Zhang Yimou's new film reveals star-studded cast

Chinese director Zhang Yimou (right) and his longtime former producer Zhang Weiping. [File photo]

The film, will reportedly answer the mystery and secret origin of why the Great Wall was built from a new angle. The story tells of European mercenary soldiers traveling to 11th century China to steal the formula for gunpowder while they encountered a mysterious Chinese army. They then fight monsters along the Great Wall to save the human race from a disaster. The idea came from Legendary CEO Thomas Tull, who conceived the idea with "World War Z" writer Max Brooks.

LeVision Pictures will be the co-distributor of the film in China, and Universal Pictures will release the film to worldwide markets as Universal and Legendary entered into a multi-year film partnership starting in 2014.

It is very interesting that Zhang Yimou has parted ways with his former producer Zhang Weiping while Legendary also split from its former collaborator Warner Bros. The project means a new chapter in their new phase of their careers.

The film is scheduled for release on Nov 23, 2016 in the United States, but the release date for China has not been given.

Preparation for "Great Wall" began in January 2015, Mtime.com reported. More than 850 crew members have begun working on the project. The film will start shooting in Qingdao as early as April.

Related:

Book reveals real drama in Chinese filmmaker's life

Tiny Times nominated for worst Chinese film