Part 6/11:
One notable factor is the film's background of cultural neutrality and positive storytelling, making it a safer option for Chinese censors. Furthermore, Luca was designed to appeal to Chinese audiences, similar to previous Pixar successes like Coco and Soul, which managed to navigate content restrictions by emphasizing family, heritage, and respect for ancestors.
Another element is the film's performance during its initial release—Luca was viewed as a moderate success via Disney+ streaming, which could persuade Chinese regulators that it is a commercially viable choice for theaters, even in a post-pandemic environment.