With a film based on one cult TV series on the way, it appears that David Leitch is not done digging into nostalgia for movies. He and his 87North production partners are now developing a film based on 1970s series Kung Fu, with Donnie Yen lined up to star.
Stephen Chin has written the script for the new film, which will put a new spin on the show. Created by Ed Spielman, the original series ran between 1972 and 1975 on ABC and starred David Carradine as Kwai Chang Caine, a master martial artist who fled China after his master was murdered.
He wandered the Old West helping the downtrodden and weathering rampant racism while eluding assassins trying to kill him. He was a peaceful man until provoked, which happened at least once an episode.
The racism angle was somewhat controversial as, according to Bruce Lee’s widow, the martial arts legend...
Stephen Chin has written the script for the new film, which will put a new spin on the show. Created by Ed Spielman, the original series ran between 1972 and 1975 on ABC and starred David Carradine as Kwai Chang Caine, a master martial artist who fled China after his master was murdered.
He wandered the Old West helping the downtrodden and weathering rampant racism while eluding assassins trying to kill him. He was a peaceful man until provoked, which happened at least once an episode.
The racism angle was somewhat controversial as, according to Bruce Lee’s widow, the martial arts legend...
- 2/1/2024
- by James White
- Empire - Movies
Kung Fu, the long-gestating adaptation of the 1970s TV show, is getting a jolt with actor Donnie Yen boarding the project to star. The well-known martial artist and star is in talks to lead the feature for Universal, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.
Frequent Universal collaborator David Leitch has been on the project since 2020, producing with Kelly McCormick via their Universal-based 87North Productions alongside Guy Danella. Stephen L’Heureux is producing via Solipsist Films. Leitch, who has Fall Guy due out this spring, is eying the director’s chair for Kung Fu, which has a script from Stephen Chin and counts Kung Fu TV creator Ed Spielman as an executive producer.
Yen is a global star, known for his work spanning Hong Kong and Hollywood. He leads the Ip Man films, and was among the cast of the $1 billion grosser Rogue One: A Star Wars Story as well as Disney’s...
Frequent Universal collaborator David Leitch has been on the project since 2020, producing with Kelly McCormick via their Universal-based 87North Productions alongside Guy Danella. Stephen L’Heureux is producing via Solipsist Films. Leitch, who has Fall Guy due out this spring, is eying the director’s chair for Kung Fu, which has a script from Stephen Chin and counts Kung Fu TV creator Ed Spielman as an executive producer.
Yen is a global star, known for his work spanning Hong Kong and Hollywood. He leads the Ip Man films, and was among the cast of the $1 billion grosser Rogue One: A Star Wars Story as well as Disney’s...
- 1/31/2024
- by Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: World-renowned actor and influential Hong Kong action filmmaker Donnie Yen is set to star in 87North and Universal Pictures’ Kung Fu, a feature adaptation of the classic ’70s TV series. Kelly McCormick, David Leitch, and Guy Danella will produce through 87North, with Leitch eyeing to direct.
Stephen Chin wrote the screenplay. Stephen L’Hereaux will also produce, and Ed Spielman, creator of the original Kung Fu television series, will executive produce.
The original ABC series starred David Carradine as a master martial artist who fled China after his master was murdered. He wandered the Old West helping the downtrodden and weathering rampant racism while eluding assassins trying to kill him. He was a peaceful man until provoked, which happened at least once an episode.
With his ground-breaking work on and off camera, Donnie Yen is among the exceedingly few actors of his generation to work at the highest levels...
Stephen Chin wrote the screenplay. Stephen L’Hereaux will also produce, and Ed Spielman, creator of the original Kung Fu television series, will executive produce.
The original ABC series starred David Carradine as a master martial artist who fled China after his master was murdered. He wandered the Old West helping the downtrodden and weathering rampant racism while eluding assassins trying to kill him. He was a peaceful man until provoked, which happened at least once an episode.
With his ground-breaking work on and off camera, Donnie Yen is among the exceedingly few actors of his generation to work at the highest levels...
- 1/31/2024
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
The CW will not continue with Kung Fu, its reboot of the classic series, which has run for three seasons. It is the latest cancellation of an existing scripted series at the network, which is changing its business model under its new owners to focus on lower-cost scripted originals, primarily from Canada and the UK.
So far, only the CW’s strongest existing scripted series, All American and Walker, have been renewed for next season. The three least likely, The Winchesters, Kung Fu and Walker Independence, have been canceled. Remaining in limbo are Superman & Lois and All American: Homecoming, which are believed to have the best chance (however small it may be), followed by Gotham Knights.
Related: TV Series Fading To Black In 2023 & Beyond: Photo Gallery Of Canceled Shows
In anticipation of today’s news, Kung Fu Warner Bros. Television quietly explored other options for the series but was not...
So far, only the CW’s strongest existing scripted series, All American and Walker, have been renewed for next season. The three least likely, The Winchesters, Kung Fu and Walker Independence, have been canceled. Remaining in limbo are Superman & Lois and All American: Homecoming, which are believed to have the best chance (however small it may be), followed by Gotham Knights.
Related: TV Series Fading To Black In 2023 & Beyond: Photo Gallery Of Canceled Shows
In anticipation of today’s news, Kung Fu Warner Bros. Television quietly explored other options for the series but was not...
- 5/11/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva and Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
“The Winchesters” has been canceled after one season at The CW, with the network also canceling the reboot of “Kung Fu” after three seasons.
“As we reimagine the new CW, we had to make some tough programming decisions,” The CW said in a statement. “We thank our partners at Warner Bros. and the casts and creative teams of ‘Kung Fu’ and ‘The Winchesters’ for all their hard work, creativity and dedication.”
