You’ve probably seen the posters. Or maybe a stray clip of a giant, CGI-enhanced siege on TikTok. Honestly, calling Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms just another fantasy movie is like calling the Great Wall a fence. It’s huge. It’s loud. It’s also the first chapter of a trilogy that almost didn't happen because of how insanely ambitious it was.
Director Wuershan didn't just want to make a movie; he wanted to build a cinematic universe that could go toe-to-toe with The Lord of the Rings. That sounds like marketing fluff, right? Usually, it is. But when you look at the sheer scale of the production—thousands of crew members, years of training for the cast, and a budget that would make a Hollywood accountant sweat—you realize this wasn't a cash grab. It was a massive, risky bet on Chinese mythology.
The story is based on Fengshen Yanyi, a 16th-century novel that basically everyone in China grows up knowing. It’s got everything: corrupt kings, fox spirits, immortal sages, and enough supernatural warfare to fill ten movies. But the "Kingdom of Storms" takes a specific angle, focusing on the relationship between King Zhou and his "hostage sons"—young warriors sent from various provinces to serve the central court. It's a bit Game of Thrones, a bit classical tragedy, and a lot of high-octane spectacle.
Why Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms Felt Different
Most big-budget "wuxia" or "xianxia" films lately feel... thin. You know the ones. Over-saturated colors, actors who look like they’ve never touched a sword, and CGI that looks like a 2010 video game. Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms went the opposite direction.
Wuershan spent years in pre-production. He actually set up a "training camp" for his young actors. We’re talking six months of archery, horse riding, martial arts, and classical etiquette before a single camera rolled. This wasn't just for PR. When you see those guys charging on horses in the opening sequence, they are actually doing it. It’s not just a bunch of guys on green-screen rocking horses. That physicality carries the movie. It gives the stakes some actual weight.
👉 See also: New Movies in Theatre: What Most People Get Wrong About This Month's Picks
The movie deals with King Zhou, played by the legendary Kris Phillips (Fei Xiang). He’s not just a cartoon villain here. He’s charismatic. He’s manipulative. He’s a guy who convinces a bunch of young men that he’s their "Great Father" while simultaneously leading the kingdom into a literal storm of divine retribution. The dynamic between him and the protagonist, Ji Fa, is the heart of the film. It’s about breaking free from a toxic, powerful figure to find your own moral compass.
The Fox Spirit in the Room
We have to talk about Su Daji. In the original myths, she’s often portrayed as this purely evil, seductive demon who ruins a good man. This movie tweaks that. Naran, the actress who plays her, spent months studying the movements of actual foxes. Her performance is eerie. She’s less of a "femme fatale" and more of a literal animal in a human skin, acting on instinct and a strange sort of loyalty to the King. It’s a nuanced take that moves away from the tired tropes of older adaptations.
The Production Hell and the Big Payoff
Making this movie was a nightmare. Filming began way back in 2018. Then the pandemic hit. Then the Chinese film industry went through some massive regulatory shifts. For a while, people thought the Creation of the Gods trilogy would never see the light of day. It was stuck in post-production for what felt like forever.
When it finally dropped in 2023, the pressure was immense. If it failed, it wouldn't just be one movie flopping—it would be a three-part, multi-billion yuan disaster. But it didn't flop. It became a cultural touchstone. Why? Because it respected the source material while modernizing the storytelling. It didn't treat the audience like they were bored; it invited them into a world that felt lived-in.
✨ Don't miss: A Simple Favor Blake Lively: Why Emily Nelson Is Still the Ultimate Screen Mystery
The visual effects, handled by some of the same people who worked on Lord of the Rings, are generally impressive, though not perfect. Some of the digital creatures feel a bit "floaty" compared to the physical sets. However, the production design—the costumes, the massive bronze-age palaces, the intricate armor—is top-tier. Everything looks heavy. Everything looks like it has history.
A New Standard for Chinese Blockbusters
What most people get wrong about Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms is thinking it’s just for people who already know Chinese history. It isn't. It’s a universal story about fathers and sons, power and corruption. It’s also a masterclass in how to handle a large ensemble cast without losing the plot.
The film also does something rare for big-budget epics: it allows for silence. Amidst the thunder and the magic spells, there are quiet moments of reflection. Ji Fa’s realization that his hero is actually a monster isn't delivered in a loud monologue; it’s written on his face as he looks at his real father, the Marquis of the West (played by the incomparable Xue Jian).
What to Watch For Next
Since this is a trilogy, "Kingdom of Storms" is really just the prologue. It sets the board. We’ve seen the fall of the human order and the beginning of the divine intervention. The next installments promise more of the "Gods" part—meaning more immortals, more Taoist magic, and the massive battles between the Kunlun mountains and the mortal realm.
🔗 Read more: The A Wrinkle in Time Cast: Why This Massive Star Power Didn't Save the Movie
If you’re planning to dive into this world, pay attention to the details in the background. The bronze patterns on the shields, the specific ways the rituals are performed—it’s all based on Shang Dynasty archaeological finds, albeit stylized. It’s that level of detail that makes the movie stick in your brain long after the credits roll.
How to experience the franchise properly:
- Watch the theatrical cut on a big screen if possible: The sound design is specifically mixed for Atmos, and the bass in the "storm" sequences is literal bone-shaking.
- Don't skip the mid-credits: There are teases for the next two films that bridge the gap between the mortal rebellion and the mythological war.
- Look up the "Investiture of the Gods" basics: You don't need a PhD in Chinese lit, but knowing who Jiang Ziya is will make his comedic-yet-pivotal role much more enjoyable.
- Compare it to the 1990s TV series: If you want a laugh, look at the old versions to see just how far the technology and storytelling have come.
The real achievement of Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms isn't just the box office numbers. It's the fact that it proved you can take ancient, dusty myths and make them feel vital, dangerous, and modern without losing their soul. It’s a high bar for whatever comes next in the trilogy.
For anyone looking to understand the current state of global epic cinema, this film is mandatory viewing. It represents a shift in how non-Western stories are being told on a grand scale—no longer just imitating Hollywood, but using those tools to build something distinctly local and massive.
Next Steps for Fans:
Follow the official production vlogs if you can find them (many are subtitled on YouTube). They show the "training camp" footage, which is honestly as fascinating as the movie itself. Seeing the actors learn to fire arrows from a galloping horse in slow motion really puts the craft into perspective. Keep an eye out for news on the Part II release date, as the post-production for the sequels is reportedly even more complex than the first.