By Mark Pollard | Published January 26, 2010

It looks like Guan Yu is the new Yip Man. Chinese filmmakers are scrambling to produce multiple films about legendary Chinese military general Guan Yu even as IP MAN 2 and THE GRAND MASTER, dueling biopics of Wing Chun grandmaster Yip Man from directors Wilson Yip and Wong Kar-wai are preparing to be to released. And once again Donnie Yen, China’s current leading action icon, is at the center of attention when it comes to casting, at least for one of them.

Felix Chong and Alan Mak are developing the tentatively titled GUAN YUN CHANG, which focuses on one portion of Guan Yu’s life where he was held captive by warlord Cao Cao and went on a journey by horse to face various obstacles and behead several generals along the way.

Guan Yu is an icon and revered historical figure in China, well known for his ruddy complexion, full beard and prowess with the long-handled blade known as a guan dao for which, according to legend, he invented.

Yen has been offered the lead in the production which is scheduled to begin shooting in March. But how he will find time in between other projects and the distractions that come with being one of the most sought after leading men in Asia is anyone’s guess. Although shooting on IP MAN 2 ended last year, he’s also starring in THE LEGEND OF CHEN ZHEN and has countless offers pouring in for more films.

“I don’t know why so many filmmakers want me to play folk heroes or historical figures,” said Yen when speaking to Chinese press. “I have heard that many are shooting Guan Yu films, and Louis Koo would be joining one. Very fascinating… To me, this is a very challenging role. I’d be acting and action directing so the pressure is quite big. My schedule is already fully packed this year but I’m still getting new scripts, more than I could handle.”

In addition to the Guan Yu film, Yen has been offered the lead in a remake of the comic-to-film fantasy actioner A MAN CALLED HERO and the role of the Monkey King in a new adaptation of the literary classic “Journey to the West.” He’s also being considered for lead roles in Peter Chan’s JUNGKU: THE MAN FROM 18TH HELL and LEGEND OF SAINTLY PHYSICIAN LI, a film on the life of Ming Dynasty-era doctor Li Shi-zhen.

Benny Chan is planning to direct a Guan Yu film called LEGEND OF MILITARY GOD with Louis Koo in talks to star. What’s funny about this is that Koo is well known for his addiction to tanning salons and even admits himself that he already looks the part.

“I’m in talks about this project right now. The script is a big draw,” Koo said. “I’m to play Guan Yu. Very challenging. My face is pretty tan, don’t need make-up. If there are many filmmakers wishing to make a film on Guan Yu, it means this subject is very popular. I don’t fear comparisons.”

Two other Guan Yu films that have been announced in the last year and are planned for production by the end of 2010 include Yang Zi’s MILITARY SAINT YUN CHANG and GUAN GONG which is written by Liu Heng.

Source: Wu-Jing.org

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Donnie Yen  •  Guan Yu  •  upcoming