Classic TV series Kung Fu had long been in the works for a remake/reboot of some kind until the CW network landed its own iteration starring actress Olivia Liang for a three season run. That show is streaming on Max and my reaction is here if you’re curious, while the word from Deadline is that Donnie Yen has been tapped to star in the project which has since moved to Universal Pictures and David Leitch and Kelly McCormick’s 87 North.
The news on Wednesday marks the latest update on the project succeeding a concept originally birthed by screen legend Bruce Lee that was retooled for its 1972 premiere featuring David Carradine, who continued the TV saga alongside Chris Potter in “Kung Fu: The Legend Continues”. As Deadline’s Justin Kroll reports, Leitch is eyeing the director’s chair for the project adding to his ample resumé in stunts and action, shepherding 2015’s John Wick with Chad Stahelski, and solo-directing Atomic Blonde, Deadpool 2, Fast And Furious Presents: Hobbs And Shaw, and Brad Pitt starrer, Bullet Train.
Yen will star from a script by Stephen Chin (War Dogs), and with McCormick and Leitch, and Guy Danella producing through 87North next to Stephen L’Hereaux. Original series creator Ed Spielman is exec producing.
“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,” said Leitch 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.”
I won’t be surprised if supposed news on other projects with Yen attached is slow to pass going forward. As of last year the Sakra star/director and John Wick Chapter 4 co-star filmed crime thriller Misjudgement and is also tapped to star in a sequel to 2007’s Flash Point as well as a fifth entry into the Ip Man franchise. He’s also long been a hopeful to star in the live-action take on hit video game Sleeping Dogs. Not sure if that one’s gonna come to pass, so we’ll see.
Read more at Deadline.
Lead pic: Mandarin Motion Pictures/Well Go USA
