Core Insights - The sequel to "Chinese Mythology," titled "Chinese Mythology 2," is set to launch on New Year's Day 2026, while the animated film "Wang Wang Mountain Little Monster," derived from "Chinese Mythology," will be released online on November 21, 2025, achieving a box office record of 1.717 billion yuan, making it the highest-grossing 2D animated film in history [1][3][4] - The cumulative sales of IP derivatives have reached nearly 250 million yuan, with over 40 co-branded products and more than 800 derivative items across various fields [1][3] - The project has highlighted an imbalance in the development of creators and IP, raising questions about whether the "Mythology Universe" can empower more works and creators [3][12] Development of "Chinese Mythology" - The first season featured 11 directors presenting eight stories, while the upcoming second season will include 12 directors and nine new stories, with a mix of returning and new directors [4][6] - The platform aims to provide an open space for aesthetic experimentation and narrative exploration for animation creators, with plans for more short stories and potential expansions into other artistic forms [6][12] IP Development and Commercialization - The disparity in IP development is evident, as only "Little Monster's Summer" achieved significant commercialization among the eight stories in the first season, with other stories seeing limited peripheral product development [9][10] - The emotional connection between the audience and the "Wang Wang Mountain Little Monster" IP has driven consumer interest in derivative products, with a proactive approach to commercial development initiated a year before the film's release [10][11] Challenges and Future Prospects - The current strategy of focusing on emotionally resonant stories may inadvertently disadvantage more experimental and author-driven works, raising concerns about the diversity of content creation [11][12] - While "Chinese Mythology" has sparked public discussion on original Chinese animation, the effectiveness of the platform in amplifying individual creators and building a robust IP matrix remains to be seen, with the second season expected to address these gaps [13]
IP开发失衡,“奇谭宇宙”不能只靠“浪浪山”
Xin Jing Bao·2025-11-20 08:09