The “Supernatural” prequel series “The Winchesters” followed demon hunters Sam and Dean’s parents, John (Drake Rodger) and Mary (Meg Donnelly), telling the story of how the couple met as teens and how they ultimately came together to save the entire world. The story is told from Dean’s (Jensen Ackles) perspective, marking the first return of Ackles’ character since the series finale in November of 2020.
In addition to Rodger and Donnelly, Bianca Kajlich, Demetria McKinney, and Nida Khurshid also starred.
“As we reimagine the new CW, we had to make some tough programming decisions,” The CW said in a statement. “We thank our partners at Warner Bros. and the casts and creative teams of ‘Kung Fu’ and ‘The Winchesters’ for all their hard work, creativity and dedication.”
The “Supernatural” prequel series “The Winchesters” followed demon hunters Sam and Dean’s parents, John (Drake Rodger) and Mary (Meg Donnelly), telling the story of how the couple met as teens and how they ultimately came together to save the entire world. The story is told from Dean’s (Jensen Ackles) perspective, marking the first return of Ackles’ character since the series finale in November of 2020.
In addition to Rodger and Donnelly, Bianca Kajlich, Demetria McKinney, and Nida Khurshid also starred.
- 5/11/2023
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Legacies alum Ben Levin and Kim Rhodes (Supernatural) have joined the upcoming third season of CW’s Kung Fu in heavily recurring roles.
Levin will play Bo, a barista/vigilante who lives across the Bay in Oakland. He’s cool, smart, and strong with a jack-of-all-trades fighting style. His extracurricular crime fighting leads to a collision with Nicky (Olivia Liang) and her siblings. New in town and far from home, Bo’s eager to pitch in with the Shen family’s adventures, and to fight by Nicky’s side.
Rhodes will portray Carrie, a blunt, funny professional who works as a representative for a large restaurant investment group. When Carrie’s company takes an interest in Harmony Dumplings, Mei-Li (Kheng Hua Tan) is quick to decline their overtures, but when an unexpected friendship blooms between her and Carrie, Mei-Li opens herself up to a possible alliance.
Season 2 of the...
Levin will play Bo, a barista/vigilante who lives across the Bay in Oakland. He’s cool, smart, and strong with a jack-of-all-trades fighting style. His extracurricular crime fighting leads to a collision with Nicky (Olivia Liang) and her siblings. New in town and far from home, Bo’s eager to pitch in with the Shen family’s adventures, and to fight by Nicky’s side.
Rhodes will portray Carrie, a blunt, funny professional who works as a representative for a large restaurant investment group. When Carrie’s company takes an interest in Harmony Dumplings, Mei-Li (Kheng Hua Tan) is quick to decline their overtures, but when an unexpected friendship blooms between her and Carrie, Mei-Li opens herself up to a possible alliance.
Season 2 of the...
- 7/27/2022
- by Sofia Behzadi
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The CW is expanding the cast for Season 2 of Kung Fu, its reboot of the classic series, adding Vanessa Yao, Annie Q. and Jb Tadena in heavily recurring roles.
Following the explosive Season 1 finale, Season 2 picks up with Nicky (Olivia Liang) and the Shens in a great place: Nicky’s been using her kung fu skills to keep Chinatown safe, she and Henry (Eddie Liu) are only deeper in love with each other, and unlike season one, the Shen family are all in the know about Nicky’s extracurricular activities. Jin and Mei-Li have righted the ship and Harmony Dumplings has seen an extraordinary recovery– the restaurant is doing better business than ever. Everything’s been great in Nicky’s life… that is, until the reemergence of Russell Tan, and the surprise appearance of Nicky’s cousin, Mia (Yao).
In addition to Liang and Liu, the series regular cast includes Tzi Ma,...
Following the explosive Season 1 finale, Season 2 picks up with Nicky (Olivia Liang) and the Shens in a great place: Nicky’s been using her kung fu skills to keep Chinatown safe, she and Henry (Eddie Liu) are only deeper in love with each other, and unlike season one, the Shen family are all in the know about Nicky’s extracurricular activities. Jin and Mei-Li have righted the ship and Harmony Dumplings has seen an extraordinary recovery– the restaurant is doing better business than ever. Everything’s been great in Nicky’s life… that is, until the reemergence of Russell Tan, and the surprise appearance of Nicky’s cousin, Mia (Yao).
In addition to Liang and Liu, the series regular cast includes Tzi Ma,...
- 1/6/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Yvonne Chapman, who heavily recurred as villain Zhilan on the first season of the CW’s Kung Fu, has been promoted to series regular for Season 2.
Chapman’s Zhilan, a hard-edged and cunning assassin, is ruthless in achieving her goals. After stealing an ancient sword from Nicky’s shifu Pei-Ling–and nearly killing Nicky in the process–Zhilan flees China and begins her pursuit of the rest of the mystical weapons. The mystery of Zhilan’s identity, and her real intentions with those weapons, will fuel Nicky’s quest for justice.
Kung Fu follows a young Chinese American woman, Nicky Shen, played by Olivia Liang, whose quarter-life crisis causes her to drop out of college and go on a life-changing journey to an isolated monastery in China. But when she returns to San Francisco, she finds her hometown is overrun with crime and corruption and her own parents Jin...
Chapman’s Zhilan, a hard-edged and cunning assassin, is ruthless in achieving her goals. After stealing an ancient sword from Nicky’s shifu Pei-Ling–and nearly killing Nicky in the process–Zhilan flees China and begins her pursuit of the rest of the mystical weapons. The mystery of Zhilan’s identity, and her real intentions with those weapons, will fuel Nicky’s quest for justice.
Kung Fu follows a young Chinese American woman, Nicky Shen, played by Olivia Liang, whose quarter-life crisis causes her to drop out of college and go on a life-changing journey to an isolated monastery in China. But when she returns to San Francisco, she finds her hometown is overrun with crime and corruption and her own parents Jin...
- 8/26/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
The CW is continuing to kick-ass with renewals.
