Overseasidol.com — Renowned director Zhang Yimou has officially announced his latest film, Scare Out, which is scheduled to hit theaters during the Chinese New Year holiday in 2026.
The announcement, made on January 22, was accompanied by the release of a suspenseful release-date trailer titled “There Is a Spy” and a striking poster carrying the message “Don’t Leak the Secret,” instantly drawing widespread attention.
The film boasts an impressive all-star cast led by Yi Yangqianxi, Zhu Yilong, and Song Jia.
They are joined by Lei Jiayin and Yang Mi, with acclaimed actor Zhang Yi making a special appearance.
Liu Shishi and Liu Yaowen also take part as special cast members, further strengthening the film’s star power.
Scare Out centers on a high-stakes national security crisis involving the leak of classified information related to China’s latest fighter jet.
As the threat escalates, a state security task force launches a covert operation to track down the spy.
Set against familiar urban landscapes, the story unfolds into a tense and silent battle of wits, where loyalty and betrayal are dangerously intertwined.
The newly released trailer highlights a gripping “anti-spy” operation hidden beneath everyday city life.
This film marks a historic first for Chinese cinema, as it is the country’s first feature-length movie to focus on contemporary national security issues.
Created under the guidance of the Ministry of State Security, Scare Out aims not only to entertain but also to raise public awareness about counter-espionage and the importance of safeguarding national interests.
For Zhang Yimou, the project represents his first attempt at directing a modern national security thriller.
With Scare Out, Zhang once again brings a fresh theme and perspective to holiday audiences.
The cast has expressed excitement about the project’s unique subject matter.
Yi Yangqianxi shared that portraying his role deepened his respect for national security officers, describing them as people who uncover hidden dangers invisible to the public.
Zhu Yilong and Song Jia also praised the script for its originality, with Zhu noting that it was his first time encountering a modern state security theme in a feature film.
