Per the LA Times, Rian Johnson (
Brick,
The Brothers Bloom) and studio producers have decided to reinsert elements of the film's story to cater to Chinese audiences. Apparently, Levitt's character is in dire straights on the streets of Shanghai (presumably as a result of being on the run from his future-self, played by Bruce Willis) but that segment of the film didn't test well with American audiences and will be excluded from the American theatrical cut of the film. However, audiences in China will get to see this portion of the film. Quote (from unnamed source), "the Chinese didn’t care about pacing, and they wanted the [China-set] scenes in, so we said OK.”
It will be interesting to find out just how much longer the Chinese version will be and if the additional scenes will shed more light on an already complicated plot.
Fun Fact: Since Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Bruce Willis play the same role at different ages, Levitt's eyes were digitally altered to be the same colour as Willis's eyes.
In the year 2042, a mob hitman assassinates targets that arrive from the future of 2072. For him it's just a job... till he receives a new target: himself from the future.
Running Time: 1 hr 58 min
Release Date: September 28, 2012 (USA)
MPAA Rating: Unknown
Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis, Emily Blunt, Piper Perabo, Han Soto, Jeff Daniels
Directed by: Rian Johnson
Written by: Rian Johnson