For those living outside of China, no, Light Chaser Animation Studio isn’t resting. Instead, they have two films slated for release this year. While international audiences are still waiting for wider access to Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio (2025), local coverage suggests they are planning even more ambitious storytelling. The executives aren’t especially concerned about global reach, knowing that domestic success remains the priority.
When their next project is a large-scale animated adaptation of Romance of the Three Kingdoms in three parts, it’s safe to say they have Lord of the Rings-scale ambitions. The first entry, often referred to in domestic coverage as Three Kingdoms Part One: Struggle for Luoyang, is currently in production and targeting a summer 2026 theatrical release in China. The film is positioned as the opening chapter in a longer narrative arc, centred on the collapse of the Eastern Han dynasty and the power struggles that followed. Visually, the style echoes Chang’an.
Alongside this project, Light Chaser has also signalled plans for a Water Margin adaptation, with Water Margin Part One: Snowy Mountain Temple (The Island) reportedly in development for a 2026 release rather than next year. Although this work does not yet have an official teaser trailer, one is expected around April if it is to release close to the larger project.
The former continues the studio’s commitment to adapting foundational works of classical literature, following earlier successes such as White Snake and Green Snake. For fans living abroad, access may arrive later through special event screenings. When the last two films failed to secure overseas distributors for wider release, all that remains is to wait for eventual Region Three or Region Six physical editions.
The limited edition White Snake 3: Abroad release is one such example, and any three-pack offerings currently circulating are bootlegs. Whether these films receive attention overseas will depend on audience demand rather than any guaranteed return on licensing investment.
Sources Used on Light Chaser Animation 2026
Beijing Daily (北京日报)
https://xinwen.bjd.com.cn/content/s68948bb0e4b0aabe0a04b46b.html
China.org.cn
https://www.china.org.cn/2025-07/12/content_117975183.shtml
Sina Finance (新浪财经)
https://finance.sina.com.cn/tech/digi/2025-08-04/doc-infivmir5609560.shtml
Tencent News / QQ News (腾讯新闻)
https://news.qq.com/rain/a/20250617A09CD100
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