The youth-skewing broadcaster has picked up freshman series Kung Fu for a second season and handed a third season of DC’s Stargirl ahead of its sophomore debut.
This comes as the network continues to look for stability in its scripted lineup – bringing the number of renewals for the 2021-22 season to 15 with only The Republic of Sarah, which launches in June, still pending.
The renewal of Kung Fu is not a surprise. The drama kicked off strong with more than 3.5M viewers watching the premiere episode and it had the highest total viewership number for a Wednesday debut in 7 years since The 100 debuted in 2014.
Kung Fu follows a young Chinese American woman, Nicky Shen, played by Olivia Liang, whose quarter-life crisis causes her to drop out of college and go on a life-changing journey to an isolated monastery in China.
The youth-skewing broadcaster has picked up freshman series Kung Fu for a second season and handed a third season of DC’s Stargirl ahead of its sophomore debut.
This comes as the network continues to look for stability in its scripted lineup – bringing the number of renewals for the 2021-22 season to 15 with only The Republic of Sarah, which launches in June, still pending.
The renewal of Kung Fu is not a surprise. The drama kicked off strong with more than 3.5M viewers watching the premiere episode and it had the highest total viewership number for a Wednesday debut in 7 years since The 100 debuted in 2014.
Kung Fu follows a young Chinese American woman, Nicky Shen, played by Olivia Liang, whose quarter-life crisis causes her to drop out of college and go on a life-changing journey to an isolated monastery in China.
- 5/3/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
“Kung Fu” has been renewed for Season 2 and “Stargirl” has been renewed for Season 3 at The CW.
“We are beyond proud to continue to share the stories of Nicky Shen and Courtney Whitmore, two strong, powerful young women at the center of this new generation of hit shows for The CW in ‘Kung Fu’ and ‘DC’s Stargirl,’” said Mark Pedowitz, chairman and CEO of The CW Network. “While each boasts remarkable talent on both sides of the camera, ‘Kung Fu’ and ‘DC’S Stargirl’ have not only treated fans to some visually stunning action and high-flying heroics, but they also both strike very powerful emotional chords as they delve into the family dynamics and personal relationships at their core, and we are so excited to see what happens next.”
The renewal announcement for “Kung Fu” comes just under a month after the series premiered. It has enjoyed strong ratings on the network since then,...
“We are beyond proud to continue to share the stories of Nicky Shen and Courtney Whitmore, two strong, powerful young women at the center of this new generation of hit shows for The CW in ‘Kung Fu’ and ‘DC’s Stargirl,’” said Mark Pedowitz, chairman and CEO of The CW Network. “While each boasts remarkable talent on both sides of the camera, ‘Kung Fu’ and ‘DC’S Stargirl’ have not only treated fans to some visually stunning action and high-flying heroics, but they also both strike very powerful emotional chords as they delve into the family dynamics and personal relationships at their core, and we are so excited to see what happens next.”
The renewal announcement for “Kung Fu” comes just under a month after the series premiered. It has enjoyed strong ratings on the network since then,...
- 5/3/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
The CW’s reboot of Kung Fu delivered a strong debut on April 7, scoring The CW’s highest total viewership number for a Wednesday debut in 7 years since The 100 debuted on March 19, 2014.
The reboot debuted to the tune of 1.4 million total viewers and a 0.2 in the 18-49 demographic.
In addition, Kung Fu delivered The CW’s largest audience in the time period in two and half years since Riverdale in October 2018.
This continues ratings traction for The CW as Kung Fu is the third best premiere of the season including returning series following the debuts of Walker and Superman & Lois. Following Kung Fu, Nancy Drew (0.1, 666,000) delivered its largest audience of the season and its best since December 11, 2019.
Last night was The CW’s best Wednesday night since April 22, 2020.
Written by Christina M. Kim and inspired by the original series created by Ed Spielman, the new Kung Fu reboot follows...
The reboot debuted to the tune of 1.4 million total viewers and a 0.2 in the 18-49 demographic.
In addition, Kung Fu delivered The CW’s largest audience in the time period in two and half years since Riverdale in October 2018.
This continues ratings traction for The CW as Kung Fu is the third best premiere of the season including returning series following the debuts of Walker and Superman & Lois. Following Kung Fu, Nancy Drew (0.1, 666,000) delivered its largest audience of the season and its best since December 11, 2019.
Last night was The CW’s best Wednesday night since April 22, 2020.
Written by Christina M. Kim and inspired by the original series created by Ed Spielman, the new Kung Fu reboot follows...
- 4/8/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
The integration of WarnerMedia continues.
The premiere episode of The CW’s scripted drama Kung Fu will air an encore on TNT, while TBS’ competition series Wipeout will re-air on the broadcast network.
Kung Fu, from executive producer Greg Berlanti, is inspired by the original series created by Ed Spielman and stars Olivia Liang. The drama will debut Wednesday, April 7 on The CW and will be rebroadcast at 10 p.m. Sunday, April 11 on TNT.
Wipeout, a reboot of the former ABC reality competition and now hosted by John Cena, will make its debut Thursday, April 1 on TBS ...
The premiere episode of The CW’s scripted drama Kung Fu will air an encore on TNT, while TBS’ competition series Wipeout will re-air on the broadcast network.
Kung Fu, from executive producer Greg Berlanti, is inspired by the original series created by Ed Spielman and stars Olivia Liang. The drama will debut Wednesday, April 7 on The CW and will be rebroadcast at 10 p.m. Sunday, April 11 on TNT.
Wipeout, a reboot of the former ABC reality competition and now hosted by John Cena, will make its debut Thursday, April 1 on TBS ...
- 3/29/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The integration of WarnerMedia continues.
The premiere episode of The CW’s scripted drama Kung Fu will air an encore on TNT, while TBS’ competition series Wipeout will re-air on the broadcast network.
