Leap (film)


Leap is an upcoming Chinese biographical film directed by Peter Chan and starring Gong Li and Huang Bo. The film is based on the China women's national volleyball team's stories spread over more than 40 years. The film was slated for release in China on January 25, 2020, the first day of the Chinese New Year, but was withdrawn due to COVID-19 pandemic.
The film's Chinese title was originally named "China Women's Volleyball Team" but due to regulatory issues, was renamed as "Duo Guan" one day before pre-release sales started.

Cast

The cast consists of ten out of the 12 Olympic Gold medalists from the 2016 Rio Olympics squad appearing as themselves. Many other professional volleyball players were roped in to play characters in the movie. As the setter Wei Qiuyue was pregnant at the time of filming, current China Women's Volleyball team setter Yao Di was cast to act as Wei. Chen Zhan, a member of the 2014 World Championship squad, was cast to act as Sun Jinfang. Former Stanford volleyball player Bai Lang, who is Lang Ping's daughter, was cast to play young Lang Ping. Members of the Brazilian volleyball team were also roped in to act in the Rio Olympic games scene.

Production

director Peter Chan was signed to direct the film. Gong Li plays the female lead, Lang Ping, the current head coach of the China women's national volleyball team.

Release

Leap was scheduled for release on January 25, 2020, in China, but was withdrawn due to COVID-19 pandemic.