Batman might have rocked US and European theaters this year but there is one place where he will not get the chance to do so and, not surprisingly, that place is China. Not only will blockbuster “The Dark Knight” not play in Chinese theaters, but it has not even been submitted for censors’ approval on the grounds that it would most certainly not get it, the Huffington Post informs.

Apparently, the movie just premiered in Hong Kong to the warmest reviews but, in mainland China, it has not even been presented to censors for consideration. One of the reasons Warner Bros. is believed to have done so is because “the film - particularly scenes shot in Hong Kong, where Batman nabs a gangster - would offend censors,” the Post writes.

However, there might be more behind the decision to avoid China altogether, the same media outlet informs. For instance, “another possible sticking point is a brief appearance by Hong Kong actor-singer Edison Chen, who appeared in lurid photos with several women this year,” the Post writes, explaining how this alone could be proof solid enough to warrant Chinese officials to ban the movie.

While China has a long history in banning hype-generating films for one reason or another, the decision not to play “The Dark Knight” would have impacted Warner in ways the studio would certainly not have appreciated. Known as the last completed movie of late Oscar winning actor Heath Ledger, this most recent Batman installment is hailed by critics as the most realistic and, at the same time, the grimmest portrayal of The Joker.

Just a couple of weeks ago, rumor had it that the next Batman would see comedian Eddie Murphy join Christian Bale on set as The Riddle. The same rumors also claimed the Shia LeBeouf would star as Robin, while Rachel Weisz would take up the role of Cat Woman. With all this, neither Warner nor director Christopher Nolan has even confirmed a “Dark Knight” sequel.