Chinese censors have offered no explanations but sources see this as an expression of solidarity with Muslim countries, many of whom have banned the film.
The officially atheist government may also be wary about growing popularity of the Bible and related literature in China in recent years, sources said. An analysis of Weibo, China's Twitter by Foreign Policy magazine has found 'Bible' was lot more searched than the quotations of Mao Zedong.
The film's producer Paramount Pictures tried to persuade the Chinese government by stressing its "environmental message" and special effects but the effort has not produced results, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Sources said this was a last minute decision because China's state-run Xinhua News Agency had earlier praised the film and predicted its release in late April. "It is learned that Noah will be screened in China in the form of 3-D and IMAX 3-D. It is believed the historical epic ... will bring lots of surprise to Chinese audiences."
Xinhua also said "Noah is definitely the first big blockbuster that recreates the Bible story on the big screen truthfully". It further said, "The film includes environmental protection, peace, human nature, kindness and evil, and redemption messages, which make the film more vivid.
Trade journal Hollywood Reporter said the decision was driven by Beijing's sensitivities on religious issues. "This was for religious reasons, though it seems the whole issue was quite complicated," it quoted a source as saying. The Hollywood Reporter Paramount even tried under a "flat fee" program, which means China could share revenue generated from the film.
China allows only 34 foreign films a year. 'Godzilla' is due in Chinese cinemas on June 13. 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2' took $10 million in its first day in theaters over the weekend, while 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier' has made more than $115 million in China.
'Noah' which was released in the United States six weeks back, has grossed $99 million. It has made another $233 million overseas, the LA Times reported.
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