Buzz has been going around for a some time about the possibility of a film with both Jackie Chan and Jet Li. Today is the day, the project has officially been confirmed and we get the news from Variety:
Lionsgate has boarded martial-arts actioner “The Forbidden Kingdom,” which pairs Jackie Chan and Jet Li for the first time on the big screen.
Based on the Chinese legend of the monkey king, story revolves around an American teenager who discovers the king’s legendary stick weapon in a pawn shop. Teen is transported back in time to ancient China, where he joins a crew of warriors fighting to free the imprisoned king.
Li is set to play two roles, that of the monkey king and the silent monk. Chan will pay the monk T’sa-Ho.
I am a fan of kung fu action. These guys are both used to being the star in their respective films when it comes to martial arts mastery. When you pair the two together – it can only result in friendly competition of who can out kung fu who!
I have no doubt the violence will be be both over the top and delightful.
I am interested to see what the kings legendary stick looks like. Objects that act as portals through time and space should look either very badass or very plain. Will it be an ornate scepter or a piece of gnarled creepy driftwood?
Ancient China is where this movie should take place. I love the costumes and the Chinese architecture, and it is allows us to suspend belief more than if it were to take place in modern times. I lie to myself and think it to be natural for people to jump 20 feet in the air and punch holes through people – I assume that is the way it always was.
I consider this to be great news, and am anxious to see this film in the theater.