Kung Fu, from executive producer Greg Berlanti, is inspired by the original series created by Ed Spielman and stars Olivia Liang. The drama will debut Wednesday, April 7 on The CW and will be rebroadcast at 10 p.m. Sunday, April 11 on TNT.
Wipeout, a reboot of the former ABC reality competition and now hosted by John Cena, will make its debut Thursday, April 1 on TBS ...
The premiere episode of The CW’s scripted drama Kung Fu will air an encore on TNT, while TBS’ competition series Wipeout will re-air on the broadcast network.
Kung Fu, from executive producer Greg Berlanti, is inspired by the original series created by Ed Spielman and stars Olivia Liang. The drama will debut Wednesday, April 7 on The CW and will be rebroadcast at 10 p.m. Sunday, April 11 on TNT.
Wipeout, a reboot of the former ABC reality competition and now hosted by John Cena, will make its debut Thursday, April 1 on TBS ...
- 3/29/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
During a panel Wednesday promoting their upcoming series, Kung Fu stars Olivia Liang and Tzi Ma responded to the rising number of violent acts against Asian Americans, condemning the latest incident in Atlanta when a gunman killed eight people, a majority of whom were Asian American.
“What happened last night in Atlanta with eight people killed breaks my heart and I’m not quite sure what the short-term fix is,” said Ma, who appears in the upcoming series as Jin, the father of Liang’s Nicky Shen. “We are the long-term solution.”
“It pains me, everyday it happens, everyday it’s something,” he added.
While Ma said he’s unsure of any quick fix to bring justice to the victims or undo the racist attacks, he said Asian American representation in television and media are part of long-term goals. Liang agreed with her co-star, adding that “the timing of our show is really impeccable.
“What happened last night in Atlanta with eight people killed breaks my heart and I’m not quite sure what the short-term fix is,” said Ma, who appears in the upcoming series as Jin, the father of Liang’s Nicky Shen. “We are the long-term solution.”
“It pains me, everyday it happens, everyday it’s something,” he added.
While Ma said he’s unsure of any quick fix to bring justice to the victims or undo the racist attacks, he said Asian American representation in television and media are part of long-term goals. Liang agreed with her co-star, adding that “the timing of our show is really impeccable.
- 3/17/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Mayans M.C. alum Antonio Jaramillo is set for a recurring role on the upcoming fourth season of FX’s Snowfall. Created by John Singleton & Eric Amadio and Dave Andron, the drama series revolves around the start of the cocaine epidemic in Los Angeles. Jaramillo will play Chief Oscar Fuentes, the new Tijuana Police chief who is bold, ambitious, connected, smart and dangerous. He’s willing to let Teddy and Gustavo continue to go about their business in Mexico but only if they make it worth his while. Best known for his role as Riz Arisa on Mayans M.C., Jaramillo’s previous credits include on NBC’s Shades of Blue, TNT’s Dallas and Universal Picture’s Savages. He was recently cast opposite Octavia Spencer in Amazon’s Invasion. Jaramillo is repped by McKeon/Myones Entertainment and SMS Talent.
Yvonne Chapman (Street Legal) has booked a recurring role opposite Olivia Liang in Kung Fu,...
Yvonne Chapman (Street Legal) has booked a recurring role opposite Olivia Liang in Kung Fu,...
- 11/18/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Tony Chung (Hours of Operation) is set as a series regular opposite Olivia Liang in Kung Fu, the CW’s reimagining with a female lead of the 1970s David Carradine-starring TV series, from Christina M. Kim, Martin Gero, Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Robert Berens and Warner Bros TV.
Written by Kim and inspired by the original series created by Ed Spielman, in the new Kung Fu, a quarter-life crisis causes a young Chinese-American woman, Nicky Shen (Liang), to drop out of college and go on a life-changing journey to an isolated monastery in China. But when she returns to find her hometown overrun with crime and corruption, she uses her martial arts skills and Shaolin values to protect her community and bring criminals to justice — all while searching for the assassin who killed her Shaolin and is now targeting her.
Chung will play Dennis Soong, the beloved son of the wealthy Soong family,...
Written by Kim and inspired by the original series created by Ed Spielman, in the new Kung Fu, a quarter-life crisis causes a young Chinese-American woman, Nicky Shen (Liang), to drop out of college and go on a life-changing journey to an isolated monastery in China. But when she returns to find her hometown overrun with crime and corruption, she uses her martial arts skills and Shaolin values to protect her community and bring criminals to justice — all while searching for the assassin who killed her Shaolin and is now targeting her.
Chung will play Dennis Soong, the beloved son of the wealthy Soong family,...
- 10/6/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Vanessa Kai (New Amsterdam) is set as a series regular opposite Olivia Liang in Kung Fu, the CW’s reimagining with a female lead of the 1970s David Carradine-starring TV series, from Christina M. Kim, Martin Gero, Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter and Warner Bros TV.
Written by Kim and inspired by the original series created by Ed Spielman, in the new Kung Fu, a quarter-life crisis causes a young Chinese-American woman, Nicky Shen (Liang), to drop out of college and go on a life-changing journey to an isolated monastery in China. But when she returns to find her hometown overrun with crime and corruption, she uses her martial arts skills and Shaolin values to protect her community and bring criminals to justice — all while searching for the assassin who killed her Shaolin mentor and is now targeting her.
Kai will play Pei-Ling Zhang, a skilled fighter, spiritual guide,...
Written by Kim and inspired by the original series created by Ed Spielman, in the new Kung Fu, a quarter-life crisis causes a young Chinese-American woman, Nicky Shen (Liang), to drop out of college and go on a life-changing journey to an isolated monastery in China. But when she returns to find her hometown overrun with crime and corruption, she uses her martial arts skills and Shaolin values to protect her community and bring criminals to justice — all while searching for the assassin who killed her Shaolin mentor and is now targeting her.
