Star Wars is one of the most popular film franchises in the world, but NOT in China.

It turns out the Middle Kingdom was not part of “The Force Awakens,” + “The Last Jedi” the $1.3 billion success in the worldwide box office.

If you were to ask “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” star Donnie Yen, then you might understand why.

According to Donnie Yen, Disney’s Star Wars movies don’t have the same impact in China, because their country was not exposed to the films back in the 70s + 80s. Read on to see why Donnie Yen has to say on Star Wars bombing in China…

CelebNu247.com has learned that each installment of “Star Wars” installment since “The Force Awakens” has progressively grossed less in China.

“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” actor Donnie Yen hypothesized why the movie franchise has never caught on in China.

Yen explained JoBlo:

Chinese audiences didn’t grow up with ‘Star Wars’ culture so unfortunately, it didn’t work. Marvel is a lot easier to understand. ‘Star Wars,’ there’s a whole universe out there. Marvel, from the costumes to the music, to the idols, to the stars, it’s much easier to close the gap between the film itself and the audience.

Yen is one of the most popular and recognizable Hong Kong actors in the world.

Actor Donnie Yen said not enough American filmmakers and executives have taken the time to really understand the Asian film business.

Donnie Yen said:

When you’re talking about American films you’re essentially talking about Western filmmaking: The structure, the finance, the distribution, the marketing. That’s the gold standard, that’s the bible and I’m still learning. Chinese filmmakers are still learning, but at the same time we have an edge. We’ve been watching and studying these films. But – vice versa – I don’t think enough western filmmakers have spent the time to really analyze the Asian market, that’s why you’ll notice a lot of American films don’t work over here.

“Episode IX,” directed by J.J. Abrams, opens in December 2019.