China's Alibaba Pictures announced on Dec 16 it will begin shooting the fantasy epic film Gu Jian Qi Tan, or Legend of the Ancient Sword, and it is scheduled to be screened in 2018.

The film, adapted from a popular online game combining typical elements of traditional Chinese culture, is to have an all-star cast, including pop singer and actor Wang Lee-hom, who has not been seen on the big screen for four years, and actress Song Qian (Victoria Song) who is known for roles in fantasy-themed TV series.

The upcoming production is directed by Renny Harlin, a Finnish-born Hollywood veteran directing action films and thrillers. His recent production cooperating with China was Skiptrace, which starred Jackie Chan and was released in 2016.

Also joining the production are the South Korean special effects team behind the scenes of recent hits The Admiral: Roaring Currents and The Tunnel, as well as art director Liu Shiyun from Lust, Caution.