If you’re longing for a breath of fresh air in the fantasy genre, you should take a look at Paramount+. There is now an animated film that is set to be the prelude to a fast-paced new trilogy
Fantasy can do so much more than just Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings or Narnia. Thousands of cultures around the world offer endless inspiration for an epic story full of friendship, magic and action. That’s why a promising reboot on Paramount+ doesn’t use the same old giants, dwarves and elves, but takes us into the glittering world of Chinese mythology.
Between supernatural powers, kung fu lessons and Chinese zodiac signs, The Legend of the Tiger lays the foundation for an entire trilogy. In addition, the original voice cast features numerous Asian-American or Asian Hollywood stars – including Lucy Liu, Sandra Oh and Oscar winner and martial arts legend Michelle Yeoh.
In The Legend of the Tiger on Paramount+, protagonist Tom takes up the ancient legacy of his Chinese ancestors
Chinese-born Tom (Brandon Soo Hoo) lives in San Francisco and already has his hands full trying to survive high school. But things turn out as they must in so many fantasy stories: One day he learns that his family is guarding an ancient secret. And that he is capable of so much more than he ever dreamed.
After the anything but natural death of his grandmother, Tom learns that she was the guardian of a genuine phoenix egg. Now he must follow in her footsteps. To do so, he becomes the disciple of a powerful mentor, as the magical formula for aspiring main characters dictates. But Tom is not just given a teacher. He is assisted by twelve shapeshifters in the form of Chinese zodiac signs.
(The Legend of the Tiger)
Tom is accompanied by the titular tiger Mr. Hu (Crazy Rich star Henry Golding). Under his guidance, he must master both his fighting and magic skills in order to protect the phoenix and, incidentally, the whole world. For a dark threat is already lurking in the shadows in the form of the power-hungry Loo (Michelle Yeoh).
The template for Legend of the Tiger offers material for an entire epic fantasy trilogy
The Legend of the Tiger is just the beginning of a whole epic. Tom’s story is based on the young adult novel The Tiger’s Apprentice by Laurence Yep. However, the Tiger series comprises two more books and could therefore become the basis for a fantastic trilogy.
The Tiger’s Apprentice is followed by Tiger’s Blood and Tiger Magic – and these offer plenty of visual and adventurous potential. Among other things, Tom’s journey takes him to the Dragon Kingdom deep at the bottom of the sea and to the front lines of a full-blown magical war. Excitement and breathtaking, mystical locations are therefore guaranteed.
The Legend of the Tiger is fantasy fodder for children, teenagers and all adults who need a little more dragons, phoenix fire and Chinese martial arts in their lives.
