If true, this would be a major blow for the big-budget comic book movie, which reportedly needs to rake in at least $750 million worldwide just to break even.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the relatively dark super-villain movie has yet to be given a release date in China despite softening its title there to "Special Task Force X". China's state censors are notoriously difficult to please and last month vetoed the release of the new Ghostbusters movie.

Early reviews of have been less than favourable, and the film's director David Ayer took to Twitter to quote Mexican revolutionary Emiliano Zapata, writing: "Prefiero morir de pie que vivir de rodillas", which translates to "I'd rather die on my feet, than live on my knees".

He later added: "Zapata quote is my way of saying I love the movie and believe in it. Made it for the fans. Best experience of my life."