A scene from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend. Image: Netflix
Video-streaming site Netflix is to create its first feature film with the Weinstein Company, a sequel to ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’, due for release in 2015.
The news may come as a surprise to some, given Netflix’s string of successful own-brand TV shows, including Orange is the New Black, House of Cards and Hemlock Grove, but now the company is looking to create a follow-up to the successful 2000 film.
To be called Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend, Netflix describes the film’s story as ‘one of lost love, young love, a legendary sword and one last opportunity at redemption, set against breath-taking action in an epic martial arts battle between good and evil that will decide the fate of the Martial World.’
Perhaps most interestingly is the fact the film’s release will not be limited to just people’s own devices, but will also include a limited number of IMAX screens across the world.
This is expected to be the first of several Netflix-produced feature films over the coming years and will no doubt be a direct challenge to the established cinema industry.
For IMAX in particular, the deal offers a chance to encourage more viewers to its screenings, which it sometimes finds is a challenge against established cinema chains.
In speaking of IMAX’s decision to screen Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend, IMAX Entertainment CEO Greg Foster said he wants to break the Chinese market.
In terms of what the film has in store, Michelle Yeoh will be reprising the lead role but Ang Lee will not be reprising his role as the film’s director.
Netflix tablet image via Shutterstock
