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After being announced a while back that John Wick Co-Creator and 87Eleven action maestro David Leitch was eying to direct a movie adaptation of the popular 70’s martial arts show Kung Fu with David Carradine, there is more exciting news that should push the project into hyperdrive and excite action cinema faithful to tears of joy.
According to Deadline, international martial arts and action icon Donnie Yen (Ip Man, Sakra) has enlisted to star in the movie which definitely puts the movie on the fast track. Ed Spielman, who is the actual creator of the original Kung Fu television series, is set to oversee the production as an executive producer. Kelly McCormick, David Leitch, and Guy Danella are set to produce via their production banner 87North, and to make the remake even more enticing is the fact that Leitch himself is looking to direct the film.
Yen is, without a doubt, one of the most influential action stars of the last thirty plus years and he is still kicking it better than ever having poured out his best work recently in movies like Raging Fire and the critical and audience hit Ip Man franchise. He has also blown into mainstream Hollywood in such franchise as John Wick, xXx and Star Wars thus immortalizing himself as one of the most revered action and martial arts talents the world has ever known. Yen is a special talent and his skills have radiated behind the cameras as well having directed several films and worked as fight choreographer on countless projects that have brought action and martial arts cinema to the forefront.
“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,” Leitch stated in the article. “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.”
For those who may not be in the know, the original Kung Fu series starred Carradine as “a master martial artist who fled China after his master was murdered. He wandered the Old West helping the downtrodden and weathering rampant racism while eluding assassins trying to kill him. He was a peaceful man until provoked, which happened at least once an episode.”
Carradine would reprise his role in a sequel series in the 90’s called Kung Fu: The Legend Continues where his character solved crimes and helped the innocent with his long-lost son who was also a cop. The CW also resurrected Kung Fu a few years back with a female lead. This all-new remake is set to be delivered by Universal Pictures who has put out the recent output of 87North productions from Leitch including Hobbs and Shaw and Bullet Train.
Lock N Load for more exciting Intel to follow on Kung Fu and Donnie Yen as we are your destination for your Action Fix!
