I know it sounds pretty mundane to address things happening for actors as “big things” since big things already happen for folks who step into the limelight in film. It comes with the territory, especially if your name is Jet Li and your career spans worldwide in several areas, film and television, as well as philanthropy. But without a doubt, Li seems to be elevating a little more as of late, due in part to his business relationship and longstanding friendship with fellow Buddhist and Tai Chi practioner, Jack Ma, billionaire owner of e-commerce company, Alibaba Group Holdings.
Following Alibaba’s acquisition of multimedia film and TV production company, ChinaVision Media Group Ltd. back in March for $804 million dollars, both companies are making it official this month with ChinaVision set to change its name to Alibaba Pictures Group, with Li joining the latter as an independent board director. The move comes as part of Alibaba’s initiative to act on its blueprint for expansion with four tentative goals:
-TV and film production based on cloud-computing and data gathering for target audiences as per Alibaba’s E-business platform
-Suitable content creation based on regional audience preferences
-Marketing and distribution through Alibaba
-Establishment of e-commerce platforms for promotion and sales of different cultural and entertainment products.
There are more specifics to this particular venture as we go into the month, so it remains to be seen what Li will be doing during his tenure here. Rest assured, this is a pretty neat move for Li, who has been slowly backing away from doing a lot of action-heavy roles and strenuous physical training due to his current battle with hyperthyroidism. He’s done a lot of work to attain the fanbase he’s earned over the last several decades, between Hong Kong and Hollywood, and needless to say, another successful milestone for the 51-year old superstar wouldn’t hurt.
Li was last announced to appear in director Wilson Yip’s new 3D project, The Investiture Of The Gods, in addition to word that director Rob Cohen has shown interest in reuniting with his fellow The Mummy: Tomb Of The Dragon Emperor (2006) co-star for the newly announced Hollywood/China co-production, Marco Polo, set to start shooting later this year.
Li is expected to appear in director Patrick Hughes’ upcoming film, The Expendables 3, this August.
Stick around for more info.
