Hollywood heavyweight Christian Bale is set to star in Zhang Yimou's upcoming film, "Nanjing Heroes," which deals with the Nanjing Massacre that occurred in 1937 when Japanese troops killed thousands of Chinese citizens in what was then the nation's capital.

Bale will play an American priest named John who helps a number of Chinese citizens escape what looks to be certain death, notes The Hollywood Reporter.

Yimou is considered one of China's most famous directors (his credits happen to include the mind-blowing 2008 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony) and he has already been nominated for an Academy Award, not once, but twice.

His 2002 film "Hero" earned a "Best Foreign Language" film nomination, and his 2004 "House of Flying Daggers" nabbed a "Best Achievement in Cinematography nod.

But an Oscar-nominated director and a fan-favorite actor aren't the only forces behind this new film. Throw in Dark Side FX—the special effects team responsible for the stunning visuals in "The Dark Knight" and "Saving Private Ryan"—and a $90.2 million budget… and you might just have some cinema magic brewing.

"Nanjing Heroes" will begin shooting in Jan. 2011 in a Republican Era replica church built near Nanjing.

If all goes according to Yimou's well laid plans, we shouldn't have to wait too long to see if Bale really is China's new hero.