Star Wars might be one of the most successful science fiction film franchises in Hollywood history, however, the galaxy far, far away hasn't really made much of an impression on the Chinese market, struggling at the foreign box office. Now, hoping that it can win back the favour of the second biggest box office market in the industry, Disney has decided to team up with China's biggest online publisher to create a brand new Chinese Star Wars novel.
According to a report by Variety, Disney has decided to work together with Tencet's China Literature to develop a brand new Star Wars online novel for China. Both companies have tapped into the talent of popular Chinese internet novelist who goes by the pen name "His Majesty the King," instructing the author to write a new and "authentic Star Wars story with Chinese characteristics."
"His Majesty the King" has apparently had a previous book adapted into a 2016 anime series, so he probably understands what the Chinese market would want in a Star Wars story.
This new project is supposed to "bring in Chinese elements and unique Chinese storytelling methods." According to a representative from Disney, the Mickey Mouse House is eager about "putting the vast world of the ‘Star Wars' universe at the fingertips of Chinese consumers."
This new move from Disney is definitely an effort to win back the Chinese box office. Star Wars: The Force Awakens might have raked in a decent $124 million at the box office in China back in 2016, however, all the other three Star Wars films followed that underperformed in the east oriental film market.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker premieres December 20, 2019.
Read: Star Wars Canon Acknowledges Expanded Universe's Name For Sith Homeworld
Explore new topics and discover content that's right for you!
Star Wars: Episode IX