‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ Gets China Release Date; Local Poster Unveiled

China will feel the Force just a few weeks after the U.S. does. Disney said today that Star Wars The Force Awakens will open January 9 in the Middle Kingdom. J.J. Abrams’ more-than-moderately anticipated sequel bows December 18 domestically.

The release-date news comes in the wake the fantastic Chinese debut of The Martian, which collected $50M in its first frame to best the starts of such films as Gravity and Interstellar.

“We are thrilled to bring Star Wars: The Force Awakens to China on January 9,” said John Hsu, newly appointed General Manager, Studio at the Walt Disney Company, China. “We’re excited to be rolling out our marketing campaign and to connect with new fans in China through Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”

Starring Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver and John Boyega — along with Star Wars original Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill — The Force Awakens also got a new post for the territory today. Check it out: