Zhang Yimou (C) and the cast of “Great Wall.” SD-AgenciesCHINESE director Zhang Yimou, who made classics such as “House of Flying Daggers” and “Raise the Red Lantern,” has recently unveiled his new film “Great Wall,” based on an original American script.

    Recently, the famed director has been leading his heavyweight cast to show up at a press conference held in Beijing for publicizing this U.S.-China collaboration.

    Zhang’s new film is a fantasy epic about warriors who once used the Great Wall as a weapon to combat otherworldly creatures that threaten humanity.

    The film script is based on an idea by Legendary CEO Thomas Tull. Tull recruited Zhang to helm the US$150 million project.

    Zhang says he felt attracted to the story.

    “I think the story is very intriguing. It’s hard to imagine that such a story about China’s Great Wall has been developed by a Western filmmaker. There are many parts of this story that have interested me a lot, including the sentiments and theme of the movie, which are all very good. The part that attracted me the most is about China’s traditional culture.”

    Matt Damon is a lead actor in the film.

    In addition to Matt Damon, Hong Kong legend Andy Lau is also anchoring a cast peppered with Chinese heartthrob Lu Han and actress Jing Tian.

    The movie is due for global release in November 2016.(SD-Agencies)