New animated film reimagines the Eight Immortals as flawed, relatable mortals

In Chinese mythology, the Eight Immortals are divine beings famed for crossing the sea by supernatural power alone, each wielding a unique magical treasure to skim across the waves. Yet long before they ascended to heaven, they were simply mortals, burdened by the same flaws, doubts, and petty quarrels as everyone else.

A still of "All Wishes Come True!" [Image courtesy of Pearl Studio]

That is exactly the moment that director Mu Zhengyang wanted to capture in his new animated film "All Wishes Come True!" which opened in Chinese theaters on July 18. The film has received glowing reviews and has grossed more than 765 million yuan by Sunday, and is projected to earn nearly 2 billion yuan over its theatrical run.

The film's ambition is not just for the Chinese market. It also aims for global reach. According to its international distributor, CMC Pictures, the film will debut in Australia and New Zealand on Aug. 13, followed by releases in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and the Netherlands on Aug. 14. Screenings in Belgium, Luxembourg, Singapore, Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries will be announced at a later date.

Mu said he chose to make a film about the Eight Immortals because the story has high recognition and a broad popular base, even though most people cannot name all eight members.

"When I looked into it, I found their legends are messy, inconsistent, passed down from generation to generation without any single version," Mu told China.org.cn. "That actually made it interesting."

The director said he was drawn to the group because they are a rare example of mortals who achieved immortality, unlike other Chinese deities who are often calm, restrained and otherworldly.

"Folk tradition calls them 'scattered immortals,' not fully part of the heavenly bureaucracy, but deeply rooted in folk traditions," Mu said. "This contradiction is what makes the group special."

Creative team of "All Wishes Come True!" pose for a photo at the film's premiere in Beijing, July 16, 2026. [Photo courtesy of Table Film]

The director noted that the film's visual design, including world-building, costumes and colors, was aimed at recreating traditional culture. Drawing from ancient classics, the team built the mythical Penglai realm. They also delved into the traditional five-color visual system, embroidery patterns and the landscapes of classical immortal mountains. Elements from murals, Chinese New Year paintings and traditional costumes were integrated into character designs and settings, embedding traditional culture into every detail.

The overall look is slightly retro, but the creative team made adjustments to give it a brighter, more youthful feel, since folk culture is an important part of traditional culture. "Our basic principle was that it had to have a Chinese style, and it had to be trendy and youthful," Mu said.

The film's story focuses on the period before the Eight Immortals, Han Zhongli, Zhang Guolao, Tieguai Li, Han Xiangzi, Cao Guojiu, Lyu Dongbin, Lan Caihe and He Xiangu, earned their divine status. Mu said he wanted to tell the story of ordinary people. During the making of the film, the team combed through many classic texts and familiar folk tales that carry a strong sense of inheritance and kindness. He said the Eight Immortals have been passed down through generations because they are relatable and endearing.

An international poster for "All Wishes Come True!" [Image courtesy of CMC Pictures]

In the film, these flawed, self-interested misfits uncover a conspiracy in the celestial bureaucracy. Their dreams of riches vanish and their lives are threatened. Yet they hold onto decency when it counts. They stick together, outsmart the plot and save everyone. Beneath the bravado, they are sharp-witted and carry a buried sense of justice.

So when the chaos subsides and they finally deliver the line, "Saving the world isn't stupid. It's actually pretty cool," the audience feels a genuine resonance. After all that bickering and scheming, their hearts aligned with this ragged crew at last.

The director said the team's guiding principle was to make all eight characters vivid and memorable, so that audiences would remember them and perhaps explore more about traditional culture afterward. He also highlighted three central characters, Han Zhongli, Lyu Dongbin and He Xiangu, who serve as the emotional core of the group and bring the team together.

"I want to tell the story of these small people," Mu said. "Because they are mortals, they have strengths and weaknesses, even doubts and struggles. But many ordinary people step forward when it comes to right and wrong. That is why they are brave. When they step forward, that spirit and that power is what moves me."

He added, "We ordinary people are the same as these characters. We can only do what we believe is right in our hearts. One person's power is limited. But if eight people, ten people, fifty people, a hundred people come together, they can accomplish something that seems impossible. We want to convey this to everyone. Each person can only do so much, but if everyone steps forward, things can be different."