Overview
- The “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”series is set to launch on Amazon Prime Video, adapting the 1941 novel.
- Ang Lee’s original film earned multiple Academy Awards and popularized the wuxia genre globally.
- The upcoming series expands on the narrative from the book series, portraying stories set in 19th-century Imperial China.
Released in 2000, Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon became a landmark film in the martial arts genre, receiving acclaim and commercial success worldwide. Two and a half decades later, audiences can anticipate a new chapter with a TV series adaptation on Amazon Prime Video. This adaptation draws inspiration from Wang Dulu’s 1941 novel, which forms the basis of a larger saga. The film, starring iconic actors such as Chow Yun-fat, Michelle Yeoh, Zhang Ziyi, and Chang Chen, is set against the backdrop of 19th-century Imperial China, narrating the gripping adventures of two master warriors—Li Mu Bai and Yu Shu Lien—who confront their ultimate challenge when the coveted Green Destiny sword is pilfered by the enigmatic thief, Jen Yu (played by Zhang).
Ang Lee, renowned for his artistry, especially showcased in 1997’s The Ice Storm, saw Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon garnering an impressive 10 Academy Award nominations— a record for a non-English language film. Ultimately, the movie won four Oscars, including Best Foreign Language Film and accolades for Art Direction, Original Score, and Cinematography. This film not only introduced the wuxia genre to Western audiences but reshaped the perception and appreciation of Asian cinema. Nonetheless, it faced some criticism in Asia for being perceived as too tailored for Western tastes.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Series Announced for Amazon Prime Video
As reported by Deadline, the adaptation of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, inspired by the Crane-Iron Pentalogy, is currently under production at Prime Video. Jason Ning, known for his work on the series Lucifer, is set to lead the writing and executive production efforts. He will collaborate with Ron D. Moore, celebrated for his roles in Outlander and For All Mankind, along with Maril Davis from Tall Ship Productions, and co-executive producer Ying Lou, as Sony Pictures Television undertakes the adaptation. This collaborative effort aims to expand the original narrative, delving deeper into the rich world crafted by Wang Dulu.
Initially published between 1941 and 1942, the original novel series encompasses titles such as Crane Startles Kunlun, Precious Sword, Golden Hairpin, and Sword Force, Pearl Shine, offering myriad avenues for an intricate exploration in the adaptation. The original film premiered in a limited release in 16 theaters across the U.S. on December 8, 2000, before achieving wide distribution in January 2001. It grossed $8,647,295 during its opening weekend, ultimately reaching $128 million in the United States, solidifying its status as the highest-grossing foreign-produced Mandarin-language film in U.S. history. Additionally, it was the first non-English language film to surpass the $100 million threshold in box office earnings in the U.S.
As the Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon TV series progresses through development, updates related to production schedules or release dates are likely to unfold in the coming months. For viewers eager to revisit the cinematic masterpiece or catch up before the series debuts, the original film is currently available for streaming on Max and HBO.
Source: Deadline