Actor Donnie Yen is reunited with the producers behind John Wick for a film reboot of the series Kung Fu. Yen is best known for his work in action films such as the IP Man franchise and John Wick: Chapter 4. In the latter film, Yen played a blind assassin named Caine, who is determined to find and kill the titular protagonist, John Wick.
As reported by Deadline, Yen is now set to star in a movie adaptation of the TV series Kung Fu. It will be produced by John Wick company 87North alongside Universal Pictures. Kung Fu will be directed by David Leitch, written by Stephen Chin, and produced by Leitch, Kelly McCormick, Guy Danella, Stephan L’Hereaux, and Ed Spielman.
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Why This Kung Fu Adaptation Is A Good Idea
Kung Fu was originally a 1970s TV series that focuses on a martial artist who fled to China after his master was murdered. The series had three seasons and ran on ABC from 1972 to 1975. The story was later continued in multiple forms, including Kung Fu: The Movie and the TV series Kung Fu: The Legend Continues. Leitch’s movie will be the second remake of the series, which got a 2021 reboot on the CW, also called Kung Fu.
Leitch’s Kung Fu film adaptation is doing right by casting Yen in the lead role. Yen is a multinational superstar, having gained success in both Chinese and American films, and is a great leading man for the martial arts drama, as he is a recognizable face with considerable skill. Leitch recognizes Yen’s prowess, referring to him as “both an immensely talented actor and an action film legend.”
Kung Fu is also doing well by including Spielman, the creator of the original TV series, as a producer. While the Kung Fu film will hopefully correct some of the original show’s shortcomings — including the whitewashing of its leads — it will still get to hear the input of one of the creative forces driving the original narrative. With a great star and a strong behind-the-scenes team, Kung Fu is set to be a great feature film take on a classic TV narrative.
Kung Fu
Kung-Fu is a reimagining of the 1970s martial arts adventure television series that initially starred David Carradine. The new incarnation of the series follows Nicky Shen, a college dropout/outcast with an incredible talent for martial arts living in San Francisco. Using her skills, she’ll fight back against the rampant crime and corruption to protect her home, while preparing herself to face off with a deadly assassin responsible for the death of her former teacher.
- Release Date
- April 7, 2021
- Cast
- Tzi Ma , Eddie Liu , Tony Chung , Shannon Dang , Vanessa Kai , Kheng Hua Tan , Gavin Stenhouse , Olivia Liang
- Seasons
- 3
- Writers
- Greg Berlanti
- Network
- The CW
- Streaming Service(s)
- HBO Max
- Directors
- Greg Berlanti
