After Vincent Zhao left the filming of the crime thriller Special Identity starring Donnie Yen, news about the film was tight. Soon after the incident, Yen called in three martial arts experts to replace Zhao: Andy On (Real Legend), Collin Chow (The Matrix Reloaded) and Ken Lo (Drunken Master 2). Since then, only a few frames have surfaced online, but nothing more.
Fortunately, we were able to contact On, who replaced Zhao, and get the latest news from him. If you're a fan of action films shot in the East, you've probably already heard of it or seen it on screen. If not, here's a quick summary...
Andy On is an Asian American originally from Providence, Rhode Island. He first came to prominence when he was chosen by Tsui Hark to replace Jet Li in the sequel to Black Mask, Black Mask 2: City of Masks.
Subsequently, he switched to roles of a different type: he played formidable villains who knocked the wind out of the industry's biggest movie heroes. He fought Jackie Chan in New Police Story, Donnie Yen in The Lost Bladesman and Vincent Zhao in True Legend. And now he will fight Ian again in Special Identity, this time using MMA.
In our interview, I asked him about how he got involved in the film to learn more about his role (whether he was replacing him or playing a new character), about the 10-minute fight scene at the end of the film, about his future projects, including including Once Upon a Time in Shanghai with Sammo Hung, and his current favorite pastime, playing Diablo 3.
How did you get involved with Special Identity?
Andy On: Donnie called me one day and wanted me to help him out. I was very excited and said “hell yes” without even knowing what it was all about.
There are many conflicting stories about your role, that is, whether you will replace Zhao's character or a new character will be created for you. What is your on-screen role? Can you share your thoughts on what will happen with the footage shot with Zhao's participation?
Andy He: After Mr. Zhao left, the manufacturers had to make a number of serious adjustments. I play the role of a gangster named Sunny, a new character that was added to the script. It's hard for me to say what exactly will happen to the episodes where Mr. Zhao starred.
Did you have any time to prepare for your new role, given the circumstances?
Andy On: Not really. I just packed my things and headed to Shenzhen. I spent several days preparing before filming.
Before that, you worked with both Vincent Zhao and Donnie Yen. If you don’t mind, can I ask you what you personally think about Zhao’s departure? Have you spoken to both of them about this?
Andy He: I guess some kind of misunderstanding cannot be resolved, that's why Mr. Zhao left. Naturally, curiosity got the better of me and I asked Donny what happened, but he said he regretted that he and Vincent never got to work together. I haven't talked to Mr. Zhao since the promotional tour for "True Legend."
I read that there will be a 10-minute fight between you and Ian. What can we as fans expect?
Andy On: It will be a street fight with no rules. Donnie Yen and his team put a lot of effort into creating this final fight scene. We both had to exchange a lot of punches, kicks, elbows and knees. Literally.
Do you like playing “bad guys” in films? One gets the impression that whenever a star from the “top echelon” of the Hong Kong/Chinese film industry needs a worthy villain-enemy, they call you. Will we be able to see you in positive roles in the future?
Andy On: I guess I'm damn lucky. He fought with almost all celebrities, including Jackie Chan. Isn't this the ultimate dream? I have a few projects coming up where I play the role of a “good guy”. But playing villains is certainly much more interesting. :D
IMDb states that you worked with Sammo Hung in Once Upon a Time in Shanghai. Can you tell us a little about this project?
Andy On: I didn't get to meet Sammo Hung on set because we didn't have a single scene together. I'm really looking forward to the release of Once Upon a Time in Shanghai. I think the audience will be in for a big surprise. With such a great cast, including Philip Ng, director Wong Chin Po, and, of course, myself, helping to make the rest of the cast shine on screen, not to mention Sammo and a whole bunch of other talent, the film is sure to be awesome.
What new projects are you working on now?
Andy On: I'm currently filming two films at the same time. One with Daniel Wu and the other with Nicholas Tse.
What martial arts did you start with? Judging by your Wikipedia biography, you started quite late, but were able to learn quickly.
Andy He: My first real martial arts training came after Tsui Hark decided it would be a good idea for me to stay in Shaolin for a month to get at least a basic knowledge of kung fu for the role of Black Mask. He also trained for two months for the role of Tank in Starry Messenger. I recently starred in the film Dante Lama, for which I had to study Brazilian jiu-jitsu. I was given two days to train. I learn fast. :)
I read that you often play video games. At the moment, which ones exactly?
Andy On: I'm still playing Diablo 3. I adore her.
Author: Senh Duong
Source: movieswithbutter.com
Translation: EvilDollaR
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Tags: Special ID, Vincent Zhao, Donnie Yen, Ken Lo, Colin Chow, Sammo Hung, Tsui Hark, Andy He
Tags: Special ID, Vincent Zhao, Donnie Yen, Ken Lo, Colin Chow, Sammo Hung, Tsui Hark, Andy He
If Shift and Caps Lock get stuck, you need to do something with the keyboard.
"What will we, fans of their work, do then?"
We'll watch the team men and watch the kung le :).
As they say, “there can be only One”. The Bieber, The Drew, The Justin. %)
PS Is this Hong Kong or kung fu/movie heroes?
hmm, I would like Andy to become a worthy replacement not only for Vincent Zhao, but in general...there is little charisma among the younger generation of GC action. when Sammo, Donny, Jackie retire... what will we, fans of their work, do then?