Empires of the Deep
| Empires of the Deep | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Michael French |
| Written by | Randall Frakes |
| Starring | Olga Kurylenko |
| Country |
China United States |
| Language | Mandarin |
| Budget | US$130 million |
Empires of the Deep is a 3D action-adventure fantasy film, described by the production team as "an unlikely love story between a young human and a mermaid... set in a mythical world," against the backdrop of a war among the titular 'empires of the deep.' It is reported to be a major US-Chinese co-production, its production budget reaching $130 million.[1] The film is currently in post-production and seeking worldwide distribution. In 2010, the film's English working title was Mermaid Island USA Vs The Plesiosaurs.[2] In late 2012, a 3D preview trailer was released to critics, who responded with largely negative reviews.[1][3][4] In December 2014 the movie was announced as complete and due for release in China in December 2015 after almost 5 years of post-production mostly coming from the visual effects.[3] As of May 2016, the film remains unreleased.
Plot
The story is centered on creatures fighting for power in the deep and unknown 80% of Earth's water also known as Oceans. Mermaids reign as the protectors of the Oceans since the creation of Earth but peace is ruined by betrayal and dark spirits of the deeps: the Reptils.
Cast
- Olga Kurylenko
- Shi Yanfei
- Steve Polites as Atlas
- Maxx Maulion as Trajin
- Aaron Shang as Adjutant Stavros
- Jae Choe as Jennifer Choe
- Sam Voutas as Papos
- Pierre Bourdaud as Gava
- Jean-Michel Casanova as The Pirate Captain
- Boyde Thomas Skinner as Pirate #2
- Andre Queme as Pirate #3
- Alec Su as Mermaid Kingdom Soldier
- Liang Yanfei as Mermaid
- Pierre Reno as "The One Eyed Ogre"
- William Shriver as Merchant
- Richard Alan Hall as Angry Villager
- Willy Bonaparte as Greek Soldier
Production
The film is the brainchild of screenwriter Jon Jiang, who financed part of the films budget.[5] The screenplay went through 40 drafts and took over four years using a total of eight screenwriters. [6] Initially Monica Bellucci was set to star in the film although she eventually dropped out and was replaced with Olga Kurylenko.[5] Catwoman director, Pitof, was set to direct although he too eventually dropped out, only to be replaced by Michael French.[5]
Press reception
Director Michael French hosted a press reception and a preview of the trailer at a studio in Beijing, China, on Tuesday, April 27, 2010 in complete 3D format having journalists wear 3D glasses.[7] On the June 9, 2010, over one hundred on-set photos from the film were revealed.[8]
References
- 1 2 Smith, Graham (Oct 24, 2012). "Billionaire spends $130 million on 'Chinese Avatar' Empires Of The Deep... only for 'woeful' trailer to be savaged by critics". Daily Mail. Retrieved 5 January 2013.
- ↑ , Honolulu Advertiser, April 2010
- 1 2 "Empires of the Deep: ecco poster e trailer del kolossal da 130 milioni di dollari". Cine blog.it. Retrieved 5 January 2013.
- ↑ Goldberg, Matt. "Trailer for Empires Of The Deep or "How to Throw Away $130 Million"". IMDB. Retrieved 5 January 2013.
- 1 2 3 Puchko, Kristy. "Empires Of The Deep Trailer Reveals A Mermaid War Unlike Any Other". Cinemablend. Retrieved 16 May 2015.
- ↑ Landreth, Jonathan. "'Empires' has deep Chinese pockets". Hollywood Reporter. Associated Press. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
- ↑ ,Honolulu Advertiser, April 2010
- ↑