张艺谋导演《长城》发布会

Zhang Yimo's new film is a fantasy epic about warriors having once used the Great Wall as a weapon to combat otherworldly creatures who threaten humanity.

The film script is based on an idea by Legendary CEO Thomas Tull. Tull recruited Zhang Yimou to helm the 150-million US dollars project.

Zhang says he felt attracted to the story.

"I think the story is very intriguing. It's hard to imagine such a story about China's Great Wall has been developed by a western filmmaker. There are many parts of this story that have interested me a lot, including the sentiments and theme of the movie, which are all very good. The part that attracts me the most is about China's traditional culture. Although it is a movie on the Great Wall fighting monsters, it carries so many elements that I hope to convey."

Matt Damon, one of China's favorite Hollywood stars, is a lead actor in the film. He says before their team started shooting in China he'd never been to the Great Wall.

And the Great Wall referred to in his new movie might give audiences another great shock. Matt Damon explains.

"That experience of seeing the Great Wall is absolutely wonderful…to be able to do that with my family. But the experience of making our Great Wall has been pretty incredible and I think people are in for some fun surprises when they see what our walls are capable of."

In addition to Matt Damon, Hong Kong legend Andy Lau is also anchoring a cast peppered with Chinese heartthrobs, who appeal to young Chinese girls.

For instance, the cast features 25-year old singer Lu Han, but with the face of a teenager, who rose to fame as the lead vocalist and dancer of Chinese-South Korean boy band EXO.

However, compared with all these stars, the leading actress, 27-year old Jing Tian appears overshadowed.

Though the Chinese mainland actress has once cooperated with highly popular mainland actors like Liu Ye and Sun HongLei, and even Hong Kong action star Donnie Yen, Jing Tian admits the Great Wall is a much bigger challenge when she was arranged to work with Matt Damon.

"It's been a pleasure to work with such great actors, especially Matt. Because for the last three months, I learned so much working with him side by side. He's a true professional and dedicated actor. For me, personally, he was always patient. I really appreciate that."

Since most Chinese actresses can't speak good English, language barrier might be an obstacle to hinder them from having good on-screen chemistry.

Jing Tian encounters the same problem.

"You know, since this is my first English-speaking movie, in the very beginning I was so nervous, and I had a lot of pressure, because I know being a leading actress I have so much responsibility. But luckily, the production sent me to L.A. for a special training program for six months, including like physical training, dialogue class, acting class. They've been very supportive and very helpful."

Since the press conference marks the completion of shooting, the movie is due for global release in November 2016.

For Studio Plus, I'm Xu Fei.