Matt Damon topbills the Zhang Yimou film "The Great Wall." (Photo : Getty Images)
Originally scheduled to hit theaters in November this year, the Matt Damon-headlined historical epic "The Great Wall" will now premiere on Feb. 17, 2017, coinciding with the Presidents Day weekend, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The news comes days after the superhero film "Deadpool," starred by Ryan Reynolds, hit a record-breaking $152.2 million. The movie currently holds the biggest opening of all time during the said holiday season.
The epic is expected to vie for box-office shares with Will Smith's "Bad Boy 3" and the last franchise of the young adult post-apocalyptic film, "Maze Runner: The Death Cure."
It was formerly slated to compete against "Bad Santa 2," Disney's "Moana" and a film starred by Brad Pitt and directed by Robert Zemeckis.
"The Great Wall" is helmed by Zhang Yimou ("House of Flying Daggers," "Hero") and serves as the director's first English-language film. Set on the iconic manmade structure, it follows the story of an elite force tasked to protect the world against ancient otherworldly creatures.
The film, with a budget of $135 million, is also regarded as the largest film to be shot entirely in China.
According to Legendary East CEO Peter Loehr, with the film, the firm "is trying to do the same kind of thing as in the U.S., that is to make large, very visual pictures."
"The Great Wall" will be distributed worldwide by Chinese companies China Film Group and Pictures Worldwide. Production firm LeVision also co-invested in the film.
Apart from Matt Damon, the movie also stars Pedro Pascal, Tian Jing, Andy Lau and Willem Dafoe.
In a press conference held in Beijing, Damon shared that working with the film's cast has been pleasing, stating how thankful he is for being part of a big project composed of talented professionals.
Prior to "The Great Wall," Damon will be seen on the fifth installment of the "Bourne" franchise. The film is set to be released in July this year.
