Renowned Chinese director Zhang Yimou, celebrated for iconic films like Hero and House of Flying Daggers, is venturing into new territory with his first contemporary counter-espionage thriller, Scare Out. The film has recently landed distribution rights in the UK and Ireland through Trinity CineAsia, a distributor specializing in Asian cinema.
This acquisition marks an exciting step for international audiences, as the movie is set to release theatrically on February 20, 2026, coinciding with the Chinese New Year celebrations. Previews will begin on February 17, aligning day-and-date with its premiere in China.
The plot centers on a high-stakes mole hunt within China’s National Security squad. When classified intelligence about the country’s latest fighter jet technology is leaked, the team must urgently identify and apprehend the spies responsible.
As the investigation unfolds, it extends beyond intelligence circles into everyday civilian life, building tension and intrigue. Written by Chen Liang and produced by Damai Entertainment, Scare Out promises a gripping narrative that echoes the suspense of John le Carré’s spy novels while offering a fresh perspective from Chinese cinema.
The Stars: Jackson Yee and Zhu Yilong
Leading the ensemble cast are two of China’s most prominent actors, Jackson Yee and Zhu Yilong, whose star power is expected to draw significant attention both domestically and abroad. The film also features notable performers like Song Jia (Her Story, Red Cliff), Lei Jiayin (A Writer’s Odyssey), Yang Mi (She’s Got No Name), Zhang Yi, Liu Shishi, and Liu Yaowen in special roles.
Jackson Yee, born Yi Yangqianxi on November 28, 2000, in Huaihua, Hunan, started his career as a child star in variety shows and idol groups. He debuted with the boy band TFBoys in 2013, gaining early fame through music and voice acting, including dubbing The Little Prince (2015). His acting breakthrough came with the 2019 drama Better Days, earning him Best New Actor honors at the Hong Kong Film Awards, Hundred Flowers Awards, and Asian Film Awards.
Yee has since starred in box office juggernauts like The Battle at Lake Changjin (2021, China’s highest-grossing film), its sequel (2022), Nice View (2022), Full River Red (2023, reuniting him with Zhang Yimou and grossing 4.5 billion RMB), Big World (2024), and Resurrection (2025, which premiered at Cannes and won a Special Award).
Yee’s popularity is immense; he’s the first post-2000s Chinese actor to exceed ¥20 billion in cumulative box office earnings and the youngest to win the Golden Rooster Award for Best Actor (for Big World in 2025). He topped Forbes China Celebrity 100 in 2020 and 2021, and internationally, he’s recognized as China’s first Olympic Friend, promoting Olympic values. His transition from idol to acclaimed actor has made him a box office draw, appealing to younger demographics and film enthusiasts alike.
Zhu Yilong, born on April 16, 1988, in Wuhan, Hubei, graduated from the Beijing Film Academy and began his career in TV films and series in 2008. Early roles in wuxia and romance projects like Love Three Lives (2014) and The Legend of Mi Yue (2015) built his profile, but his 2018 web drama Guardian catapulted him to stardom, earning a cult following and a spot on Forbes China’s 30 Under 30 Asia list. He followed with The Story of Minglan (2018), My True Friend (2019), and Reunion: The Sound of the Providence (2020), topping streaming charts.
In films, Zhu shone in Lighting Up the Stars (2022, grossing over 1.7 billion RMB and winning him Best Actor at the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Awards), Lost in the Stars (2022), Only the River Flows (2023, Cannes premiere), Embrace Again (2021), and Cloudy Mountain (2021). He ranked high on Forbes China Celebrity 100 (17th in 2019, 12th in 2020) and is a WWF ambassador for biodiversity. Zhu’s versatility in genres from mystery to action has solidified his status as a leading man in China, with growing international recognition through festival appearances.
Why ‘Scare Out’ is Heading Abroad
The decision to distribute Scare Out in the UK and Ireland reflects several factors. Zhang Yimou’s global reputation as a Fifth Generation director—responsible for introducing many Western audiences to Chinese cinema through epics like Raise the Red Lantern—plays a key role.
This film marks his shift to modern national security themes, offering something novel yet familiar to fans of Western spy thrillers. Trinity CineAsia’s managing director, Cedric Behrel, expressed enthusiasm, noting it as their first Zhang Yimou release and predicting appeal to UK audiences akin to le Carré enthusiasts.
The star-studded cast, including box office heavyweights like Yee and Zhu, adds commercial viability, especially among the Chinese diaspora during Lunar New Year. Trinity CineAsia’s track record with Asian hits like Resurrection and Ne Zha 2 suggests a strategy to tap into growing demand for diverse international films in the UK market. Overall, this move highlights the increasing globalization of Chinese cinema, blending high production values, star appeal, and timely cultural tie-ins to reach broader audiences.
