Ditching a theatrical release in favour of an online premiere, the big budget live adaptation of the popular MMORPG game Double World 征途 (Zhengtu) starring Henry Lau and Peter Ho is finally set for an official premiere date of July 24.
Unlike other big budget films left in limbo by the onslaught of the Covid-19 pandemic which are still awaiting a cinematic release, Double World is taking a page out of the movie Lost in Russia’s book, opting instead for an online release. This was announced days before news that the China Film Administration has already green lighted the reopening of cinemas in areas tagged as “low risk” starting July 20.
According to the film’s producers, the move to bring the film closer to consumers through online streaming services will not only allow its hard pressed company some financial relief, it will also force the industry to embrace innovation that will make a difference in how media will be consumed in the future. Double World will be exclusively available on the iQIYI platform within China and as an added bonus for international viewers, they can also get in on the stars’ sword wielding man bun-ed action since the flick will also be made available on Netflix. By the way, don’t expect to see the usual clean cut idol look on Henry because dang he is seriously ripped in this film. Word on the street is that Henry spent a lot of time rigorously training to achieve the strength and his definition for the film and it shows!
Double World is directed by Hong Kong director Teddy Chanof Bodyguards and Assassins fame and tells the story of young warriors embarking on a journey of selection set in a fictional world made up of ten warring states. It will also feature Lin Chenhan,Jiang Luxia, Him Law and Hu Ming.
Source: 1
