It's been a few years since we've heard anything about THE GREAT WALL, so let me bring you up to speed. The story revolves around that of a group of mercenaries who are traveling to China in an effort to bring gunpowder to Europe. Once there, they come across construction of The Great Wall and before you know it are under attack by mystical beasts. The film was originally written to be directed by Edward Zwick (THE LAST SAMURAI, GLORY) and star Henry Cavill. Zwick eventually passed on directing, after which Zhang Yimou (HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS, HERO) was brought on board. Now it looks like the cast is being re-assembled, as Willem Dafoe has signed on to star alongside Matt Damon (who's currently in final negotiations).
Admittedly I would've liked to have seen Zwick tackle this bad boy because if nothing else, he knows how to set up a pleasing epic. Regardless, Zhang Yimou is a worthy substitute with a keen visual eye. It seems like a bit of a silly premise, so I'm curious to see how steeped in history they attempt to make this picture, or if they just go balls to the wall in regards to the supernatural aspects. If nothing else, this may be the fun picture 47 RONIN should have been!
THE GREAT WALL is currently set for a November 23, 2016 release.
Happy Valentine's Day.
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