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EXCLUSIVE: BHD – Vietnam Media has sold North American rights to upcoming martial arts epic Spirit Guardians – The Last Secret Of The First Emperor to U.S.-based Papaian Studios.
Paipaian has also taken rights for South America to the film, directed by Nguyen Phan Quang Binh and starring Vietnamese-American martial artist Johnny Tri Nguyen (Da 5 Bloods), who also serves as action director.
BHD said negotiations are also underway with Germany, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan and several other European territories following sneak showcases at the Cannes market and an event held at Ho Chi Minh City’s historic Post Office building.
“Local audiences and press are hailing the project as a ‘national film’, noting that its production scale – from the 10th-century world-building to visceral action – rivals the historical epics of China and South Korea,” BHD shared following the Ho Chi Minh City event.
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Papaian Studios, a faith-based media outfit based in Forth Worth, Texas, was one of four companies bidding for North American rights to the film. “It was difficult for us to make a decision since each of the companies has valuable skills and assets,” said Ngo Bich Hanh, Senior Vice President of BHD – Vietnam Media.
“This movie combines one of Vietnam’s highest ever production budgets with years of effort from the talented cast and crew. We hope it will be released in cinemas in as many countries as possible and very close to the local release date so that we can share our Vietnamese story with world audiences in the best possible way.”
Set in 10th century Vietnam, the film follows seven warriors on a secret mission to create a strategic diversion to ensure that the final resting place of Vietnam’s first Emperor remains an eternal mystery.
Johnny Tri Nguyen, who works on both U.S. and Vietnamese productions, oversaw a team of more than 100 stunt performers on the film, while the cast underwent seven months of training in authentic fight choreography ahead of a 83-day shoot.
The film’s 10th-century armour and other wardrobe were designed by Hollywood-based costume designer Bao Tranchi (The Greatest Beer Run Ever), heritage artist Mai Lâm and veteran Vietnamese costume designers Dai Viet Vo Bi and Binh Khi Viet.
In addition to Nyugen, the film’s cast includes Tuan Tran (Mai), Do Thi Hai Yen (The Quiet American) and other major Vietnamese actors including Thien Tu, Tu Long, Le Vu Long, Quach Ngoc Ngoan, Hua Vi Van, Le Minh Thuan and rising star Dang Tran. Martial artists appearing in the film include Diep Quang Binh, Hien Ngo, Dannis Nguyen and Nguyen Thuy Hien.
Spirit Guardians is set for a wide theatrical release in Vietnam on August 28, 2026, coinciding with the country’s National Day holiday.