The latest cinematic telling of the life and legend of martial arts master and healer Wong Fei-Hung has some new production and distribution participants in its midst with news that the folks Universal Pictures International are joining in as co-producers and majority international rights holders of director Roy Chow‘s new film, Rise Of The Legend. The new film stars Unbeatable lead, actor Eddie Peng in the title role, whose image can be now seen in the newest sales banner courtesy of Deadline:
The film is produced by Bill Kong with a script by Christina To, featuring Peng who follows in the footsteps of previous martial arts cinema icons and written Chinese novels dating back to the 1930’s. The lead actor is joined by co-star and producer Sammo Hung, with Wang Luodan, Jing Boran, Wong Cho Lam and SPL 2 co-star Zhang Jin, in addition to actor Tony Leung Ka-fai and actress Angelababy. In a statement, Kong expressed his hopes of gaining similar ground in the same fashion Edko did with To’s previous writing on helmer Ronny Yu’s 2006 Huo Yuanjia biopic, Fearless. “We think western audiences will respond to Rise Of The Legend just as strongly as they did to Fearless.” he says. “We are confident Rise Of The Legend will revive the kung-fu genre and the modern Wong Fei Hung character portrayed by Peng Yuyan will appeal to moviegoers of all ages, local and abroad.”
The film is expected to release later this year. Stay tuned for updates and teaser trailer news.
Special thanks in part to Marcus Rivera for the update!