

The directors of the latest Captain American trilogy, Joe and Anthony Russo, have announced that they will also be producing a three-part Chinese superhero blockbuster, much in line with the recent spate of Marvel and DC Comics offerings. They are not calling the hero “Captain China,” but that isn’t stopping everyone else from calling him just that.

Partnering with Beijing-based Fangjin Media, the Russo bros are set to produce an action-packed sci-fi trilogy that stars an original Chinese superhero. The first installment, set for release in 2018, “The Hero’s Awakening,” follows the unnamed hero’s discovery of his telekinetic powers and the endless possibilities that accompany such a gift.

Again, this hero still is officially without a name; however, that hasn’t stopped impatient fans from referring to him as “Captain China,” after the Excel Comics character created in 2012, Quartz reports.



Tapping into the world’s second largest film market, the Russo brothers and their six-week-young joint-Chinese film venture Anthem & Song are looking to collaborate and produce promising Chinese cinematic talents. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Joe Russo explained that he fell in love with China’s film industry at the 2014 premiere of “Winter Warrior” in Beijing. “[Chinese] audiences here are very passionate about storytelling and mythology. When you go to a fan event here, it’s very energetic,” he says.

Things are in full swing already with collaborations in the works for Wu Jing’s anticipated sequel “Wolf Warriors 2.” Expect to see further Chinese collaboration from the Russo duo, who are already speaking with notable Chinese producers Jiang Wen and Ning Hao.

The Russo brothers plan to bring their diverse skill set to China, getting more creative and original with each film collaboration. “What Joe and I get excited by, creatively, is exploring all of the different forms of film making.” Anthony Russo told The Hollywood Reporter.



Film making in China is certainly a lucrative business move. In recent years, Hollywood studios have been adding in scenes and taking others out in order to appeal to Chinese censors and audiences. Major Hollywood blockbusters have done exceptionally well at the Chinese box office, grossing $229 million on average; however mid-level Chinese-language budget films can easily gross $154 million, all while spending a fraction of the cost.

The Russo brother’s new hero will join the likes of Shanghai Superman Kenan Kong as western companies try more and more to appeal to China’s thirst for sci-fi, action and patriotism.

[Images via Excel Comics]



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