Actor and martial artist Wang Baoqiang (Kung Fu Killer, Rising Shaolin: The Protector) is currently en route with his second turn at the helm with In The Octagon (a Google translation reads the characters via Chinese media reports as “In The Octagonal Cage”).
Wang’s In The Octagon centers on a coach’s efforts to train local orphans to become professional fighters in Chengdu, China. The film takes its cues from a real-life story back in 2017 when Chengdu-based Endo MMA, a gym reportedly launched in 2001 by a former police officer who is Tibetan, with the intended purpose of keeping young orphans away from a life of crime, instead drew controversy following the release of a viral video shortfilm documenting the fighting, which led to an investigation of the club.
Wang, who previously directed and co-wrote (and starred in) 2017 adventure comedy, Buddies In India, is starring as the protagonist of the film and has been working on the film since its official announcement in March. He is also directing from a script by Zhou Yunhai, and is fellow The Island cast mate Wang Xun (Legend Of The Naga Pearls), and actor Chen Yongsheng (Snipers).
The film is backed by Wuxi Baotang Film Co., Ltd., Tumusuke Sunflower Film Co., Ltd., Tianjin Maoyan Weiying Culture Media Co., Ltd., and Beijing Lehua Film Co., Ltd..
Read more at Tom Online.