The fantasy epic, The Great Wall, with Oscar-winner Matt Damon and other stars, will hit Chinese theaters on Friday. [Photo provided to China Daily]

But Zhang defends the plot, saying it gives the rest of the world a chance to immerse itself into a story about ancient China.

He believes a monster-themed movie will attract youngsters overseas, and then arouse their curiosity in learning about Chinese culture and some of the country's greatest inventions.

"This is the first time China is working with Hollywood to make such a big movie. I hope it succeeds so Chinese stories can go further into the world," he says.