Seven Stars Entertainment, led by Chairman Bruno Wu, will form a joint venture with prolific producer Avi Arad (The Amazing Spider Man, Iron Man) and his company Arad Productions, to develop superhero franchise properties which encompass live-action tent pole feature films, animated television series, and ultimately growing into merchandising, various digital platforms, and mobile applications. All of the stories are inspired by Chinese history and mythology. The first project, RISE OF THE TERRACOTTA WARRIORS is based on an original story idea by Arad and inspired by the history and mythology behind China's legendary Terracotta Army sculptures which were created to protect China's first emperor in his afterlife.
"Avi is a copious producer of fantasy, superheroes and sci-fi as well as one of the world's top toy designers," said Bruno Wu. "I think it's important to provide the next generation with role models and Avi is the ideal partner to bring this Chinese myth to life in a multi media environment, including a major Chinese-US co-production tent pole movie."
Avi Arad added: "Bruno and I share an affinity for Chinese history and culture and his knowledge will help guide me through this fascinating world of Chinese mythology. We are excited to introduce a new set of superheroes and other wonders of the world in a contemporary way to the Chinese youth and audiences around the world."
Wu and Arad will serve as producers on the projects and Alexandra Bland from Arad Productions will executive produce. The deal was negotiated by Fred Milstein, Chief Executive Officer of Seven Stars Entertainment, on behalf of the company.
Arad founded Arad Productions in 2006 following after departing Marvel where he served as the Chairman and CEO of Marvel Studios and CCO of
Marvel Entertainment. Arad has been the driving force behind Marvel's Hollywood renaissance with a string of No. 1 box office openings with credits including: the "Spider-Man" franchise, "X-Men" franchise, "Fantastic Four" franchise, "Blade" franchise, "The Punisher", "Ghost Rider", "Iron Man", and "The Incredible Hulk". Arad has been producing animated TV series for over 20 years with projects including: "X-Men," "Fantastic Four," "Iron Man," "Spider- Man," "Conan the Adventurer," and on direct-to-video animated features. In addition to his toy, animation, and film projects, Arad served as the Executive Advisor of NAMCO BANDAI Holdings.
Seven Stars Entertainment is a part of Beijing based Seven Stars Media Limited, the first Chinese based global entertainment company that focuses on creation, aggregation and distribution of premium content through its proprietary channels both in Asia and North America. Activities focus on a broad range of entertainment, including film and television production and co-production, mixed martial arts, theatrical distribution, as well as cable, social media and large scale event productions in mainland China and other parts of the world. The company develops content through a number of individual film investments and filmmaker deals including with acclaimed director Justin Lin's Perfect Storm Entertainment which recently announced the sci-fi thriller Hibernation. Seven Stars is also developing Mission Boys, written by
Erin Cressida Wilson and The Last Empress, to star Gong Li.