Kai will play Pei-Ling Zhang, a skilled fighter, spiritual guide,...
- 9/16/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
The CW has now given a series order to the Vancouver-lensed reimagining of the martial arts action series "Kung Fu" (1972), focusing on a young female lead, who becomes a crime-fighting, mixed martial artist, with 'Shaolin' pacifist beliefs :
"...a young Chinese-American woman drops out of college to go on a life-changing journey to an isolated monastery in China.
"But when she returns to find her hometown overrun with crime and corruption, she uses her martial arts skills and 'Shaolin' values to protect her community and bring criminals to justice, while searching for the assassin who killed her mentor. Who is now targeting her..."
The original "Kung Fu" series was created by Ed Spielman, Jerry Thorpe and Herman Miller, from an idea by Bruce Lee, set in the Old West, airing three seasons starring David Carradine as 'Kwai Chang Caine'...
...followed by "Kung Fu: The Movie", plus TV series...
"...a young Chinese-American woman drops out of college to go on a life-changing journey to an isolated monastery in China.
"But when she returns to find her hometown overrun with crime and corruption, she uses her martial arts skills and 'Shaolin' values to protect her community and bring criminals to justice, while searching for the assassin who killed her mentor. Who is now targeting her..."
The original "Kung Fu" series was created by Ed Spielman, Jerry Thorpe and Herman Miller, from an idea by Bruce Lee, set in the Old West, airing three seasons starring David Carradine as 'Kwai Chang Caine'...
...followed by "Kung Fu: The Movie", plus TV series...
- 5/15/2020
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
The CW has made two addition series pick ups for the 2020-2021 season. Both a reboot of “Kung Fu” and “The Republic of Sarah” will air on the broadcaster next season.
The two shows join the previously announced straight-to-series orders for “Superman & Lois” starring Tyler Hoechlin and Bitsie Tulloch as well as “Walker,” a reboot of “Walker, Texas Ranger,” starring Jared Padalecki.
In “Kung Fu,” A quarter-life crisis causes a young Chinese-American woman (Olivia Liang) to drop out of college and go on a life-changing journey to an isolated monastery in China. But when she returns to find her hometown overrun with crime and corruption, she uses her martial arts skills and Shaolin values to protect her community and bring criminals to justice…all while searching for the assassin who killed her Shaolin mentor and is now targeting her.
In addition to Liang, the series stars Kheng Hua Tan,...
The two shows join the previously announced straight-to-series orders for “Superman & Lois” starring Tyler Hoechlin and Bitsie Tulloch as well as “Walker,” a reboot of “Walker, Texas Ranger,” starring Jared Padalecki.
In “Kung Fu,” A quarter-life crisis causes a young Chinese-American woman (Olivia Liang) to drop out of college and go on a life-changing journey to an isolated monastery in China. But when she returns to find her hometown overrun with crime and corruption, she uses her martial arts skills and Shaolin values to protect her community and bring criminals to justice…all while searching for the assassin who killed her Shaolin mentor and is now targeting her.
In addition to Liang, the series stars Kheng Hua Tan,...
- 5/12/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
The CW has given straight-to-series pickups to “Kung Fu” and “Republic of Sarah.”
The two projects will join the network’s 2020-21 season along with “Walker” starring Jared Padalecki and “Superman & Lois” starring Tyler Hoechlin and Bitsie Tulloch.
“Kung Fu,” a female-led reboot of the 1972 series starring David Carradine and created by Ed Spielman, moved to The CW from Fox in November. The series will star Olivia Liang (pictured above), Kheng Hua Tan, Shannon Dang, Jon Prasida, Eddie Liu, Gavin Stenhouse, Gwendoline Yeo and Tzi Ma.
Also Read: 'Tell Me a Story' Canceled at CBS All Access, The CW Acquires First 2 Seasons
Here is the logline: “A quarter-life crisis causes a young Chinese-American woman to drop out of college and go on a life-changing journey to an isolated monastery in China. But when she returns to find her hometown overrun with crime and corruption, she uses her...
The two projects will join the network’s 2020-21 season along with “Walker” starring Jared Padalecki and “Superman & Lois” starring Tyler Hoechlin and Bitsie Tulloch.
“Kung Fu,” a female-led reboot of the 1972 series starring David Carradine and created by Ed Spielman, moved to The CW from Fox in November. The series will star Olivia Liang (pictured above), Kheng Hua Tan, Shannon Dang, Jon Prasida, Eddie Liu, Gavin Stenhouse, Gwendoline Yeo and Tzi Ma.
Also Read: 'Tell Me a Story' Canceled at CBS All Access, The CW Acquires First 2 Seasons
Here is the logline: “A quarter-life crisis causes a young Chinese-American woman to drop out of college and go on a life-changing journey to an isolated monastery in China. But when she returns to find her hometown overrun with crime and corruption, she uses her...
- 5/12/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
The CW has given straight-to-series orders to dramas Kung Fu, starring Olivia Liang, and The Republic Of Sarah, headlined by Stella Baker. The reboot of the 1970s David Carradine-starring TV series and the small town drama join Superman & Lois and Walker, which already received series orders in January. Emerging from a pilot season decimated by the coronavirus pandemic, the CW is heading into the 2020-21 broadcast season with the most straight-to-series orders of any network so far, four. Two of them come from the CW’s most prolific producer, Greg Berlanti (Kung Fu and Superman & Lois)
The remaining two traditional CW pilots, The Lost Boys and Maverick are being rolled. This adds another turn in the long journey to the CW schedule for Rob Thomas’ The Lost Boys reboot, which started during the 2016-17 development season and has included several incarnations and two pilot orders.
Along with Kung Fu,...
The remaining two traditional CW pilots, The Lost Boys and Maverick are being rolled. This adds another turn in the long journey to the CW schedule for Rob Thomas’ The Lost Boys reboot, which started during the 2016-17 development season and has included several incarnations and two pilot orders.
