Following an epic press conference in Shanghai several days ago, the official word and details involving former heavy weight boxing champion-cum-actor Mike Tyson‘s involvement in the current production of the forthcoming threequel, Ip Man 3D starring returning action hero Donnie Yen. Tyson‘s involvement was initially reported back in March as principal photography began with word on the plot’s focus toward titular martial arts Grandmaster’s relationship with then young martial arts purveyor, Bruce Lee.
SHANGHAI, May 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson, invited by famous Chinese producer and entrepreneur Shi Jianxiang, officially joined the cast of Ip Man 3 on a press conference in Shanghai on May 6, 2015. The $36 million Kung Fu biopic reunites the team that made the first two movies, and is executive-produced by Shi, founder and CEO of Shanghai Kuailu Investment Group.
Martial artist Donnie Yen, who will reprise his role as Ip Man in the third installment, exchanged gifts with Tyson on Wednesday’s press conference. Tyson gave a boxing glove to Yen, who in return gave a set of mook jongs, or wooden dummies used in martial arts training. Executive producer Shi also sent a sword to Tyson, wishing him a thriving film career in China.
According to Shi, Tyson decided to come aboard right after a conversation with him on a Chinese Kong Fu movie earlier this year, when Shi was invited to Los Angeles for the Oscars and investment opportunities with Paramount Pictures. Tyson said he’s a big fan of Ip Man and has watched the first two movies more than three times each.
“I liked reading martial arts novels when I was a little child, and have been fascinated with Kong Fu since then,” said Shi. “I think of myself as macho, generous and bold, just like those novel characters. After talking with Tyson, I also found him warm and loyal to friends. That’s why we swore to be brothers.”
Ip Man (1893-1972) was a Chinese martial artist who popularized the practice of Wing Chun, a discipline specialized in close-range combat. One of his most famous pupils was Bruce Lee, who later developed his own discipline, Jeet Kune Do. Ip Man 3 focuses on the master-student relationship between Ip Man and Bruce Lee. But in the opinion of Shi, the movie is not just a story.
“The movie also conveys the spirit of emotion and justice,” said Shi. “This year marks the 70th anniversary of World War II, and the 110th of the founding of the Chinese film industry. I feel like I’m not only publishing a movie, but carrying forward the Chinese spirit as well.”
Tyson is set to have a significant role in Ip Man 3, playing a property developer who also happens to be a street fighter. He’s going to have some intense fighting scenes with Donnie Yen. Shi hopes that the introduction of Tyson can further facilitate the cultural exchange between China and U.S., especially in the film industry.
“I always have a dream about Chinese movies,” said Shi. “Chinese culture can provide such great raw ingredients, but we lack techniques and professionalism of production. By learning from the Hollywood, we can play a greater role on the world stage and make our voices heard.”
Shi said as China’s movies industry continuing to soar, it has drawn continued investment and more attention from overseas stars. In 2012, the Asian superpower overtook Japan to become the second largest film market worldwide, closing fast on the international movie giant the U.S. China’s box office grew 37% over the past year to $4.8 billion. Every day in China, 15 new cinema screens are added to the country’s huge collection of 25,000.
In this favorable environment, the previous Ip Man series produced by Pegasus Films chief Raymond Wong grossed $37 million worldwide, and created a sensation for a while among the audience. Shi is therefore optimistic about the box office prospects of Ip Man 3, which is tentatively scheduled for release in 3D in the first quarter of 2016.