China's high-profile animation studio Light Chaser premiered the final installment of its hit "White Snake" franchise on Aug. 2, reimagining a centuries-old romantic fantasy.
The voice cast and crew
Light Chaser Animation Studios, whose "Chang An" about Tang dynasty poets grossed 1.82 billion yuan ($254 million) in China last year, returns with the much-anticipated "White Snake: Afloat." The film is a direct sequel to the 2019 animated hit "White Snake," following a 2021 spin-off, "White Snake 2: The Tribulation of Green Snake."
Unlike the prequel-style first installment or the modernized spin-off, "White Snake: Afloat" tackles the original classic love story. It portrays a white snake spirit falling in love with and marrying a mortal man, Xu Xian, to repay a debt of gratitude from a previous life. Alongside her sister, the green snake spirit, she battles the powerful Buddhist monk, Fa Hai, who is determined to end their cross-species romance.
"The first installment was the starting point for Light Chaser's 'White Snake' series. Since then, we have exerted a lot of creativity in telling the stories before and after the canonical tale. But now we are returning to the original point of creation, hoping to present the canonical story of the White Snake legend from a modern perspective," said director Li Jiakai at the Beijing premiere.
Co-director Chen Jianxi added, "On the technical level, we have made comprehensive upgrades compared to previous works. The animated characters' performances are also more realistic and detailed. We hope to give the audience an even better viewing experience this time."
"White Snake: Afloat" features intricate designs, fresh interpretations of classic characters and a strong Chinese aesthetic. It reimagines the love story while focusing on emotional narrative power.
"New Legend of Madame White Snake" actors Cecilia Yip and Angie Chiu, with "White Snake: Afloat" theme song singers Chen Haoyu and Chen Lijun, pose in front of a giant screen on the West Lake in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, July 30, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Light Chaser Animation Studios]
Before the Beijing premiere event, the studio also held a world premiere at the West Lake in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, where the legendary story is set. A 168-square-meter screen was set up on the water.
Angie Chiu and Cecilia Yip, stars of the 1992 TV series "New Legend of Madame White Snake," attended, evoking nostalgia and drawing cheers from the audience. The same day, 60 Wanda Cinemas across China offered fans an IMAX preview.
Yu Zhou, president of Light Chaser Animation Studios and the film's executive producer, shared at the event that the studio "has always been committed to exploring how to better present Chinese traditional culture through our original animations. We hope that through 'White Snake: Afloat,' everyone can see the charm of this Chinese romantic legend."
"White Snake: Afloat" opens in China on Aug. 10, coinciding with the Qixi Festival, considered China's Valentine's Day. Limited advanced screenings were held Aug. 3-4.
