“There’s too many studios hovering for it to be this one is the one that counts.
If you have one ding, no one’s going to say ‘F*** it, we’re not going to do that again’,” suggests an exec. Legendary’s ability to harness partnerships was seen as a strategic win on Warcraft.Įven if it misses, “No one is going to stop doing it. It helps that Great Wall has a lot of Chinese power behind it. Success on The Great Wall in China seems almost assured - industry sources polled refrain it will be “huge.” Estimates have the film reaching over $200M which would make it only the 4th movie to do so this year - and the second for Legendary. Distribution partners in the PROC are CFG, Le Vision, Wanda and Legendary East. Legendary financed with Universal, China Film Group and Le Vision Pictures. Add in P&A and it’s costly, but not make-or-break, I’m told. So, how big a gamble is it? The budget - reportedly $150M - is sizable, though not unheard of for an epic picture with special effects. It’s billed as the largest film ever shot entirely in China. Damon plays a mercenary who gets stuck on the wrong side of the Wall and assists the Chinese in battle. The story centers on the building and defense of the titular landmark and incorporates the ancient legend of the Taotie monsters as an elite force makes a last stand for humanity. While there are millions of gamers in the world, and particularly in China, the actual Great Wall is one of Earth’s most iconic structures. The co-production aspect also means the revenue share is higher with about 40% of the box office flowing back to the partners.īut Warcraft was also a different beast creatively to The Great Wall which boasts a world-famous auteur and an A-list Hollywood star. “There is certainly industry anticipation and curiosity for it as it’s the first Chinese co-production with a genuine Hollywood global star.” But with those outsize China grosses, it made folks take notice.Ī rival studio exec says, “I think people are watching to see what happens” with The Great Wall. In North America, it tallied up just $47M. In international markets outside China, where Universal handled, the poorly-reviewed movie nevertheless grossed $165M. 3 film of the year in China with $221M at the box office. That film clicked as Legendary tapped into a perfect storm of strategic partners working with a piece of culturally resonant IP and a key Middle Kingdom release date. Warcraft, while not a co-production like Great Wall - a key difference - was seen as something of a game-changer a sign that reliable China revenue will help studios cover downside risk for pricey global-minded tentpoles that can lead to painful red ink and write downs when they flop. The film has its skeptics who see an expensive gamble to mix East and West and mine global dollars, but after Legendary’s summer success with Warcraft, folks are paying attention.
Ben Affleck To Direct Nike Drama For Amazon, Skydance Sports Will Star Alongside Matt Damon