In the past, director Edward Zwick has presented us with grand-scale stories such as The Last Samurai and Glory, winning over large audiences in the process. Now, newly formed production company Legendary East hopes he can repeat his previous success with their first film, The Great Wall. The new project will reportedly chronicle “the legend behind a great mystery of our age: why this magnificent structure came to be.” Zwick will co-write the screenplay with long-time partner Marshall Herskovitz. Of the two writers, Legendary Entertainment’s Chief Creative Officer Jon Jashni said, “Their ability to translate a sense of history while communicating emotion and wonder has been proven repeatedly. Legendary East plans to position itself as provider of commercially viable projects not only for China, but the rest of the world.

The Great Wall certainly sounds like a typical Edward Zwick movie, although for some, that’s not necessarily a great thing. In the past he’s been criticized for using white characters to guide audiences through other cultures, ultimately placing more importance on them than on the culture or race the film is ostensibly about. I don’t know if this film will go that route or not, although I wouldn’t be surprised if it did. I’m also not sure what the “great mystery” angle is all about, since the building of the Great Wall of China has been historically documented. No doubt, we’ll hear more about the plotline in the coming weeks, but until then, what are your thoughts on Edward Zwick’s latest film? Is this a good choice for a first film from Legendary East?