by kmiller
It looks like this week is going to be just crazy with announcements for new films (and hey, I’m not complaining.)
The first project that I want to talk about is called White Tiger. There are a lot of names attatched to the film, but people are getting excited over the fact that Cynthia Rothrock and Don Wilson will be appearing onscreen for the first time in 8 years. Rothrock will play the main villain while Wilson will be teaming up with Matt Mullins (who will play the lead.)
Several other big names are attached to the project, including Joe Lewis, Kazu Tang from Raging Phoenix, and Thai actress Yui. Toby Russell directed the film, which was shot in Thailand and Papua New Guinea. Post-production has started on the film, which is slated to release later this year.
While I’m all for seeing familiar faces on the screen, I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was a little worried. A lot of stars are stepping back into the spotlight, and I’m not saying these stars haven’t been working since their debuts. There is just this question of “are they still up to it?” Some stars have proven audiences wrong while others seem to simply have run out of steam. I’m really hoping that this collaboration will wow us like films used to.
Next up is news that Kamala films has gotten the rights to Lone Wolf and Cub. Some of you may be familiar with this manga while others may be left in the dark. Lone Wolf and Cub was originally a manga by Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima that revolved around a elite executioner during the Edo period. He is wrongly accused of a crime and discovers that his wife has been murdered, forcing him to flee with his 3 year old child and become an assassin for hire.
As for the recent acquisition, Jeremy Lin has been announced as the director while David and Janet Peoples will be penning the script. Given that the pair has written excellent films like 12 monkeys, Bladerunner, and Unforgiven, there is a good chance that the plot can be compelling. Lin did a decent job as director in Fast Five, and I’m curious to see what direction he goes with this film.
Admittedly, I haven’t seen the films or read the comics before, but I know of people that hold this series in high regard. Given how many remakes are out there right now, I hope that this isn’t a senseless cash-in, but a true homage to the original source material. I don’t know who will play the assassin, but I really hope they keep the spirit of the manga intact. Without that, a lot of fans are going to be upset.
Sources: kungfucinema, twitch, and impactonline
