Let’s take a look at upcoming releases by Asian directors between now through 2018.
1. Ice Age 5: Collision Course
Co-directed by Chinese American Galen T. Chu, the fifth film in the popular franchise follows our Pleistocene friends after the events of “Continental Drift.” A series of cosmic events threaten the planet and the herd is forced on an adventure to find a new home. Get ready for laughs and thrills when the film is released July this year.
2. Star Trek Beyond
Justin Lin (“Fast & Furious”) has taken the helm of the third installment in the hit franchise with “Star Trek Beyond,” which brings the crew of the Enterprise to the farthest reaches of uncharted space. The film brings in Idris Elba as the new baddie Krall, a villain new to the universe. We can expect an action-packed voyage, so beam up for the release in July this year.
3. Total Frat Movie
If you liked “Animal House” and “Van Wilder,” you’ll like “Total Frat Movie” directed by Japanese Canadian filmmaker Warren P. Sonoda, coming this September. It follows a group of friends trying to keep their fraternity alive by throwing the greatest rush event for new pledges.
4. Queen of Katwe
“Queen of Katwe” is about a young Ugandan girl who dreams of becoming the next world chess champion. Directed by Mira Nair (“Monsoon Wedding”) and starring Lupita Nyong’o and David Oyelowo, the film promises to inspire. The film hits theaters in September this year.
5. Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk
The Academy Award-winning director is at it again. Ang Lee (“Life of Pi”) brings us another intricately woven drama in “Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk.” The film stars newcomer Joe Alwyn as Billy Lynn, a vet who has just returned home from a heroic tour in Iraq. The pic, out in November, intends to contrast the realities of war with the perceptions of America.
6. Split
M. Night Shyamalan (“Sixth Sense”) will be back with his latest thriller starring James McAvoy, “Split,” in January next year. Not much else is known about the film so far besides the fact that it’s a thriller, which is what Shyamalan does best. Let’s just hope there are no air-bending boys in this one.
7. The Great Wall
“The Great Wall” is an upcoming American-Chinese 3D science fantasy adventure-monster action film. Yes, it’s a mouthful….not that that’s a bad thing. The film, directed by Zhang Yimou (“House of Flying Daggers”), stars Matt Damon, Andy Lau and former K-pop group EXO member Luhan, and follows a British warrior who happens upon the construction of the wall in 15th century China. He soon finds out that the wall isn’t just being built for foreign invaders, but for something less human – we’ll find out exactly what they are in Feb. 2017.
8. Born in China
“Born in China,” directed by Lu Chuan (“City of Life and Death”) and produced by Disneynature, the documentary follows panda, the golden monkey and the snow leopard families. The film is slated for release on Earth Day next year.
9. Robotech
The live-action “Robotech,” directed by James Wan (“The Conjuring 2”), is something fans of the series have wanted since the ‘80s. Produced by Hollywood Gang, the CG/live action team behind the “300” franchise, this film looks to bring this classic anime to life. The film is planned to be released in 2017.
10. Aquaman
By the beard of Poseidon, Aquaman is here! And getting a much-needed makeover by, again, Director James Wan. Starring Jason Momoa as our fish-loving hero, ‘Aquaman” trades in the goofy spandex for armor fit for a King of Atlantis. Under the visionary talents of Wan, the film is sure to bring a gritty and dark atmosphere to DC Comics’ Atlantis. The film is planned for release July 2018.
