The Great Wall 2 (2025)

What happens when one of television’s most iconic warriors crosses continents and timelines to defend an ancient empire? You get Xena: The Great Wall 2 (2025)—an epic fantasy-historical spectacle that combines the mythos of Xena with the grandeur of Imperial China. This is no ordinary sequel. It’s a full-throttle cultural crossover that delivers intense action, jaw-dropping visuals, and a warrior’s tale that spans borders, languages, and legends.

Picking up where the first installment (Xena: The Great Wall, 2022) left off, the sequel plunges us deeper into the heart of the Han Dynasty, where peace remains fragile and demons of the past return with vengeance. Xena, played once again with fierce charisma by Alycia Debnam-Carey, has stayed in the East, now acting as a battle commander and royal advisor to the young Empress Lin Mei (portrayed brilliantly by Liu Yifei). Together, they’ve built a fragile alliance between Eastern and Western warriors—but the threat that looms is anything but ordinary.

This time, the Great Wall isn’t just a defense against humans—it’s holding back something far older. A dormant army of spectral warlords known as the Ten Thousand Shadows, awakened by forbidden rituals, now threatens to engulf the empire in darkness. Only a warrior with a foot in two worlds—Xena—can stand in their way.

The scale of The Great Wall 2 is truly cinematic. Director Zhang Yimou, known for his visually stunning historical dramas, brings his signature aesthetic to the project—infusing every scene with grandeur and elegance. The battle choreography is breathtaking: from horseback sword duels on the steppes to vertigo-inducing fights atop the Wall itself, every movement is sharp, fluid, and impactful.

Yet, the heart of the film remains Xena herself. She’s older, battle-worn, and more introspective than ever. Alycia Debnam-Carey brings quiet vulnerability to the role, balancing Xena’s trademark sarcasm and strength with deep emotional depth. The trauma of endless war weighs heavily on her, especially as she faces a prophecy suggesting that she may be the very key to unleashing the final seal of the Shadow army.

Adding richness to the story is the dynamic between Xena and Empress Lin Mei. What started as a political alliance has deepened into mutual trust and respect—bordering on sisterhood. Their relationship is a refreshing departure from standard “mentor and student” tropes; instead, it’s two powerful women navigating love, duty, and legacy on equal footing.

Another highlight is the return of Gabrielle—Xena’s eternal companion—who arrives in the East after receiving omens in the West. Played by Anya Taylor-Joy, Gabrielle’s journey is one of transformation. She’s no longer the sidekick or peacemaker; she’s a warrior-philosopher whose beliefs clash with the brutal code of the imperial court. Her reunion with Xena is both touching and tense, especially as secrets from the past resurface.The film’s villain, General Zhen Long—an immortal warlord resurrected from the shadows—is suitably menacing. With a voice like thunder and a hunger for vengeance, he commands the undead legions with terrifying intensity. His connection to Xena’s forgotten past in the East adds layers of intrigue and emotional conflict.What Xena: The Great Wall 2 does particularly well is fuse mythology with grounded historical elements. The supernatural is ever-present—dragons, oracles, spirit gates—but it never overwhelms the human drama. The themes of identity, redemption, and sacrifice are universal, and they hit hard, especially as the climax nears.The final act is an all-out spectacle: a siege on the Great Wall from both outside and within, betrayal in the court, and a spiritual journey that forces Xena to confront her own darkness—literally. The ending is bold, emotional, and leaves just enough room for a third chapter.Of course, the film isn’t without flaws. Some secondary characters are underdeveloped, and the pacing occasionally dips during expository scenes about Chinese mythology. But these are small bumps in an otherwise gripping narrative.

 The Great Wall 2 (2025) is a powerful blend of epic storytelling, cultural fusion, and character-driven drama. It elevates the Xena franchise into new cinematic territory while staying true to its mythic roots. For fans of fantasy, history, and strong female leads, this sequel is an absolute triumph.

The chakram has flown far—and it has never cut deeper.