China’s Web Novels Driving a New Entertainment Revolution Beyond ‘Ne Zha 2’
China’s entertainment landscape is being reshaped by the success of web novels and their adaptations. Companies like Yuewen are instrumental in this transformation, with a prediction that over 30% of new series in 2025 will be based on web literature. Notable authors like Cuttlefish That Loves Diving and JKS Manga exemplify this trend, showcasing universal themes that resonate internationally.
China’s entertainment landscape is undergoing a substantial transformation, largely influenced by the success of web novels and their dynamic authors. This shift is evident as homegrown productions begin to surpass Western films, fueled by increasing cultural pride and the innovative use of technology. Notably, companies like Yuewen have revolutionized content creation, adapting previously niche literary works into significant entertainment ventures on a global scale.
As stated by Hou Xiaonan, CEO and President of Yuewen, the characteristics of online literature—its strong pacing, imaginative concepts, and universal emotional themes—make it particularly well-suited for film and television adaptations. The impact of this trend is apparent, with the top Chinese TV series in 2024 all being adaptations of web novels, including titles such as “Joy of Life 2,” “The Legend of ShenLi,” and “The Double.”
Looking ahead, it is anticipated that adaptations from web novels will comprise over 30% of new series slated for release in 2025 across China’s prominent streaming platforms. Among these successful authors, Cuttlefish That Loves Diving, creator of “Lord of Mysteries,” stands out, achieving over 1.45 billion views. The adaptation of this work into an animated series is already generating excitement, with registration numbers on Tencent Video surpassing 830,000.
Cuttlefish emphasizes the significance of universal human emotions in storytelling: “Familial affection, friendship, love, compassion for the miserable, perseverance in upholding justice, and resistance against oppressors are key to global resonance.” This international appeal is exemplified by “Lord of Mysteries,” which has achieved over 50 million global subscriptions and cultivated a substantial following.
Moreover, JKS Manga, the author of “My Vampire System,” has also garnered immense success, with his work achieving over 400 million views and winning prestigious awards. His adaptation into an audiobook has amassed 243 million plays, and he illustrates how the evolving web novel landscape fosters greater opportunities for creators. “When these novels are adapted, we have greater development opportunities,” JKS Manga noted.
Translation plays a vital role in the appeal of Chinese web novels in the global market. Translators like CKtalon work meticulously to ensure the quality and accuracy of translations, often taking years to complete a single work due to the need for cultural and contextual understanding. CKtalon highlights the challenges of this rigorous process: “A book that could have been translated in a year might end up taking three years.”
Yuewen’s strategy focuses on leveraging web novels for broader intellectual property development, extending into various media formats such as audiobooks, animation, gaming, and merchandise. By November 2024, Yuewen had formed partnerships with numerous international players including Disney+, Netflix, and Naver, and successfully aggregated over 680,000 original web novels from around the globe.
Prominent adaptations include Paperboy’s “Guardians of the Dafeng,” successfully transformed into a popular TV drama featuring actor Dylan Wang, showing how web novels can generate multimedia franchises. The series achieved over 8.2 billion playbacks for its audiobook, highlighting the expansive reach of these stories.
Authors consistently attribute their global resonance to universal themes presented within culturally specific frameworks. For instance, Paperboy mentions that themes of logical reasoning and the pursuit of justice are not confined to cultural boundaries. Similarly, Heng Sao Tian Ya explains how the core themes from “Library of Heaven’s Path” translate universally, emphasizing the value of knowledge, which fosters its global understanding.
As web novels increasingly contribute to original content creation, they signify the evolving landscape of China’s entertainment industry. Such digital-first approaches may not only reflect China’s current environment but also pose a potential blueprint for the future of media on a global scale.
The emergence of web novels as a cornerstone of China’s evolving entertainment industry indicates a significant shift in how cultural narratives are produced and consumed. With adaptations dominating new series, the unique blend of universal themes with culturally rich contexts enables these stories to resonate globally. The supportive role of translators, along with strategic partnerships in the industry, further ensures that this trend will continue to thrive, foreshadowing a transformative era in media.
Original Source: variety.com
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