It appears that even China is jumping on the 3D bandwagon (and why not, with over one billion people?) first with the recently announced $100 million dollar under-the-sea 3D fantasy pic “Empires of the Deep” and now, another ocean epic is on the way in shape of “Odyssey.”
The film is set to be directed by Rob Minkoff (Jet Li vehicle “The Forbidden Kingdom”), who describes it as”a supernatural high-seas adventure that pits our hero against an onslaught of deadly foes on the path to fulfilling his destiny. It’s a story involving ancient mysteries, deadly sea monsters, great characters, and larger-than-life adventures which (will ) all make for a fantastic cinematic experience.”
The film will be based ancient Chinese legend and folklore (and Greek mythology?), with exact plot details being kept under wraps. China Film Group will be providing much of the financing, which they seem to be doing more and more due to the limit of foreign movies China can screen each year. One example is the reboot of “The Karate Kid,” which China Film Group has their foot in. This will guarantee that the film can break into the lucrative Chinese box office, which may hit $1.5 billion this year. A smart investment indeed, especially with Minkoff’s partner Pietro Ventani telling Movieweb “Our intention is to launch the property as a major franchise for the international marketplace.” So if this does well, expect more Johnny Depp-less high-sea hijinks.
The big question with both of these big budget, 3D spectacles will be if audiences will care if there is no major talent attached. “Empires Of The Deep” has Olga Kurylenko as its biggest “draw,” while no names yet have been announced for “Odyssey.” While “Avatar” was largely sold on its effects, the success of that film was like capturing lightning in a bottle. Currently, studios are raking it in with 3D conversion of properties people already know. Moreover, two supernatural 3D films set on the water? Really? We’re barely in the early days of the new wave of 3D and its looks like filmmakers are already running out of idea. “Odyssey” film doesn’t have a start date yet, but is expected to shoot relatively soon.
