Fantasy epic with Bond star was supposed to be as big as Lord of the Rings and Avatar, but the finished film ended up in the poison cupboard

Last year, Warner and HBO Max decided not to release the DC film Batgirl due to cost concerns. The film was finished, but fans will probably never see it. In the history of film, expensive projects have always failed in the last few meters. Probably the greatest example of this kind: Empires of the Deep.

The supposed fantasy blockbuster started with big ideas, a budget in the millions and a star cast. But years of effort ended in vain.

Avatar as a role model: What is behind the Empires of the Deep project?

Chinese real estate tycoon Jon Jiang instigated the film in 2007, according to Collider. Jiang wrote the story for Empires of the Deep himself and was willing to invest several million dollars in the production. The budget later increased to allegedly 130 million.

Rich Jiang was a fan of Steven Spielberg and George Lucas’ blockbuster movies, writes Vice . His dream: A fantasy trilogy that, like Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings, inspires the whole world. Also, Empires of the Deep should “best 3D” bring to screens like James Cameron’s Avatar did in 2009.

The project was not lacking in ambition. When it came to realizing the vision, however, the film fell into chaos practically from day one.

Even the Catwoman director canceled: Empires of the Deep burned quite a few directors

Several personnel changes in management positions characterize the chaotic production of Empires of the Deep like milestones. A total of three directors were involved in the film: Jonathan Lawrence, Michael French and Scott Miller are listed on IMDB. Even Catwoman director Jean-Christophe ‘Pitof’ Comar found the project too hot.

the story raised concerns for enlisted experts like Irvin Kershner (The Empire Strikes Back). The final film is about a young man from Ancient Greece named Atlas (played by Steve Polites). He dives into the dark depths of the ocean and can’t believe his eyes when he sees that the legends about mermaids are true.

However, the water beings are threatened by evil forces who want to prevent the fulfillment of a prophecy. While preparing for a massive underwater battle, Atlas meets a special mermaid for whom he soon develops feelings.

This mermaid is played by Olga Kurylenko – probably the best-known name that could be won for the project. At that time, Kurylenko had already starred in James Bond 007 – Quantum of Solace alongside Daniel Craig. But even her star power couldn’t save the film

Why Empires of the Deep was never released, even though there are trailers

The crew started shooting without a finished script, which also had to be constantly revised. The conditions on the set were apparently grueling. There was a lack of food, among other things. Several actors left the production early because they were not paid.

Nevertheless, a first trailer was released in 2010 at a press conference in Beijing in the presence of stars Olga Kurylenko and Steve Polites. The press was instructed to wear 3D glasses during the screening.

In 2012, this trailer appeared on the internet, announcing a start date in 2013:

As you can see, the level of special effects is rather weak. A distributor in Hollywood who would bring the film to the cinemas could not be found. Until 2014 found Reshoots and revisions of the effects. The male lead, Steve Polites, stayed with the project during this phase.

Attempts to bring the film to the cinemas lasted until 2016. At that time, a new trailer with better special effects appeared on a crowdfunding site. Seven years later, Empires of the Deep has never made it to cinemas or a streaming platform.

Exactly what has happened to the film since then is unknown. Apparently none of those involved have any interest in Empires of the Deep ever being shown to an audience. He will probably always remain sunk in the depths of the ocean of film history.

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