THR‘s Patrick Brzeski’s latest report reveals a first look at sales art for one of action star Donnie Yen’s newest tentpole ventures, Śakra, reteaming him with mega producer Wong Jing (Chasing The Dragon) for an adaptation of 1963 Chinese wuxia best-seller, “Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils”.
Yen will star as martial arts master Qiao Feng, one of the central figures of the Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils story universe. The actor envisions Śakra as a potential franchise starter, with the book’s many sub-plots and compelling characters ripe for further big-screen adaptation.
Steve Cheng will direct for production company Wishart whose chairman, Weijie Zhu (Ash Is The Purest White) is presenting. Yen will also exec produce the pic which is set to roll cameras in July in time for a 2023 Chinese New Year release. Plus Entertainment Limited is handling international sales.
Yen will next appear in Law Chi Leung’s rescue thriller drama, Come Back Home, and in Lionsgate’s March 2023 release of John Wick: Chapter 4.