Hitting U.S. Cinemas in early 2023, Light Chaser’s animated feature tells the story of Chinese god Yang Jian, and his journey to thwart those who would seek the power to alter their world’s balance.
GKIDS has acquired the North American distribution rights for New Gods: Yang Jian, the second installment of Light Chaser Animation’s New Gods series of animated action-fantasy epics inspired by Chinese mythological figures. The first in the New Gods series was Nezha Reborn, released in 2021, directed by Ji Zhao, who helms the new film and directed the studio’s 2019 feature, White Snake.
New Gods: Yang Jian is a hit at the Chinese box office, where it beat Minions: The Rise of Gru, earning $19.8 million, on its opening August 19 weekend. GKIDS will release New Gods: Yang Jian in U.S. cinemas in both the original Mandarin and an all-new English language dub early next year. The deal marks the next collaboration between GKIDS and Light Chaser Animation, following GKIDS’ Chinese distribution of the 2019 feature White Snake.
Here’s the official synopsis for New Gods: Yang Jian:
13 years after Yang Jian (known to some as Erlang Shen) imprisoned his sister beneath a mountain, the once powerful god now scrapes by as a penniless bounty hunter. When a mysterious woman hires him for a new job, Yang Jian soon finds himself chasing down a familiar figure. He must stop Chenxiang, his long-lost nephew, who is in search of the magical lotus lantern that will free his mother, even if it will bring catastrophe. As Yang Jian confronts the actions of his past, he must face a host of dangerous vigilantes seeking the same treasure with the power to alter the balance of their worlds. Combining ancient lore with dazzling animation, New Gods: Yang Jian is a timeless adventure of epic proportions featuring one of China’s legendary mythic figures.
Whitney is a freelance writer focusing on VFX-driven fantasy film & TV as well as preschool animation.
