Lucy Liu’s ‘The Pirate Queen’ Expands With Graphic Novel, New Game and International Tour as Creator Eloise Singer Joins BAFTA Breakthrough Cohort (EXCLUSIVE)

Actress and producer Lucy Liu alongside writer-director Eloise Singer are advancing their immersive storytelling project, “The Pirate Queen: No Safe Waters,” with plans for an international tour slated for next year. This extension of their creative partnership builds upon their previous virtual reality work centered on Cheng Shih, an influential 18th-century Chinese pirate leader.

The narrative focuses on Cheng Shih’s remarkable leadership and strategic prowess during a period when women, particularly Asian women, were often marginalized or misrepresented in historical accounts. Liu and Singer's retelling emphasizes her political acumen, resilience, and the respect she commanded through negotiation and tactical skill, challenging longstanding stereotypes.

The initial VR experience debuted in 2024 and received notable acclaim, including an Emmy nomination. This year, a new iteration of the project was showcased at the Cannes Film Festival in its Immersive Competition, marking a shift from a headset-based experience to a shared physical environment. The upgraded format immerses audiences amid vivid projections, soundscapes, and interactive elements, such as simulated storms and mythical imagery, enhancing the sense of presence without featuring Liu on screen.

Liu contributes as both narrator and producer, bringing a nuanced vocal performance that guides the audience’s emotional journey and spatial awareness within the immersive space. She articulates how this format demands a different form of storytelling, where voice replaces visual subtleties to construct atmosphere and subtext.

Eloise Singer, who has dedicated a decade to developing “The Pirate Queen,” highlights the collaborative nature of their work, noting how the story has evolved across multiple media. Alongside the immersive experiences, they have co-written a graphic novel and are currently developing a new game, all designed to expand the storyworld and provide diverse entry points for audiences.

Singer’s efforts were recently recognized with her inclusion in the 2026 BAFTA Breakthrough U.K. cohort, particularly for her innovative work in immersive gaming with “No Safe Waters.” This accolade, supported by Netflix, underscores the growing acknowledgment of immersive storytelling within mainstream entertainment sectors.

The BAFTA selection represents a milestone for Singer, who sees it as validation of immersive projects as viable and compelling narratives distinct from traditional film and television. She expresses optimism about the increasing interest in immersive formats and the potential for sustainable creative careers in this emerging field.

For Liu, immersive storytelling represents both an evolution of cinematic language and a novel form of audience engagement. The format invites active participation rather than passive observation, redefining the relationship between viewer and story. This dynamic landscape is still being explored, making projects like "The Pirate Queen" pioneering examples of contemporary narrative innovation.

Singer’s background spans film and television, yet she remains committed to stories that spotlight unconventional figures, especially those historically overlooked or underestimated. Her ambition is to continue exploring such narratives within immersive contexts and scripted projects alike, finding fresh ways to bring complex characters and histories to life.

As “The Pirate Queen” expands through its upcoming tour, graphic novel, and game development, it exemplifies a multifaceted approach to storytelling that unites technology, history, and creative vision. While specific details about locations and release dates for the tour remain limited, the project’s trajectory signals a robust future for immersive experiences in the entertainment industry.

Together, Liu and Singer are not only celebrating a formidable historical figure but also challenging the boundaries of how stories can be told and experienced in the 21st century.