“Mortal’s Journey” Franchise Makes Big-Screen Debut: A Mortal’s Journey to Immortality: Mystery of the Endless Sea Set for December 2026 Release

Original Animation Team Reunites with 4K Visuals and Ink-Wash Fantasy Aesthetics as Han Li Ventures into the Western Wastelands to Unravel the Secrets of the Thousand Bamboo Sect

As the pioneering work of the “Mortal’s Journey” subgenre of web novels, the first theatrical animated film of A Mortal’s Journey to Immortality, titled A Mortal’s Journey to Immortality: Mystery of the Endless Sea, has been officially announced and is scheduled for release in December 2026. Created by the original team behind the long-running animated series, with Wang Yuren serving as both writer and director, the film continues the series’ signature production technology of “live-action motion capture + real-time engine rendering.” It will bring this phenomenal IP to the big screen for the first time, featuring 4K resolution and ink-wash style fantasy visuals.

Synopsis: Mystery in the Endless Sea, Adventure in the Far West

The film expands upon a journey briefly mentioned in the original novel – Han Li’s expedition to the far western desert. It tells the story of the protagonist’s perilous adventure into the Endless Sea of sand. In this treacherous, barren land, Han Li encounters ancient sandworms and crosses paths with the remnant soul of the Great Spirit Deity, gradually unveiling the secrets of the Thousand Bamboo Sect and the ancient art of puppetry, mysteries buried for tens of thousands of years.

The story continues Han Li’s path of cultivation, showcasing the magnificent and perilous world of immortal cultivation through his struggles against the harsh laws of nature and his exploration of ancient mysteries. In the original novel, Han Li’s specific experiences during his visit to the Thousand Bamboo Sect in the far west were not detailed, leaving the implied dangers to the imagination. The film aims to fill this narrative gap.

Key Character: The Great Spirit Deity’s Silver Screen Debut

Returning alongside Han Li is the Great Spirit Deity, who exists now only as a remnant soul. As the founder of the Thousand Bamboo Sect, this prodigy of cultivation is not only a key guide on Han Li’s path but also a beloved classic supporting character in the original novel. The film will delve into this genius’s past and obsessions, as well as the subtle mentor-friend relationship he forms with Han Li.

Production: Original Team Reunites with Technological Upgrades

The film is produced by the original team behind the animated series, with Wang Yuren serving as director and screenwriter. As China’s first animated long-form series produced using “live-action motion capture + real-time engine rendering,” A Mortal’s Journey to Immortality has maintained immense popularity since its debut, becoming one of the most influential animated works on Bilibili.

To date, the series has surpassed 3 billion views on Bilibili alone. It has consistently ranked first among domestic long-form annual animation series on Douban’s rating charts for three consecutive years and won the National Style Heritage Award at the 19th China Animation Golden Dragon Awards. The film version will build upon this technological foundation, employing 4K resolution and ink-wash style fantasy visuals to create a unique Oriental aesthetic experience for audiences.

IP Expansion: Film, Spin-off, and New Season in Parallel

According to information released at Bilibili’s 2025-2026 Chinese Animation Showcase, the A Mortal’s Journey to Immortality IP universe is undergoing comprehensive expansion. In addition to the theatrical film Mystery of the Endless Sea, a new season of the annual series is scheduled to air in the first half of 2026, with a spin-off titled Tale of Xuan Gu also in simultaneous production.

Hu Jianli, Secretary-General of the China Film Critics Association, noted that this marks the first time the “Mortal’s Journey to Immortality” animation IP has been brought to the big screen. The previous live-action web series was quite successful, and there are high expectations for the film adaptation. If this first animated film is successful, it has the potential to become a sustained film franchise.

Cultural Phenomenon: A New Chapter for the “Mortal’s Journey” Legacy

A Mortal’s Journey to Immortality is a web novel serialized by Wang Yu on Qidian Chinese website starting in February 2008. It tells the story of an ordinary boy from a poor mountain village who, through his own efforts and careful planning, eventually achieves immortality. The work pioneered the “Mortal’s Journey” subgenre of web literature, exerting a profound influence, and has also been adapted into an animated television series.

Now, this classic IP that has accompanied countless readers through their growth will embark on a new journey in cinematic form. The film picks up from Han Li’s cultivation journey in the animated series, leading him into the treacherous and unpredictable western region to uncover ancient secrets buried beneath the cruel laws of nature. In December 2026, the journey into the mystery of the Endless Sea is set to begin.