Exclusive ‘Kung Fu Man’ set pics

KUNG FU MAN, starring Yuen Woo-ping protégé Tiger Chen and Andre “Chyna” McCoy is currently in production and Danny Shamon has filed this report with exclusive behind-the-scenes pictures.

Tiger Chen on the set of KUNG FU MAN.

Principal photography commenced on KUNG FU MAN last week, and is scheduled to continue through January in various locations throughout China. The intricate plot details are currently a guarded secret, but look for exclusive kungfucinema.com reports in the future.

KUNG FU MAN stars Tiger Chen, who best known for his stunt work on THE MATRIX and CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON. Tiger also had roles in MATRIX REVOLUTIONS and UNLEASHED. With his skills honed by the master of action Yuen Woo-Ping, he is highly regarded as the next major action star. Tiger is versatile, athletic and energetic. Although KUNG FU MAN is his first acting role, Chen is absolutely ready for a masterful breakout performance as the main character Ping.

The lead female role in KUNG FU MAN belongs to the alluring, vivacious and talented Vanessa Branch. The sultry Branch, who is no stranger to action, worked on all three PIRATES OF CARIBBEAN movies, Command and Conquer Red Alert 3 video game, and the upcoming Dante’s Inferno video game. Branch’s stunning looks have also landed her in Maxim and Stuff Magazines, in addition to several national TV commercials. Branch’s character name in the film is Susan.

KUNG FU MAN is directed by Ying Ning. Virtually unknown by western audiences, her previous movie is the critically acclaimed, avant guard film, PERPETUAL MOTION. The unusual work follows the lives of four women on New Year’s Eve, with the protagonist intricately and subversively trying to find out which of the other three slept with her husband.

As with many Chinese produced films, a second director is used for all of the action sequences and choreography in KUNG FU MAN. Brother of Yuen Woo-Ping , Yuen Cheung-Yan expertly handles the intense action directing duties and reunites him with fellow MATRIX alumni Tiger, Chyna, and Daxing Cheng. The seasoned veteran Yeun has worked on more than 60 films, all throughout the world, with various sizes of budgets, including CHARLIES ANGELS, DAREDEVIL, and THE FORBIDDEN KINGDOM.

Andre “Chyna” McCoy (MATRIX, RED HERRING) plays the lead villain in KUNG FU MAN. Chyna’s strong features coupled with a commanding voice, bring out his natural ability to play antagonistic characters. Although officially an action comedy, KUNG FU MAN should bring out the intensity in Chyna’s acting arsenal. As of press time, specific details surrounding his character are perpetually evolving, even his character name is still a mystery!

Judging from the hi flying wire work involved, international cast, and well trained martial arts veterans, KUNG FU MAN is set to be a full force action film aimed at an international audience. The current release date is set for China next July.

- Danny Shamon

Tiger Chen performing wirework on the set of KUNG FU MAN.

Vanessa Branch on the set of KUNG FU MAN.

Andre “Chyna” McCoy and Vanessa Branch on the set of KUNG FU MAN.