowned a full-on 'design disaster.'
Controversy aside, here's the real hook: the cast is back—20 years later—and everything has changed.
Runway magazine is no longer untouchable, print is struggling, influence is shifting, and Miranda Priestly is no longer sitting comfortably at the top.
This time, she needs help.
From Emily.
Yes—that Emily.
The assistant (played by Emily Blunt) who once sprinted for coffee is now a luxury group executive… and effectively Miranda's boss. That power shift alone is worth the ticket.
But here's where it gets even more interesting.
Look at the new stills, then look back at the original—you'll immediately feel it, that elusive thing people keep calling "the energy of a booming economy."
The old film had it. This one feels… tighter. Safer. A little less fabulous, a little more realistic.
As one comment perfectly put it: "It looks like fashion in a recession."
And honestly? Miranda would hate that.
But maybe that's exactly why this sequel exists. The first film captured fashion at its peak; this one reflects the subsequent decline.
Whether that makes it brilliant or disappointing… we'll find out soon enough.
Maybe go in with slightly lower expectations.
After all, even Miranda Priestly doesn't repeat herself.
Ultimate Guide to Booking Cinema Tickets in China
[Cover image by That's]
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