Donnie Yen Set to Star in a Film Adaptation of KUNG FU for Universal and David Leitch May Direct
Donnie Yen has signed on to star in a big film project at Universal Pictures, with a feature adaptation of the classic 70’s series Kung Fu. The film is being produced by John Wick and Bullet Train director David Leitch, who is also looking to helm the movie.
Stephen Chin (War Dogs) wrote the screenplay for the film, and Ed Spielman, the creator of the original Kung Fu television series, will executive produce.
Leitch said in a statement: “Donnie Yen is both an immensely talented actor and an action film legend, and it is a privilege to have a true martial arts master leading this global film. With Donnie in place as our leading man, it will be a thrill to collaborate with him, our creative partners, and Universal in reimagining this beloved story for the big screen.”
The Kung Fun series follows the adventures of Kwai Chang Caine (David Carradine), a Shaolin monk and martial artist, as he travels through the American Old West in search of his half-brother and seeks spiritual enlightenment along the way. The show explores themes of peace, tolerance, and self-discovery as Caine navigates a world filled with prejudice and violence while using his martial arts skills for self-defense and to help others in need.
Donnie Yen is one hell of a talented individual. It’s explained that “with his ground-breaking work on and off camera, Donnie Yen is among the exceedingly few actors of his generation to work at the highest levels of both the Chinese and Hollywood film industries, which the studio saw as a huge factor when they offered him the role.”
He’s going to be awesome in this movie and I can’t wait to see how it turns out. There’s no doubt were going to see him show off a lot of his insanely impressive martial arts skills.
Source: Deadline