Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force

Lore & Background

The film follows Jiang Ziya and Ji Fa as they gather civilians and Kunlun immortals to defend Xiqi from the Shang army. The body of Yin Jiao, former crown prince, is brought to Kunlun for resurrection, but his soul, filled with hatred for his father King Yin Shou, absorbs the Great Saint's power. King Yin Shou, resurrected by a fox spirit, commands Grand Preceptor Wen Zhong and his generals, including Deng Chanyu, to capture Ji Fa and Jiang Ziya.

Ji Fa refuses the king's demand to commit suicide, leading to battles where Xiqi's forces initially fend off attacks but are eventually overpowered. Jiang Ziya convinces Ji Fa to continue fighting. Yin Jiao kills the Four Demonic Giants, and Ji Fa offers to surrender to spare Xiqi. Deng Chanyu, disgusted by Wen Zhong's willingness to massacre innocents, helps Ji Fa escape. The Tongtian Cult Leader gives Shen Gongbao a gourd to create undead soldiers.

Wen Zhong uses a ritual to incapacitate Xiqi's defenders, but Jiang Ziya sacrifices himself to reveal Wen Zhong's location. Ji Fa and Deng Chanyu kill Wen Zhong, stopping the ritual. Yin Jiao travels to kill his father but is halted by the Tongtian Leader, who brainwashes him and presents him as a puppet to King Yin Shou and Daji.

Reader's Guide

Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force is significant as the middle chapter of a trilogy that adapts a classic Chinese novel, blending mythology with modern visual effects. The film features over 2,000 special effects shots and was shot back-to-back with the other two parts over 18 months. Its release on Chinese New Year 2025 positioned it in a competitive market, where it grossed $169 million—less than half of the first film's $369 million—trailing behind Ne Zha 2 and Detective Chinatown 1900. The film received generally positive reviews, with critics noting its ambitious action sequences and mythological creatures. The trilogy's production cost was estimated at CN¥ 2.4 billion, with total costs including marketing reaching CN¥ 3 billion. A sequel, Creation of the Gods III, was announced in April 2025 to be in post-production.

Did You Know?

• The film's English subtitle was changed from 'Demonic Confrontation' to 'Demon Force' at the suggestion of Taiwanese-American actor Fei Xiang.
• Visual inspiration for the demon generals came from Wu Daozi's painting 'The Eighty-Seven Immortals'.
• The character of Deng Chanyu was based on historical figure Fu Hao, a female Shang dynasty general.
• The film's release was delayed by a year due to the complexity of its visual effects.