# Controversy over Wuhan lockdown film release

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/controversy-over-wuhan-lockdown-film-release
> Updated: 2026-10-20T13:37:47.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

The film ‘White-Clad Counterattackers’ (also referred to as ‘White-Clad Heroes’), directed by Dante Lam or Herman Yau and starring Andy Lau, is scheduled for release in mainland China on November 6. The production depicts the experiences of medical workers, patients, and residents during the 76-day COVID-19 lockdown in Wuhan between January and April 2020.

Although filming was completed in late 2020, the release has been delayed for nearly six years. The announcement has sparked significant debate and backlash among Chinese netizens. While the film is intended to pay tribute to those who supported one another during the crisis, critics have labeled the production as ‘outdated’ or ‘low-quality.’

Social media users have expressed reluctance to relive the ‘painful memories of the pandemic’ and the government’s response. Some critics have further alleged that the film focuses on heroic narratives while omitting controversial aspects of the lockdown period and the treatment of whistleblowers.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-20: Wuhan lockdown film ‘White-Clad Heroes’ sparks debate in China

A film about the 2020 Wuhan COVID-19 lockdown, ‘White-Clad Heroes’, faces mixed reactions in China ahead of its November release.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wuhan-lockdown-film-white-clad-heroes-sparks-debate-in-china

### 2026-10-17: White-Clad Counterattackers film set for November release amid netizen backlash

The COVID-19 themed film ‘White-Clad Counterattackers,’ starring Andy Lau, faces heavy criticism from Chinese netizens following its delayed release date of November 6.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/white-clad-counterattackers-film-set-for-november-release-amid-netizen-backlash

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Cite as: Controversy over Wuhan lockdown film release. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/controversy-over-wuhan-lockdown-film-release