Aug 25, 2022

GKIDS to Produce Chinese Feature Film "New Gods: Yang Jian" for North America

GKIDS has acquired North American distribution rights to Ji Zhao's "New Gods: Yang Jian," the latest film from China's Light Chaser Animation, creators of the 2021 "New Gods: Nezha Reborn" and "White Snake" series.

GKIDS will release both the original Mandarin-language version and a new English-dubbed version in theaters early next year.

"Yang Jian," the second installment in the "New Gods" series, had a strong debut in China last weekend, beating out "Minions," which had a healthy debut in the country:.

"Light Chaser Animation is one of the most exciting CG studios operating today, and we are excited to continue our relationship with their latest film, New Gods: Yang Jian," said GKIDS President David Gested in a statement The film is a unique, action-packed take on a classic Chinese tale with a stylish twist," said David Jested, president of GKIDS. [GKIDS previously acquired distribution rights to light chaser "White Snake."

The New Gods franchise is a series of action fantasy epics inspired by Chinese mythological figures. The official synopsis for the latest installment is as follows:

Thirteen years after Yang Jian (known to some as Erlang Shen) imprisoned his sister underground in the mountains, the once mighty god is now a penniless bounty hunter. When a mysterious woman offers him a new job, Yang Jian is soon chasing someone he recognizes. He must stop his long-lost nephew, Chen Xiang. Chen Xiang is looking for a magical lotus lantern that will free his mother, even if it brings ruin. Yang Jiang must confront the deeds of the past while also confronting a dangerous vigilante group seeking the same treasure that has the power to change the balance of the world.