Netflix will be releasing five original Chinese-language shows globally. Headlining the announcement is the ambitious Agent From Above, a fantasy series rooted in traditional Taiwanese beliefs. Produced with renowned production studios mm2 Entertainment and Good Films Production, the series boasts extensive visual effects that are seldom seen in a local series, bringing to life an oriental universe of gods, monsters, humans, and ghosts, in which a former drug addict is recruited to do the bidding of legendary Chinese god San Tai Zi as redemption for his sins.
While fantastical creatures are in the pipeline, members will be able to catch sci-fi blockbuster Warriors of Future, which will launch worldwide exclusively on Netflix on December 2, after its record-breaking theatrical release. The apocalyptic film is the highest-grossing Chinese-language film of all time in Hong Kong and stars A-listers such as Louis Koo, who is also the executive producer, as well as Lau Ching Wan, Carina Lau and Philip Keung.
The remaining two titles are thriller mysteries that were previously announced and are collaborations with well-known Greener Grass Production. Copycat Killer, an adaptation of a crime novel by famed genre fiction writer Miyabe Miyuki, is expected to start streaming on Netflix in the first quarter of 2023. The second season of The Victims’ Game, which was so successful that it became the first Chinese-language production to be renewed by Netflix, will begin filming next year with the original cast returning.
Details and production information on the five titles are below.
Warriors of Future (Netflix Film)
- Country of Origin: Hong Kong
- Original Language: Cantonese
- Director: Yuen Fai Ng
- Executive Producer: Louis Koo
- Starring: Louis Koo, Lau Ching Wan, Carina Lau, Philip Keung
- Production Partner: One Cool Pictures
- Release date: December 2, 2022
Synopsis: In 2055, a meteorite, which brings a fast-growing alien vine named “Pandora”, crashes down on a barren Earth ravaged by pollution and global warming. “Pandora” purifies the planet but kills everything in its path. To protect the citizens of their city, the heavily armored military of Hong Kong, armed with the plant’s genetic map, tries but fails to destroy “Pandora” and uncovers a conspiracy.
Creator Quote:
“We went into shooting knowing that there would be many challenges for us to overcome; it wasn’t easy, but Warriors of Future finally came to fruition.” Ng added that “Sci-fi films are few and far between in Asia, and I hope that Warriors of Future can add some new perspective to this genre in the region” says Yuen Fai Ng, Director.
“Since I was a kid, and even when I started building my career in film, I kept wondering when we can produce a sci-fi film that is original to Asia? I am glad that Warriors of Future has been recognized by many as an iconic Hong Kong sci-fi film and that Netflix will show the world that Hong Kong also has what it takes to create high-caliber CGI,” says Louis Koo, Executive Producer and Lead Actor.
Copycat Killer (Netflix Series)
- Country of Origin: Taiwan
- Original Language: Mandarin Chinese
- Directors: Chang Jung-chi, Henri Chang
- Producer: Hank Tseng
- Starring: Wu Kang-ren, Alice Ko, Tuo Tsung-hua, Yao Chun-yao, Fandy Fan, Chiang I-jung, Hsia Teng-hung, Ruby Lin
- Production Partner: Greener Grass
- Release date: The first quarter of 2023
Synopsis: Set in 90s Taipei, Copycat Killer follows the story of the “first-ever” serial murder case in the country. Taking advantage of the media’s interest, this clever puppet master turned the case into a national spectacle, fueling gossip and notoriety. Xiaoqi, a no-nonsense prosecutor vows to solve the case only to realize that things are not at all what they seem. Together with his partner Shangyong and reporter Xiaolu, they keep stepping deeper into the rabbit hole….
Creator Quote:
“With the unique designs and personalities of the characters in Copycat Killer, I hope that viewers can contemplate how they would respond to ‘an unthinkable evil;’ also, I want to show the world a Taiwanese crime series that is different from everything out there, that is more focused on exploring human nature,” says Henri Chang, Director.
Agent From Above (Netflix Series)
- Country of Origin: Taiwan
- Original Language: Mandarin Chinese
- Director: Donnie Lai
- Producer: Rita Chuang
- Starring: Kai Ko, Wang Po-Chieh, Hsueh Shih-ling, Buffy Chen, Johnny Yang
- Production Partner: mm2 Entertainment and Good Films Production
- Release date: TBA
Synopsis: Based on the first book of the popular novel series “The Oracle Comes” by Teensy, the story focuses on Han Jie, a former drug addict recruited by San Tai Zi to serve as a god’s agent in the mortal realm to redeem for his sins. As Han Jie is counting the days to his long-awaited retirement, the evil god Liu Fan returns with his plan to overthrow the mortal realm, forcing Han Jie to fight and save everyone he loves.
Creator Quote: “Agent From Above is the largest and most ambitious Mandarin series that mm2 Entertainment has ever produced, and I’m thrilled that it will stream worldwide exclusively on Netflix. With a large number of special effects, we hope to bring to life legendary characters and a never-before-seen universe to the screen, creating a brand-new viewing experience for viewers” says Melvin Ang, Founder and Executive Chairman of mm2.
The Victims’ Game Season 2 (Netflix Series)
- Country of Origin: Taiwan
- Original Language: Mandarin Chinese
- Director: David Chuang
- Producer: Hank Tseng
- Starring: Joseph Chang, Ann Hsu
- Production Partner: Greener Grass
- Streaming date: TBA
Synopsis: After the story of Season 1, Fang Yi-Ren’s peaceful life with his estranged daughter is interrupted when he becomes the primary suspect in the case of Xiao Min-Jun’s mysterious death. With the help of the new forensic investigator, he risks everything to prove his innocence and get back together with his daughter.
Creator Quote: “Season one of The Victims’ Game reached a global audience and gained immense popularity in the Asia Pacific. This gave us the confidence to go ahead with season two, which I anticipate will captivate viewers all over again,” says David Chuang, Director.
The Nipple Talk (Netflix Series)
- Country of Origin: Taiwan
- Original Language: Mandarin Chinese
- Director and Executive Producer: Lincoln Lai
- Starring: Lin Szu-yu, Bryan Chang, Lu Xia, Kaiser Chuang
- Production Partner: Sequoia Entertainment
- Release date: TBA
Synopsis: Busy with work and having no romance for many years, Pony and her college friends Xiao Zhi and A Xuan explore what kind of relationship they want. By recording her podcasts, Pony recorded every bit of the three people’s process of finding love, and through interacting with different partners, they gradually understood their own true emotional needs. Although the three have different sexual orientations, they can sincerely share their longings and troubles for love through laughter and occasional sarcasm. The three try to overcome their personality flaws and find a relationship that makes them feel comfortable.
Creator Quote: “Sex, relationships, and friendships are major themes explored in the plot, which is presented in a way that has never been done before in the Mandarin series. Before the existence of international streaming platforms, making these types of series was nearly impossible; Netflix’s support gives The Nipple Talk a chance to reach a global audience,” says lincoln Lai, Executive Producer and Director.
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