Producers Jon Jashni, Scott Mednick, Thomas Tull and Vincent Newman are reportedly looking for a new director to help revamp current efforts to bring the classic martial arts TV series, Kung Fu, to the big screen. The news comes accompanied by reports on Friday that after several years of lingering announcements, Universal Pictures and Legendary Pictures are officially moving forward with the project.
The name refers to the original ABC television series that ran from 1972 through 1975 which starred late actor David Carradine as Kwai Chang Kaine, a shaolin monk who initially ventures out to the 18th century old West in search of his brother. The series was then followed by two feature films and a spin-off television show titled Kung Fu: The Legend Continues, co-starring Chris Potter. In an interview last year, Bill Paxton stated he was attached to helm the picture following an announcement in 2011. Friday’s updates insist this is no longer the case, as well as the need for a new director to help restructure the vision for the new film before any new writers are attached.
Kung Fu obviously is not the first classic television show to be adapted for a contemporary theatrical reimagining, and in this day and age, it likely will not be the last. I admit, my own experience of this show largely dates back to the spin-off, although I am familar with its look. But, I suppose the big question is if Universal and Legendary can deliver, particularly since neither studio are strangers to the martial arts genre, and Universal’s most recent effort in Keanu Reeves’ directorial debut, Man Of Tai Chi has earned some pretty favorable reviews and opinions among fans. Although fans usually tend to get skeptical with reboots and remakes, some do manage to deliver while others tend to flounder under critical heat.
For me, I’m willing to see what happens next. I personally prefer to believe that some studios are learning their lessons when it comes to making a martial arts action movie. And of course, more results and details are needed to earn our collective appeal, and that means learning just who Universal and Legendary will hire to direct and star in this picture.
As always, time will tell, and I’m cautiously optimistic. But what do you think? Share your thoughts in the comment section below or on our Facebook page!
H/T: The Tracking Board via ComingSoon.net