BEVERLY HILLS and NEW YORK – Netflix’s first original movie will premiere exclusively on the streaming service and in selected global IMAX theaters on August 28, 2015.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend is the next chapter in the saga that began in the Academy Award-winning 2000 martial arts epic. Directed by renowned martial arts choreographer Yuen Wo-Ping, the movie stars Michelle Yeoh, reprising her role as Yu Shu-Lien, and Donnie Yen as Silent Wolf.
Produced by The Weinstein Company, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend echoes the themes of the original movie, but tells its own story – one of lost love, young love, a legendary sword and one last opportunity at redemption, set against breathtaking action in an epic martial arts battle between good and evil that will decide the fate of the Martial World. Principal photography is now underway in New Zealand.
Netflix said that the film is the first of several major motion pictures that will debut simultaneously on its service and in select IMAX theaters globally.
"Fans will have unprecedented choice in how they enjoy an amazing and memorable film that combines intense action and incredible beauty," said Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos, in the news release. "We are honored to be working with Harvey Weinstein and a world-class team of creators to bring this epic story to people all over the world and to partner with IMAX, a brand that represents the highest quality of immersive entertainment, in the distribution of this film."
"IMAX has a terrific opportunity, via this partnership with Netflix, to release Crouching Tiger – a high-quality, action-packed film that is right in our wheelhouse — at the end of the summer blockbuster season," added Greg Foster, senior executive vice president, IMAX Corp. and CEO of IMAX Entertainment. "We are particularly hopeful it will play in our highly successful China market. In territories where we simultaneously release with Netflix, we are excited to offer consumers the option of deciding how, when and where they want to view the film, and exhibitors the opportunity to participate in this alternative form of content in a new and innovative way."
