Warner Bros. film studio on Monday said it has taken afterlife movie "Hereafter" out of Japanese theaters and postponed the release of "The Rite" in that country following last week's devastating earthquake.

"In deference to the tragic unfolding events in Japan, we have pulled 'Hereafter' from the theaters and will postpone the Japanese release of 'The Rite' (which was scheduled to open this coming weekend) to a later date," Warner Bros. said in a statement.

Japan suffered the most powerful earthquake in its history late last week, resulting in massive destruction and death.

"Hereafter," which was directed by Clint Eastwood and stars Matt Damon, follows three people who are questioning death and what may or may not come after. "The Rite," starring Anthony Hopkins," deals with an exorcism.