Donnie Yen, star of movies including Ip Man and John Wick: Chapter 4, is taking on a classic martial arts role. According to a new report on Deadline Yen will play Kwai Chang Caine in a remake of Kung-Fu, the classic 1970s martial arts series that starred David Carradine.
Bullet Train director David Leitch, who also produced John Wick, is looking to direct the movie. Stephen Chin (War Dogs) will write the script.
“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 said in a statement. “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.”
Yen, who has starred in numerous martial arts films over the years, won acclaim for his role as Caine in 2023’s John Wick: Chapter 4. We wrote in our review, “Of all the excellent new additions to the cast, Donnie Yen’s Caine stands apart.”
Originally released in 1972, Kung Fu was a popular series about a Shaolin Monk wandering the Old West. Bruce Lee was reportedly considered for the original role, but ultimately passed over for Carradine. Carradine, who also starred in Kill Bill, died in 2009. Kung Fu has seen several revivals over the years, including a 90s cop drama titled Kung Fu: The Legend Continues, in which Kwai Chang Caine helps his son solve mysteries (yes, really).
As for the theatrical remake, it does not yet have a release date.
Kat Bailey is IGN’s News Director as well as co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat. Have a tip? Send her a DM at @the_katbot.
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