Sci-fi treat

For Chinese fans of monster-themed sci-fi films, the upcoming blockbuster Pacific Rim Uprising will be a treat.

The sequel to the 2013 hit Pacific Rim, the first Hollywood import to earn more in China than North America, the new installment features many Chinese elements.

Actress Jing Tian, known for the Sino-American fantasy epic The Great Wall, and martial arts actor Zhang Jin, are in the cast, which also has John Boyega, Scott Eastwood and Cailee Spaeny.

Set in 2035, the story is about a conflict between human-piloted super-robots and otherworldly monsters.

The fate of humanity lies in the hands of pilot Jake Pentecost and his estranged sister, who team up. The film will be simultaneously released in China and North America on March 23, in multiple formats including 2-D, 3-D, Imax and Dmax.