Finnish filmmaker Renny Harlin reflected on his six-year experience working in China and the evolving landscape of the film industry during a recent interview ahead of the premiere of his new thriller, *Deep Water*. The director, known for 1990s Hollywood hits such as *Die Hard 2* and *Cliffhanger*, spent an extended period in China following his collaboration with Jackie Chan on the 2016 buddy comedy *Skiptrace*.

Harlin described his initial visit to China as transformative, citing the country’s distinct cultural approach to storytelling and audience expectations, which often emphasize emotional depth and humor. Although he had not intended to remain in China, the success of *Skiptrace* and his efficient production methods led local producers to encourage him to stay. During his time there, Harlin directed the 2018 video game adaptation *Legend of the Ancient Sword* and the 2019 crime thriller *Bodies at Rest*, a Hong Kong-mainland co-production.

The director highlighted the rapid growth of the Chinese film industry during his tenure, noting a period when Hollywood productions were grossing hundreds of millions of dollars in China. However, he acknowledged that the market dynamics shifted dramatically after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent political developments, which stalled many international co-productions and limited the release of Hollywood titles in China.

Since returning to Finland in early 2020, Harlin incorporated elements of his Chinese experience into *Deep Water*, which features a plane crash near Guam and intensifying threats from circling sharks, evoking the spirit of his 1999 thriller *Deep Blue Sea*. The film’s script integrates Chinese characters, played by actors Li Wenhan and Rosie Zhao Simei, with Harlin drawing on his understanding of Chinese cultural norms, particularly around expressions of affection, to shape the narrative.

Harlin also shared his perspective on the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in filmmaking, particularly in China. He expressed support for embracing AI as a future-oriented tool, emphasizing its potential to reduce production costs and simplify complex scenes through digital effects. Nonetheless, he expressed reservations about creating entirely digital actors, underscoring the importance of human storytelling. He encouraged young professionals entering the industry to develop expertise in AI technologies to remain competitive.

Reflecting on his past work, including the costly production challenges faced during *Cutthroat Island* and *Die Hard 2*, Harlin noted how advancements in technology, such as digital environment creation, have transformed traditional filmmaking methods. He views AI not as a threat to cinematic narratives but as an inevitable development that will reshape industry employment and production processes.

Harlin’s upcoming project, *The Beast*, a political thriller starring Samuel L. Jackson, has completed filming. Meanwhile, *Deep Water* is slated for release in China in the coming months, where its performance could significantly impact its financiers. Harlin has not ruled out the possibility of returning to China for future projects, expressing continued admiration for its culture and film industry.