Netflix scores Han Yan’s Animal World co-starring Michael Douglas

By Steve Seigh

Posted 8 years ago

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

A word of warning to all of you coulrophobics out there: The following trailer contains a nasty-looking clown who carves through its victims like Jason Voorhees on a bender during a 4th of July weekend at Camp Crystal Lake. Granted, its a rather cartoonish display of violence, though I've been in this game long enough to know that triggers come in all shapes and sizes.

The slash happy clown I speak of comes to you by way of the teen action film ANIMAL WORLD, which has just been acquired by Netflix for a chance to entertain subscribers of the popular streaming platform. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Netflix has acquired global digital rights to the title for all territories outside of China, according to industry sources with knowledge of the deal. CMC Pictures, the international film distributor controlled by Li Ruigang’s China Media Capital Holdings, is also planning to give the film a substantial international theatrical release.

sponsored content

Directed by Han Yan and based on the popular Japanese manga Ultimate Survivor Kaiji, ANIMAL WORLD stars Li Yifeng (Mr. Six) as an imaginative teenager who gets lured into a dangerous game of wits overseen by an icy arch-villain. Wait, it gets better. Did I mention that the "icy villain" is played by none other than the great Michael Douglas? Yup!

You can check out the trailer for ANIMAL WORLD below:

In the past, Ultimate Survivor Kaiji has been adapted into two celebrated films in Tokyo, and soon, Netflix audience members will have their chance to delight in ANIMAL WORLD's off-the-wall action, stylish cinematography, and outrageously bizarre setting. The movie premiered at the Shanghai International Film Festival last weekend and opens nationwide in the Middle Kingdom on June 29. THR's own Shaghai reviewer referred to the film as an "exciting if disjointed mash of ideas and emotions" that "turns into a risk-it-all gambling fantasy that is surprisingly gripping."

Be sure to check back with us for more news as to when ANIMAL WORLD plans to make its global Netflix debut.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Tags: Action, Adventure, Animal World, Han Yan, Michael Douglas, Thriller

About the Author

Steve Seigh

News Editor / Columnist

10,293 Articles Published

Favorite Movies: Death to Smoochy, The Big Lebowski, Fear and Loathing in Las read more Vegas, The Crow, KPop Demon Hunters, The Sword in the Stone, Spirited Away, The Fisher King, The Shining, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, The Burbs, The Babadook, Summer Wars, The Princess Bride, Mad Max: Fury Road, The Game, In the Mouth of Madness, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Monsters Inc., Amelie, The Crow, Fight Club, O Brother, Where Art Thou?

Likes: Getting lost in waves of sound while cocooned in a pair read more of serious headphones, comic book characters, film, and television, a delicious tumbler of whiskey, scientifically-inclined Canadians, wearing pajamas in public, pancakes, bacon, and long walks on the beach

The comment section exists to allow readers to discuss the article constructively and respectfully, focused on the topic at hand.

What’s Not Allowed

Abusive language, insults, or harassment toward other users or staff.
Hate speech of any kind is strictly prohibited.
Bickering, bullying, personal attacks, or baiting others to argue
Extended off-topic debates, especially those centered on politics or religion rather than the article topic
No AI content or SPAM