Matt Damon not only plays the titular character in Jason Bourne but also portrays a new hero for the Chinese audience in the upcoming blockbuster – The Great Wall. Directed by Zhang Yimou, this project represents a significant collaboration between Chinese and American film studios with a budget reaching up to 135 million USD – a staggering amount for a film produced in the world’s most populous country.
European Mercenaries and Ancient Monsters in China
Recently, the film crew has released the first official trailer. In the stunning visuals, The Great Wall prominently features the Great Wall of China. According to the current introduction, the Wall is always shrouded in mystery.
In the film, a team of European mercenaries arrives in this country with the aim of stealing gunpowder, an explosive substance. Unexpectedly, they find themselves caught in a fierce battle against ancient monsters. The trailer teases glimpses of these terrifying creatures, with their roars echoing loudly, hinting at a strong horror element.
Zhang Yimou confidently stated: “These are the ancient monsters of China, with visuals vastly different from what many people might imagine.”
The team of mercenaries collaborates with the Chinese army to form a united front in their struggle against the monstrous threat. They also seek to build a fortified city to protect humanity. And from there, The Great Wall unfolds. Matt Damon transforms into a hero for China.
Will The Great Wall Compete with Hollywood’s Monsters?
Regarding the film project, director Zhang Yimou, during an interview with EW, shared: “The film is set 1,000 years ago. The environment of action scenes, wars, and the like is quite familiar. Although this is a fantasy film, I made it in a way that makes the audience feel as though it is real.”
Zhang Yimou does not create superhero characters for the European mercenaries or the Northern army. He feels bored by the numerous superhero projects currently in circulation. “These are real heroes, and I want their authenticity to shine through,” he stated.
The Great Wall remains quite secretive with the media. After the trailer was released, there was much debate online, both in China and internationally. Many opinions suggest that this project is too costly, with 20% of the budget allocated to Matt Damon’s salary. Notably, several people have questioned why a European character becomes the hero saving humanity in a Chinese setting.
Zhang Yimou emphasizes that The Great Wall is an English-language film, styled like a Hollywood production. “This is a Hollywood monster movie, and I don’t feel the need to change the essence. I just want to infuse Chinese culture into the film.” He does not emphasize who the hero is – Matt Damon or Lưu Đức Hoa – as “cultural elements must be integrated.”
Zhang Yimou draws inspiration from the ideas of his father, the creator of World War Z – Max Brooks. The film features Matt Damon, Pedro Pascal, Lưu Đức Hoa, Lộc Hàm, Lâm Canh Tân, Willem Dafoe, and is officially set to release on December 16, 2017, in 3D format.
