Fantasy Journey for Jackie
Chan & Jet Li
HONG KONG The first film pairing of kung fu stars Jackie Chan and
Jet Li will tell the tale of an American teenager's fantasy journey
to ancient China to rescue a mythological monkey king, the film's
U.S. distributor said Wednesday.
"The Forbidden Kingdom" will start shooting May 2 in movie studios
in Hengdian, located southwest of Shanghai, and neighboring
locations, the movie's producer, Casey Silver, said in a phone
interview with The Associated Press.
The project has drawn attention because of the teaming of the two
stars but plot details have been scarce.
The story line originates from the classic Chinese novel "Journey
to the West," in which a monkey king helps guard a Buddhist monk
who searches for religious texts.
In this new version, the teenager, a fan of kung fu movies, travels
back in time after discovering the monkey king's stick weapon in a
Chinatown pawn shop, film distributor Lionsgate said in a news
release.
While Chan's and Li's roles are still under wraps, the film could
offer a sharp contrast of fighting styles. Chan is known for his
improvisational, defensive moves while Li tends to dominate his
on-screen opponents.
Famed kung fu choreographer Yuen Woo-ping, known for his work on
the "Matrix" trilogy, will design the action sequences in
"Forbidden Kingdom," and Rob Minkoff, who made "Stuart Little" and
"The Lion King," will direct the movie. Cinematographer Peter Pau,
who won an Oscar for his work on "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,"
will shoot the movie.
Both Chan and Li made their names in Hong Kong cinema before moving
on to Hollywood.
Chan was recently filming the third installment of the "Rush Hour"
series with Chris Tucker. Li's recent Hollywood credits include
"Cradle 2 the Grave" and "Kiss of the Dragon."