#China #Beijing #iQIYI #The Shadow's Edge #Jackie Chan

iQIYI Amplifies Film Experience with 'The Shadow's Edge'

In a remarkable display of innovation, iQIYI, China's premier online entertainment platform, has achieved a significant milestone with the online release of its action-crime thriller, The Shadow's Edge. This film not only enjoyed a blockbuster theatrical run that grossed over RMB 1.2 billion but also made a stunning impact online, establishing iQIYI’s precedential success in cross-platform film distribution.

Launched on November 14, 2025, The Shadow's Edge immediately captured audiences' attention, securing top rankings on multiple viewership charts within the first week of its release. According to data from Enlightent, it topped both the "Theatrical" and "All Movies" categories for an impressive seven days straight, reflecting its popularity among viewers. With a content popularity index exceeding 8,400 and an outstanding user rating of 9.0, the film distinguished itself as a must-watch. Notably, it ranked No. 2 on iQIYI's overall "Hot Chart," trailing only behind the highly popular Ne Zha 2.

The allure of The Shadow's Edge partly stems from its star-studded cast, including renowned actors Jackie Chan, Zifeng Zhang, and Tony Ka-fai Leung. The film's engaging narrative follows an elite law enforcement team as they navigate a suspenseful chase through the vibrant streets of Macao. A reimagining of the 2007 classic Eye in the Sky, The Shadow's Edge delves deeply into themes of modern surveillance, human intuition, and the concept of justice, resonating remarkably with both critics and audiences. This multifaceted storyline has notched up a vibrant online engagement, generating over 200,000 bullet screen comments and more than 10,000 viewer messages.

The online release strategy not only revitalized interest in the film but also kindled meaningful discussions among fans regarding its intricate plot and cinematic components. Observers noted that as audiences revisited scenes or shared their thoughts online, they contributed to a new wave of enthusiasm surrounding the film, inspiring others to tune in.

As the first title under iQIYI’s ambitious “Blockbuster Initiative,” The Shadow's Edge signifies a pivotal moment for the company, intertwining cinematic artistry with digital innovation. This initiative highlights iQIYI’s commitment to investing in high-quality and conceptually rich productions, while utilizing cross-platform distribution strategies — a combination that allows films to thrive beyond their initial box office performance. By sustaining audience interests and loyalty long after the credits roll, iQIYI is working to create lasting value and engagement in the viewing experience.

Building on The Shadow's Edge’s success, iQIYI's online platform has demonstrated remarkable consistency in retaining its top viewership market share, holding it for 15 consecutive quarters as of Q3 2025. Offering a diverse range of titles—including other blockbusters like Ne Zha 2—iQIYI's expansive library reinforces its position as a leading digital platform. Additionally, the innovative revenue-sharing model introduced in the past few months is enabling several films with modest theatrical returns to find a new life online. For example, the recently released title A Cool Fish 2 generated substantial online revenue of over RMB 18 million shortly after its debut.

Through The Shadow's Edge, iQIYI continues to push boundaries, creating an interactive platform that energizes both existing fans and new viewers. The film sets a precedent not only by bridging the gap between the traditional big screen experience and the modern streaming era but also by proving audiences are eager for compelling storytelling that transcends the formats through which they consume media. iQIYI demonstrates that with thoughtful execution, a film can maintain its relevance and flourish in the digital landscape.

As iQIYI moves forward with its vision, the success of The Shadow's Edge stands as a testament to the potential of cinema in a rapidly evolving digital world and reaffirms audiences' passion for imaginative narratives that invite them to engage and discuss.