Deng Chao plays a ruthless developer in Stephen Chow's latest comedy 'The Mermaid,' which has become China's biggest film ever. (Photo : YouTube/Toy Soldiers)
The 2016 blockbuster movie by Stephen Chow that broke box-office records in China, “The Mermaid,” would have a sequel. A list released on Wednesday by the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television showed an entry for “The Mermaid 2.”
According to the plot synopsis, the sequel would have the same characters, but they would fly to outer space using an interstellar wormhole. However, China.org reported that it could be a fake synopsis because the Chinese director loves to keep details of his film projects secret.
Record-Breaking Movie
Lianrui Pictures, a major investor and distributor of “The Mermaid” which earned 3.39 billion yuan, or $517.3 million, registered “The Mermaid 2” with the SAPPRFT. The original film, shown during the 2016 Spring Festival, is the highest-grossing movie in China.
It starred Deng Chao and Jelly Lin who took the role of Shan, the mermaid. The actress said she is not aware there is a “The Mermaid 2,” but she gave her blessings to the project whether she would be reprise the same role, be given another character or the part would be assigned to another actress.
Jelly Lin Update
After “The Mermaid,” Stephen Chow cast Jelly Lin in his 2017 Spring Festival entry “Journey to the West: Demons Strike Back." However, moviegoers complained they were distracted by the cleavage of Jelly Lin who played White Bone Spirit. She would play Yuan Ertie in the upcoming 2017 film “The Legend of the Mengol King,” and star in “Battle through the Heavens,” a new TV drama.
Jelly Lin is rumored to be dating Feng Shaofeng, her co-star in “Journey to the West: Demons Strike Back.” At the 11th Asian Film Awards, Jelly Lin got the Rising Star of Asia award, Screenanarchy reported.