Along with Kung Fu,...
- 5/12/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Gavin Stenhouse (Black Mirror) and Gwendoline Yeo (American Crime) are set as series regulars in the CW pilot Kung Fu, a reimagining with a female lead of the 1970s David Carradine-starring TV series. It hails from Christina M. Kim, Martin Gero, Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter and Warner Bros. TV.
Written by Kim, inspired by the original series created by Ed Spielman, the new Kung Fu sees a quarter-life crisis causing a young Chinese-American woman to drop out of college and go on a life-changing journey to an isolated monastery in China. But when she returns to find her hometown overrun with crime and corruption, she uses her martial arts skills and Shaolin values to protect her community and bring criminals to justice — all while searching for the assassin who killed her Shaolin mentor and now is targeting her.
Stenhouse will play Evan Hartley, a highly successful Assistant District...
Written by Kim, inspired by the original series created by Ed Spielman, the new Kung Fu sees a quarter-life crisis causing a young Chinese-American woman to drop out of college and go on a life-changing journey to an isolated monastery in China. But when she returns to find her hometown overrun with crime and corruption, she uses her martial arts skills and Shaolin values to protect her community and bring criminals to justice — all while searching for the assassin who killed her Shaolin mentor and now is targeting her.
Stenhouse will play Evan Hartley, a highly successful Assistant District...
- 3/9/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Hanelle Culpepper has signed on to direct and co-executive produce the “Kung Fu” reboot pilot at The CW, Variety has learned exclusively.
This marks the latest high-profile directing credit for Culpepper, who made headlines when it was announced she would direct the first three episodes of “Star Trek: Picard” at CBS All Access, marking the first time a female director launched a new “Star Trek” series in the franchise’s 53-year history. She previously directed multiple episodes of fellow All Access how “Star Trek: Discovery.”
Her other directing credits include shows like “Mayans Mc,” “How to Get Away With Murder,” “Gotham,” “Empire,” “American Crime,” and “NOS4A2.” It was also recently announced that she will direct the feature “1000 Miles,” Big Beach’s adaptation of the memoir “Running A Thousand Miles For Freedom” by William and Ellen Craft.
“I am very excited to join the fantastic team of Christina Kim, Martin Gero,...
This marks the latest high-profile directing credit for Culpepper, who made headlines when it was announced she would direct the first three episodes of “Star Trek: Picard” at CBS All Access, marking the first time a female director launched a new “Star Trek” series in the franchise’s 53-year history. She previously directed multiple episodes of fellow All Access how “Star Trek: Discovery.”
Her other directing credits include shows like “Mayans Mc,” “How to Get Away With Murder,” “Gotham,” “Empire,” “American Crime,” and “NOS4A2.” It was also recently announced that she will direct the feature “1000 Miles,” Big Beach’s adaptation of the memoir “Running A Thousand Miles For Freedom” by William and Ellen Craft.
“I am very excited to join the fantastic team of Christina Kim, Martin Gero,...
- 3/5/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
The CW has cast Olivia Liang as the female lead in the pilot of its upcoming “Kung Fu” reboot.
Liang, known for playing Alyssa Chang on “Legacies” and for appearances in Hulu’s “Into the Dark: Crawlers,” “Grey’s Anatomy” and “One Day at a Time,” will play Nicky Chen in the upcoming CW project.
A new take on the 1972 series starring David Carradine, the project moved from Fox to The CW in November. At that time, “Blindspot” alum Christina M. Kim took over as writer for “Sleepy Hollow’s” Albert Kim, who was originally attached.
Also Read: TV Pilot Season 2020: TheWrap's Complete Guide
“Blindspot” creator Martin Gero is an executive producer on the drama via his Quinn’s House banner. Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter of Berlanti Productions — which also produced “Blindspot” — are also still attached to the project as executive producers. Warner Bros. Television, where Kim, Gero and...
Liang, known for playing Alyssa Chang on “Legacies” and for appearances in Hulu’s “Into the Dark: Crawlers,” “Grey’s Anatomy” and “One Day at a Time,” will play Nicky Chen in the upcoming CW project.
A new take on the 1972 series starring David Carradine, the project moved from Fox to The CW in November. At that time, “Blindspot” alum Christina M. Kim took over as writer for “Sleepy Hollow’s” Albert Kim, who was originally attached.
Also Read: TV Pilot Season 2020: TheWrap's Complete Guide
“Blindspot” creator Martin Gero is an executive producer on the drama via his Quinn’s House banner. Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter of Berlanti Productions — which also produced “Blindspot” — are also still attached to the project as executive producers. Warner Bros. Television, where Kim, Gero and...
- 2/26/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
The CW has found their lead for the upcoming Kung Fu reboot pilot in Legacies alumna Olivia Liang. The project is a reimagining of the 1970s David Carradine-starring TV series with a female-focused edge that's poised to present the concept from a whole new perspective. Inspired by the original series created by Ed Spielman, The CW's Kung Fu will be written by Christina M. Kim and…...
- 2/26/2020
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Olivia Liang has been cast in the lead role of The CW’s “Kung Fu” reboot pilot, Variety has confirmed.
“Kung Fu” is a reboot of the original series created by Ed Spielman. In the new version, a quarter-life crisis causes a young Chinese-American woman, Nicky Chen (Liang), to drop out of college and go on a life-changing journey to an isolated monastery in China. But when she returns to find her hometown overrun with crime and corruption, Nicky uses her martial arts skills and Shaolin values to protect her community and bring criminals to justice — all while searching for the assassin who killed her Shaolin mentor and is now targeting her.
Liang is no stranger to The CW, having recently appeared on the network’s show “Legacies.” She has also appeared on show’s like Hulu’s “Into the Dark,” ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy,” and Netflix’s “One Day at a Time.
