Netflix has released the main trailer and key art for its upcoming fantasy action series Agent from Above, offering a first look at a story that reinterprets Taiwan’s temple culture and spiritual traditions through a contemporary lens.
The trailer introduces a visually rich world where traditional beliefs surrounding the worship of the Third Crown Prince intersect with a modern-day battle between human and spirit realms. Drawing heavily from Taiwanese folklore, the series combines action, mythology and contemporary storytelling to create a narrative rooted in real cultural practices.
Director Kuan Wei-chieh said the team undertook extensive research to ensure authenticity, visiting temples and engaging with spirit mediums to understand the practices and belief systems that shape the story. “Agent from Above isn’t a completely fictional fantasy,” he explained. “It’s rooted in real Taoist beliefs and temple culture in Taiwan, which audiences here know intimately. Because of that, we couldn’t simply replicate what already exists; we had to reinterpret and recreate it.”
Kuan added that deeper exploration of the Third Crown Prince’s legends informed a more nuanced portrayal of the deity. “He’s youthful, but that doesn’t mean inexperienced,” he said. “If the Third Crown Prince existed in today’s world, He might be highly attuned to trends — even a little rebellious or punk. That’s the version audiences see in the trailer.”
Director Lai Chun-yu, along with lead actors Kai Ko and Wang Po-chieh, also immersed themselves in temple culture, visiting shrines dedicated to the Third Crown Prince in Taipei. Their observations of rituals and interactions between mediums and deities helped shape the modern interpretation of the characters, including how they might behave and interact in today’s world.
The story follows Han Chieh, played by Kai Ko, who becomes the spirit medium of the Third Crown Prince after being spared from hell and given a second chance to atone for past mistakes. Tasked with resolving supernatural disturbances, he battles vengeful spirits while navigating encounters with a range of eccentric supernatural figures, including a lecherous ghost and two sharp-tongued grandmother spirits, adding humour to the otherwise intense narrative.
The plot takes a darker turn as Wu Tian-chi, played by Hsueh Shih-ling, initiates a plan to resurrect the Demon King of the Sixth Heaven. The plan requires a human medium to break the demon’s seal, a role taken up by cult leader Chen Chi-sha, played by Chen Yi-wen. As the demon’s power begins to rise, a confrontation between Han Chieh and Chen Chi-sha unfolds, with large-scale action sequences featuring supernatural forces clashing across realms.
Reflecting on the experience of filming these scenes, Chen Yi-wen said, “Kai Ko and I became friends through our fight scenes. Chen Chi-sha and Han Chieh have many battles together, so while rehearsing the choreography, we gradually grew more familiar. After filming wrapped, we were even called back to reshoot a fight scene and spent three more days on set covered in battle wounds — which only made us closer.”
The newly released key art reflects the tone of the series, featuring dark violet hues, a crimson full moon and dramatic visual elements that underscore the looming conflict. The Third Crown Prince is depicted with a modern, rebellious aesthetic, while Han Chieh stands at the centre holding the radiant Qiankun Hoop. Supporting characters, including Yeh Tzu and detective Chang Min, appear alongside the central conflict, with antagonists positioned prominently to signal the impending battle.
Directed by Kuan Wei-chieh and Lai Chun-yu, the series is executive produced by Melvin Ang and Rita Chuang. The cast includes Kai Ko, Wang Po-chieh, Hsueh Shih-ling, Buffy Chen, Johnny Yang and Chen Yi-wen, among others.
Blending traditional folk beliefs with modern fantasy, Agent from Above follows Han Chieh’s journey as he confronts supernatural forces, uncovers hidden truths and navigates the balance between the human and demon realms.
The series is set to premiere globally on 2 April.
About Author
Leave a Reply