'Operation Doolittle' WWII Drama Heads to Busan With Cappu Films

"Operation Doolittle," a nine-episode, 60-minute China-U.S. World War II espionage drama, is heading to the Asian Contents & Film Market at the Busan International Film Festival, where Cappu Films will sell the title to international buyers.

The series is led by Edward Zhang ("Legend of the Demon Cat"), Casper Van Dien ("Starship Troopers," "Sleepy Hollow") and Jeff Fahey ("Alita: Battle Angel," "Lost"). Ning Chang ("Girls," "The Soul"), Morning Chang and Zhang Songwen complete the cast. Han Sanping, who previously ran China Film Group, acts as executive producer.

What is the show about?

The drama fictionalizes the Doolittle Raid of 1942. An American intelligence officer carrying the mission's secret bombing plans is shot down over a Japanese-occupied island near China's southern coast. A Chinese agent operating undercover inside the Japanese army teams up with a local military doctor to recover the plans, protect the operation and clear a route for Doolittle and his airmen to reach Chinese territory.

Dialogue runs in English, Chinese and Japanese. The series weaves battlefield action with a study of divided loyalties and the hazards of working undercover in hostile territory.

Who is behind it?

Longtime Chinese TV writer and producer Zhao Jun wrote all nine episodes. Zhao Yilong, a China-based director, and American filmmaker Shaun Piccinino share directing duties. The series first aired on Chinese screens earlier this year as "River Sunset" ("Chang He Luo Ri") before being recut for international release.

Why bring it to Busan?

Zhao positioned the project as a bridge between two wartime allies. "'Operation Doolittle' brings to life one of the most daring missions of World War II – the Doolittle Raid – and tells it from both Chinese and American perspectives," Zhao said. "At its heart is a remarkable story of two countries coming together in wartime."

Janice Woo of Cappu Films underlined the commercial pitch. "Its story of courage and trust across divided loyalties, together with its international cast, gives us much to share with broadcasters and platforms," Woo said. "We look forward to working with the producers to help the series reach audiences around the world."

What else is Cappu selling in Busan?

The sales agent's market slate also includes:

• "Fox Hunt," starring Tony Leung Chiu-wai
• "Ephemera," directed by Shan Jiang, a Tribeca selection
• "Banr," a Slamdance title from Erica Xia-Hou
• Martial arts feature "Lion Fist"
• Joy Hopwood's Australian dramedy "Her Last Laugh"
• Action comedy "Zombie Plane," with Vanilla Ice, Sophie Monk and Chuck Norris

The Busan market will be the first major test of whether a 1942-set wartime drama, recut from a Chinese hit, can land with global streamers and broadcasters.