Amazon Adapts Martial Arts Epic for the Small Screen
Amazon Prime Video is officially developing a television adaptation of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, bringing the legendary wuxia saga to a new generation of viewers. The project is based on the original novel by Wang Dulu, part of the revered Crane Iron Pentalogy, and aims to expand the story’s cinematic legacy into a serialized format. The streaming giant confirmed the series is currently in development, with a creative team that includes veteran producers and writers well-versed in genre storytelling.
A Classic Reimagined with Modern Scope
The official synopsis describes the new series as a sweeping, emotional tale set against breathtaking landscapes and stylized martial arts action. The plot will center on Shu Lien and Mu Bai, two legendary warriors who are bound by a complex relationship and the tension between duty, tradition, and their unspoken love. Their internal struggle is set against a backdrop of societal transformation, capturing the philosophical undertones that defined the original novel and its previous film adaptations.
Powerhouse Team Behind the Adaptation
Amazon’s adaptation will be penned by Jason Ning, whose credits include The Brothers Sun, Lucifer, Mrs. Davis, and The Expanse. He will also executive produce the series. Also attached is Battlestar Galactica and Outlander creator Ron D. Moore, who joins the project under his overall deal at Sony Pictures Television. Moore will executive produce alongside longtime collaborator Maril Davis through their company Tall Ship Productions.
Additional executive producers include Johnny Levin, Roy Lee of Vertigo Entertainment, and Hong Wang and Qin Wang representing the Wang Dulu Estate. Ying Lou will serve as co-executive producer. Sony Pictures Television is producing the series in association with Amazon Studios, continuing their growing partnership on high-concept, IP-driven content.
A Literary Legacy with a Cinematic History
Originally serialized between 1941 and 1942, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is the fourth book in Wang Dulu’s five-part Crane Iron Pentalogy. Other entries in the series include Crane Startles Kunlun, Precious Sword, Golden Hairpin, Sword Force, Pearl Shine, and Iron Knight, Silver Vase. While the novels were widely read in China throughout the mid-20th century, it wasn’t until Ang Lee’s 2000 film adaptation that the story became a global phenomenon.
Lee’s film, starring Chow Yun-fat and Michelle Yeoh, grossed over $200 million worldwide and earned 10 Academy Award nominations, winning four including Best Foreign Language Film. The film played a significant role in introducing international audiences to the wuxia genre, and is now considered one of the most influential martial arts films ever made.
A Strategic Move for Amazon’s Global Content Strategy
With Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Amazon continues its push into internationally resonant storytelling and high-end genre content. The series joins a growing slate of ambitious adaptations that includes Ron Moore’s God of War series, also in development at the streamer, and blockbuster shows like The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.
Bringing a revered Chinese literary property to global streaming audiences also reflects the platform’s evolving content strategy, which includes tapping into diverse cultural narratives with built-in fan bases. Given the enduring popularity of the original novel and its iconic film adaptation, this series could become a cornerstone of Amazon’s international programming.
No Release Date Yet, But Anticipation Builds
As of now, no release date has been set for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon on Amazon Prime Video. With a respected creative team, major production backing from Sony, and a globally recognized brand, the series is already shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated projects in Amazon’s original content lineup. Keep an eye on upcoming announcements as casting details and a production timeline are revealed.