Due to the strike of actors and writers in Hollywood, Statham was absent from the promotional event, according to Ying Xujun, president of CMC Pictures.

As one of the most sought-after actors in China, Wu is known for some of the country’s highest-grossing blockbusters, such as The Battle at Lake Changjin, Wolf Warriors II, and The Wandering Earth.

Speaking about China’s success in genres such as war and science fiction, Wu stated that the domestic industry still lacks influential monster thrillers, which was one of the major reasons that attracted him to join Meg 2.

Director Chen Sicheng, along with other film celebrities like director Guo Fan and actor-director Wang Baoqiang, attended the premiere, commenting that Wu’s character has a unique blend of an ordinary person and a typical Chinese hero.

Chen expressed his wish for Wu to be recognized by more foreign audiences as a Chinese action star, following in the footsteps of Jet Li and Jackie Chan.