"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" trailer has been released in China earlier this month and it received mixed reactions, mainly due to the casting of two Chinese stars Jiang Wen and Yen Ji-dan aka Donnie Yen. The world's second-largest movie market happened to be unfamiliar with the "Star Wars" universe so Disney made a big move by including the two Chinese stars in the movie.
Disney needs to be urgent with drumming up the enthusiasm for the space saga in China. The original three "Star Wars" films were never released in China, hence, the story of the adventures of Luke and Leia is just so far away from many Chinese moviegoers. While "Force Awakens" grossed $124.1 million in China, it is just nearly half compared to the $240.1 million earned by "Avengers: Age of Ultron" in the country.
One of China's most respected actors, Jiang appears to be among the experts in weapons and heavy artillery. The current Hong Kong martial arts standard bearer Yen is said to play an intergalactic, blind Ronin of some kind, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
While others do not believe the roles of the two Chinese stars are pivotal to the film's plot, others commend Disney for increasing the diversity in the franchise. Hollywood's use of a Chinese talent getting mixed reaction is better than the reaction generated by past films.
China's social media users are skeptical of casting Chinese stars in minor roles in Western films. For instance, the brief appearances of Chinese stars Fan Bingbing and Wang Xueqi in "Iron Man 3" were considered to be just for market gain. While Chinese actress Angelababy had a bigger part in Fox's "Independence Day: Resurgence," many Chinese moviegoers see the actress' role as dispensable.
In Lionsgate's "Now You See Me 2," Taiwanese star Jay Chou has a central role and generated excitement as his character was seen as an essential fit of the story. The movie raked $97.1 million in China while North America gave it $64.9 million. Now, a Chinese-language spinoff of the film is in the works at Lionsgate.
Meanwhile, "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" recently revealed a photo of its villain, Ben Mendelsohn's Director Orson Krennic. The character has a key role in the story, since he holds the Death Star plans of the Empire which the Rebels are tasked to steal, IGN reported.
"Rogue One" will be in theaters on Dec. 16. Check on the movie's trailer below.