Animated Film “Eight Immortals!” Set for Summer 2026 Release, Reimagining a Classic Legend from a Fresh Perspective

Just ahead of the Spring Festival, the highly anticipated mythological comedy animated film “Eight Immortals!” released its “A Little Gesture” Spring Festival blessing trailer along with its “Fooling Heaven” teaser poster, officially announcing a nationwide release scheduled for Summer 2026. Drawing inspiration from the beloved folktale of the Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea, the film embarks on a brand-new creative journey, telling the hilarious story of how eight ordinary mortals rose from humble beginnings to achieve immortality.

“A Little Gesture” Brings Spring Blessings, “Fooling Heaven” Soars with Imagination

In the newly released “A Little Gesture” trailer, the immensely popular trio of gods—Fu (Fortune), Lu (Prosperity), and Shou (Longevity)—transform into “Special Spring Festival Envoys,” showering audiences nationwide with gold coins. What they call a “little gesture” is, in fact, a gesture of immense goodwill. The trailer features bright visuals, a brisk pace, and humorous music, perfectly showcasing the film’s youthful and comedic temperament. The three gods not only bring laughter but also convey heartfelt wishes for wealth and good fortune as the Spring Festival approaches. The Eight Immortals themselves make a subtle appearance, shown only from behind, their distinctive silhouettes already eliciting knowing smiles. This clever approach maintains an air of mystery around the characters while heightening audience anticipation for the story.

The simultaneously unveiled “Fooling Heaven” teaser poster further demonstrates the film’s visual and conceptual ingenuity. Towering waves surge between sea and sky as a massive purple-gold gourd rises from the churning waters, creating a spectacular and powerful scene. Perched somewhat awkwardly yet gracefully on the gourd are eight figures—the story’s protagonists, the Eight Immortals. Each clutching their signature magical treasures, they “demonstrate their unique powers” to stay atop the gourd while desperately holding onto immortal-binding ropes to “save their own skins.” The poster’s composition is strikingly dynamic, with colors flowing like iridescent琉璃, blending traditional charm with a mysterious, expansive fantasy atmosphere—subtly hinting that this “hilarious troupe of immortals” is about to embark on an extraordinary journey filled with friendship, adventure, and endless laughs.

https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1yEFdzmEYy/?spm_id_from=333.337.search-card.all.click

From Ordinary to Immortal: A Youthful, Trendy, and Addictive Tale

Written and directed by Mou Zhengyang, the film revolves around eight ordinary individuals. Confronted by powerful antagonistic deities, they rely on wit and folk wisdom to cleverly navigate challenges, ultimately rising to rival the gods themselves. Overcoming formidable foes, they gain renown across the land and are celebrated by all as the “Eight Immortals.” With its vivid comedic style and unrestrained visual imagination, the film injects new vitality into this classic IP.

Director Mou Zhengyang shared his creative vision: “We want to create a story about immortals that feels young, trendy, and addictive. The characters are like the quirky friends you have in your own life—naive, idealistic, a little unreliable. They might be an odd bunch, but they’re free-spirited and content in their own way.” This creative approach, resonating with contemporary youth aesthetics, breathes unprecedented relatability into traditional mythological figures.

All-Star Local Creative Team Ensures an Audiovisual Feast

“Eight Immortals!” is meticulously crafted by an all本土 production team, bringing together some of China’s most talented film professionals. The film features renowned配音 director Chen Hao, known for his work on the blockbuster domestic animation “Nezha” series, as voice directing supervisor, and Su Hang,动作指导 of the年度 phenomenon action film “Chasing Shadows,” overseeing action design. After completing their work, both industry veterans praised the film, stating, “This will undoubtedly be one of the most unique Chinese mythological stories you’ve ever seen.”

Far from being a simple retelling of traditional lore, the film innovates with youthful energy and comedic flair while building upon a rich cultural foundation. By reinterpreting the essence of traditional culture through contemporary animation aesthetics, it allows classic characters to resonate with modern audiences, seamlessly weaving Eastern philosophical themes of friendship, growth, idealism, and perseverance into a humorous and joyful adventure.

This Summer 2026, this “hilarious troupe of immortals” is ready to embark on its journey, bringing audiences nationwide a fantastical encounter that honors classical charm while embracing contemporary appeal.