What's New in China: June 21

What's New is a recurring column that looks at the new films, music, books and DVD releases in and/or about Chinese mainland

Film: Independence Day - Resurgence

20 years after the events of the alien invasion mega-hit, Earth has seemingly recovered with newly installed systems in place to warn of any impending attacks. However, what they don't know is that the alien survivors from the first film has already called in more help for an even bigger attack armed with a powerful gravitational machine. Will Smith is notably absent but most of the original cast are back with Liam Hemsworth starring as the brash but skilled fighter pilot. Also, Angelababy makes an appearance as a fighter pilot and lieutenant. Released nationwide on June 24.

Film: Now You See Me 2

Those vigilante magicians The Four Horsemen are back a year after the events of the 2013 hit film. This time they're out to expose a shady tech magnate. While Isla Fischer is out, Lizzy Caplan fills in her spot alongside returning actors Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo and Dave Franco. Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine and Jay Chou round out the star-studded cast. Released nationwide on June 24.

Music: Hitobashira - The Famine

Formed just six months, the Shanghai metal group release their debut EP. Comprised of former members of PVA, the quartet shows off their brutal, rhythmic chops that have made them one of the shining lights in their hometown’s budding metal scene. Check them out at Inferno in Shanghai on June 25 for the album release show. Available on Bandcamp.

TV: Fresh Off the Boat

Le Eco’s latest streaming exclusive brings the first American sitcom to star an Asian-American family in 21 years to the Mainland. Based on celebrity chef Eddie Huang’s biography (although he’s since stopped being involved on the show), Fresh Off the Boat has been a critic’s favorite thanks to its spin on family sitcom tropes and its loving look at a big-city family settling in suburban Orlando during the mid-90s. Streamable at Le Eco, with first season episodes released every week.

For past What's New columns, click here.

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