Netflix has announced a new slate of Chinese-language films and series, including the Taiwanese fantasy show “Agent From Above” and Hong Kong’s blockbuster film “Warriors of Future.”
As the streaming platform is blocked from accessing the mainland Chinese entertainment market by Beijing regulators, the company produces Chinese-language shows from Taiwan and Hong Kong for its local and worldwide subscribers.
“We’re committed to investing in and creating high-quality Chinese-language shows that we know will appeal to more audiences in Taiwan and around the world,” Netflix Chinese-language content manager Jerry Zhang said. “We hope our projects will uplift the entertainment industry in Taiwan and introduce local stories to the world through our global platform.”
Netflix acquired the 2022 film “Warriors of Future,” which became Hong Kong’s highest-grossing Chinese-language film of all time following its release on Aug. 25. The sci-fi action drama, directed by award-winning VFX artist Ng Yuen-fai, stars Louis Koo, Lau Ching Wan and Carina Lau.
The story is set in a future of extreme environmental deterioration and follows a group of mecha warriors in their fight against lethal alien creatures. It will be available to stream on Netflix starting Dec. 2.
“We’re thrilled to work with some of the best production companies in the region, which not only allows us to showcase top Chinese creative talent to a global audience, but also allows our members to be the first in the world to stream a mega box office success like ‘Warriors of Future,’” Janslle Ong, a Netflix content manager, said.
Inspired by traditional Taiwanese beliefs, the series is rooted in a universe of “gods, monsters, humans and ghosts.” The story reportedly follows a former drug addict who is recruited to perform the bidding of legendary Chinese god San Tai Zi as redemption for his sins.
The new slate also includes the Taiwanese LGBTQ-plus series “The Nipple Talk,” which is produced by Sequoia Entertainment and directed by Lincoln Lai. Starring Lin Szu-yu, Bryan Chang, Lu Xia and Kaiser Chuang, the story follows three friends of different genders and sexual orientations as they try to balance love and lust in their search for a relationship. The series is expected to stream by early 2023.
Netflix also previously announced thriller mysteries produced by Taiwan’s Greener Grass Production, including “Copycat Killer” and Season 2 of “The Victims’ Game.”
“Copycat Killer,” which was directed by Chang Jung-chi and Henri Chang, is an adaptation of Japanese fiction writer Miyabe Miyuki’s crime novel “’Mohohan.” It features a Taiwanese cast, including Wu Kang-ren, Alice Ko, Tuo Tsung-hua and Ruby Lin. It is set to stream on Netflix in the first quarter of 2023.
“The Victims’ Game,” starring Joseph Chang as a detective with Asperger’s Syndrome, is the first Chinese-language production to be renewed by Netflix. Season 2 will start filming next year with the original cast returning.
Featured Image via GlobalMovieTrailers