“Kung Fu” is a reboot of the original series created by Ed Spielman. In the new version, a quarter-life crisis causes a young Chinese-American woman, Nicky Chen (Liang), to drop out of college and go on a life-changing journey to an isolated monastery in China. But when she returns to find her hometown overrun with crime and corruption, Nicky uses her martial arts skills and Shaolin values to protect her community and bring criminals to justice — all while searching for the assassin who killed her Shaolin mentor and is now targeting her.
Liang is no stranger to The CW, having recently appeared on the network’s show “Legacies.” She has also appeared on show’s like Hulu’s “Into the Dark,” ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy,” and Netflix’s “One Day at a Time.
- 2/26/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: The CW pilot Kung Fu has found its star in Legacies‘ Olivia Liang. She will headline the reimagining with a female lead of the 1970s David Carradine-starring TV series, which comes from Christina M. Kim, Martin Gero, Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter and Warner Bros TV, where Kim, Gero and Berlanti Prods. are under deals.
Written by Kim and inspired by the original series created by Ed Spielman, in the new Kung Fu, a quarter-life crisis causes a young Chinese-American woman, Nicky Chen (Liang), to drop out of college and go on a life-changing journey to an isolated monastery in China. But when she returns to find her hometown overrun with crime and corruption, she uses her martial arts skills and Shaolin values to protect her community and bring criminals to justice — all while searching for the assassin who killed her Shaolin mentor and is now targeting her.
Liang...
Written by Kim and inspired by the original series created by Ed Spielman, in the new Kung Fu, a quarter-life crisis causes a young Chinese-American woman, Nicky Chen (Liang), to drop out of college and go on a life-changing journey to an isolated monastery in China. But when she returns to find her hometown overrun with crime and corruption, she uses her martial arts skills and Shaolin values to protect her community and bring criminals to justice — all while searching for the assassin who killed her Shaolin mentor and is now targeting her.
Liang...
- 2/26/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Jon Prasida (Hiding), Shannon Dang (The L Word) and Eddie Liu (Silicon Valley) have been cast as series regulars in the CW pilot Kung Fu, a reimagining with a female lead of the 1970s David Carradine-starring TV series. It hails from Christina M. Kim, Martin Gero, Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter and Warner Bros. TV.
Written by Kim, inspired by the original series created by Ed Spielman, the new Kung Fu sees a quarter-life crisis causing a young Chinese-American woman to drop out of college and go on a life-changing journey to an isolated monastery in China. But when she returns to find her hometown overrun with crime and corruption, she uses her martial arts skills and Shaolin values to protect her community and bring criminals to justice — all while searching for the assassin who killed her Shaolin mentor and now is targeting her.
Prasida will play Ryan Chen,...
Written by Kim, inspired by the original series created by Ed Spielman, the new Kung Fu sees a quarter-life crisis causing a young Chinese-American woman to drop out of college and go on a life-changing journey to an isolated monastery in China. But when she returns to find her hometown overrun with crime and corruption, she uses her martial arts skills and Shaolin values to protect her community and bring criminals to justice — all while searching for the assassin who killed her Shaolin mentor and now is targeting her.
Prasida will play Ryan Chen,...
- 2/21/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Tzi Ma and Kheng Hua Tan have been cast as series regulars in the CW pilot Kung Fu, a reimagining with a female lead of the 1970s David Carradine-starring TV series. Ma and Kheng will play the parents of the protagonist in the project, from Christina M. Kim, Martin Gero, Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter and Warner Bros. TV, where Kim, Gero and Berlanti Prods. are under deals.
Written by Kim, inspired by the original series created by Ed Spielman, in the new Kung Fu, a quarter-life crisis causes a young Chinese-American woman to drop out of college and go on a life-changing journey to an isolated monastery in China. But when she returns to find her hometown overrun with crime and corruption, she uses her martial arts skills and Shaolin values to protect her community and bring criminals to justice…...
Written by Kim, inspired by the original series created by Ed Spielman, in the new Kung Fu, a quarter-life crisis causes a young Chinese-American woman to drop out of college and go on a life-changing journey to an isolated monastery in China. But when she returns to find her hometown overrun with crime and corruption, she uses her martial arts skills and Shaolin values to protect her community and bring criminals to justice…...
- 2/18/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
The CW has greenlit a TV pilot, reimagining the martial arts action series "Kung Fu" (1972) now focusing on a young female lead, who is a crime-fighting, mixed martial artist, with 'Shaolin' pacifist beliefs :
"...a young Chinese-American woman drops out of college to go on a life-changing journey to an isolated monastery in China.
"But when she returns to find her hometown overrun with crime and corruption, she uses her martial arts skills and 'Shaolin' values to protect her community and bring criminals to justice, while searching for the assassin who killed her mentor. Who is now targeting her..."
The original "Kunk Fu" series was created by Ed Spielman, Jerry Thorpe and Herman Miller, from an idea by Bruce Lee, set in the Old West, airing three seasons starring David Carradine as 'Kwai Chang Caine'...
...followed by "Kung Fu: The Movie", plus TV series "Kung Fu: The Next Generation" and...
"...a young Chinese-American woman drops out of college to go on a life-changing journey to an isolated monastery in China.
"But when she returns to find her hometown overrun with crime and corruption, she uses her martial arts skills and 'Shaolin' values to protect her community and bring criminals to justice, while searching for the assassin who killed her mentor. Who is now targeting her..."
The original "Kunk Fu" series was created by Ed Spielman, Jerry Thorpe and Herman Miller, from an idea by Bruce Lee, set in the Old West, airing three seasons starring David Carradine as 'Kwai Chang Caine'...
...followed by "Kung Fu: The Movie", plus TV series "Kung Fu: The Next Generation" and...
