It looks like Guan Yu is the new Ip Man. Chinese filmmakers have seized on the idea of creating films about the legendary Chinese general Guan Yu, which is somewhat reminiscent of the confrontation between two film adaptations of the biography of the Wing Chun master Ip Man from directors Wilson Yip and Wong Kar Wai, which will soon appear before audiences. Once again, Donnie Yen, being China's leading action hero at the moment, once again found himself in the spotlight when it came to casting for at least one of the films.
Felix Chong and Alan Mak are developing a project tentatively titled Guan Yun Chang, which will focus on Guan Yu's life during his capture by the general Cao Cao and his horseback journey, during which he will have to face various obstacles and ways to behead several generals.
Revered by all Chinese, Guan Yu is known for his red complexion, long beard and valiant use of a glaive called “Guan Dao” (Guan Dao / Guan Knife), which, according to legend, he invented himself.
In the project, work on which is scheduled to begin in March, Ian was offered the lead role. But the question is: will he be able to find time between other projects and ignore the distractions that come with being the most in-demand Asian actor. Work on “Ip Man” ended last year, and now Yen is filming “Legend of Chen Zhen” and is bombarded with a myriad of new offers.
“I don't know why many directors want to cast me as a folk hero or historical figure,” Yen told Chinese reporters. I heard that many people are making films about Guan Yu, and Louis Koo will be joining them. Simply charming... This is a very difficult role for me. I will have to act and film fights, so the pressure will be quite high. My schedule for the whole year is already fully booked, but they still send me so many new scripts that I can’t handle it.”
In addition to the Guan Yu film, Yen has been offered the lead role in a remake of the comic book adaptation of the fantasy action film A Man Called Hero and the role of the Monkey King in a new adaptation of the classic Journey to the West. He was also considered for lead roles in Peter Chan's Jungku: The Man From 18th Hell and Legend Of Saintly Physician Li, a film about the life of Dr. Li Shi -Wife (Li Shi-zhen) from the Ming Dynasty.
Benny Chan is going to make a movie about Guan Yu called “Legend Of Military God” with Louis Koo. Koo is known for his addiction to tanning beds and even confirms that he already looks somewhat like his character.
“Negotiations are underway about the project. The scenario is very tempting,” Koo said. I will play the role of Guan Yu. It is very difficult. My face is already quite tanned, so I can do without makeup. If so many directors want to make films about Guan Yu, it means that such topics are very popular. I’m not afraid of comparisons.”
The remaining two Guan Yu films were announced last year and are expected to begin production by the end of 2010. We are talking about “Military Saint Yun Chang” by Yang Zi and “Guan Gong” written by Liu Heng.
Author: Mark Pollard
Source: kungfucinema.com
I am waiting. I hope there will be something exciting.
I would like to mention Pasha as a person who has been an active participant in this project since…
Sad ending, albeit with a joke...
Added a video from the filming of "Twilight of the Warriors".