- 1/31/2020
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
The CW has ordered pilots for the dramas “Kung Fu” and “The Republic of Sarah.” Both projects were previously set up at different networks prior to coming to CW.
“Kung Fu” is a reboot of the original series created by Ed Spielman. In the new version, a quarter-life crisis causes a young Chinese-American woman to drop out of college and go on a life-changing journey to an isolated monastery in China. But when she returns to find her hometown overrun with crime and corruption, she uses her martial arts skills and Shaolin values to protect her community and bring criminals to justice, all while searching for the assassin who killed her Shaolin mentor and is now targeting her.
The project was previously set up at Fox with a put pilot order. Christina M. Kim will write and executive produce. Martin Gero will executive produce via Quinn’s House along with...
“Kung Fu” is a reboot of the original series created by Ed Spielman. In the new version, a quarter-life crisis causes a young Chinese-American woman to drop out of college and go on a life-changing journey to an isolated monastery in China. But when she returns to find her hometown overrun with crime and corruption, she uses her martial arts skills and Shaolin values to protect her community and bring criminals to justice, all while searching for the assassin who killed her Shaolin mentor and is now targeting her.
The project was previously set up at Fox with a put pilot order. Christina M. Kim will write and executive produce. Martin Gero will executive produce via Quinn’s House along with...
- 1/31/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
The CW has not shied away from picking up projects originally developed at other networks — Fox or siblings CBS and Showtime — a move that has resulted in such signature CW series as Riverdale, Supergirl, Black Lightning, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and the underrated Ringer. The CW is doing it again this year with pilot orders to Kung Fu, a reimagining with a female lead of the 1970s David Carradine-starring TV series, from Greg Berlanti, and small-town drama with a female lead The Republic of Sarah, from Marc Webb. The projects had been originally developed at Fox and CBS, respectively, and both were redeveloped for the CW this cycle.
As per the framework of the CW’s setup as a co-venture between Warner Bros. and CBS, which calls for parity in pilot orders, one of the two newly picked up pilots comes from Warner Bros. TV (Kung Fu) and one from CBS...
As per the framework of the CW’s setup as a co-venture between Warner Bros. and CBS, which calls for parity in pilot orders, one of the two newly picked up pilots comes from Warner Bros. TV (Kung Fu) and one from CBS...
- 1/31/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Having already ordered Superman & Lois and its Walker, Texas Ranger reboot straight to series for the 2020-21 TV season, The CW has ordered pilots for a Kung Fu reboot and The Republic of Sarah, a series that was originally developed a year ago at CBS.
Penned by Blindspot Ep and former Lost scribe Christina M. Kim, Kung Fu tells the story of how a quarter-life crisis causes a young Chinese-American woman to drop out of college and go on a life-changing journey to an isolated monastery in China. But when she returns to find her hometown overrun with crime and corruption,...
Penned by Blindspot Ep and former Lost scribe Christina M. Kim, Kung Fu tells the story of how a quarter-life crisis causes a young Chinese-American woman to drop out of college and go on a life-changing journey to an isolated monastery in China. But when she returns to find her hometown overrun with crime and corruption,...
- 1/31/2020
- TVLine.com
In anticipation of Marvel Studios upcoming martial arts, supernatural feature "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings", Universal Pictures recently optioned rights to the 1972 TV series "Kung Fu" for a potential movie franchise, to be directed by David Leitch ("Deadpool 2"):
"...a martial artist flees China after his master is murdered. He wanders a big Us city helping the downtrodden and weathering rampant racism while eluding assassins trying to kill him. A peaceful man until he is provoked..."
The original "Kung Fu" series was created by Ed Spielman, Jerry Thorpe and Herman Miller, from an idea by Bruce Lee, set in the Old West, airing three seasons starring David Carradine as 'Kwai Chang Caine'...
...followed by "Kung Fu: The Movie" (1986), plus TV series "Kung Fu: The Next Generation" and "Kung Fu: The Legend Continues".
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Kung Fu"...
"...a martial artist flees China after his master is murdered. He wanders a big Us city helping the downtrodden and weathering rampant racism while eluding assassins trying to kill him. A peaceful man until he is provoked..."
The original "Kung Fu" series was created by Ed Spielman, Jerry Thorpe and Herman Miller, from an idea by Bruce Lee, set in the Old West, airing three seasons starring David Carradine as 'Kwai Chang Caine'...
...followed by "Kung Fu: The Movie" (1986), plus TV series "Kung Fu: The Next Generation" and "Kung Fu: The Legend Continues".
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Kung Fu"...
- 1/21/2020
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Universal Pictures has optioned the rights to the ’70s TV series “Kung Fu” and will develop it as a feature film remake. “John Wick” and “Deadpool 2” filmmaker David Leitch is attached to direct, an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap.
David Carradine starred in the original ABC series that ran from 1972-75. Universal will move quickly to set a writer on the film.
Kelly McCormick and Leitch will produce “Kung Fu” for their Universal-based 87North Productions alongside Stephen L’Hereaux. Ed Spielman, the creator of the TV series, will executive produce.
Also Read: 'Hobbs & Shaw' Director David Leitch on Those Epic Surprise Cameos and Post-Credit Scenes
The original series starred Carradine, a white actor, as a Shaolin Monk who traveled the American West while armed with his training in the Chinese martial art of Kung Fu. Carradine once said in an interview that Bruce Lee was at...
David Carradine starred in the original ABC series that ran from 1972-75. Universal will move quickly to set a writer on the film.
Kelly McCormick and Leitch will produce “Kung Fu” for their Universal-based 87North Productions alongside Stephen L’Hereaux. Ed Spielman, the creator of the TV series, will executive produce.
Also Read: 'Hobbs & Shaw' Director David Leitch on Those Epic Surprise Cameos and Post-Credit Scenes
The original series starred Carradine, a white actor, as a Shaolin Monk who traveled the American West while armed with his training in the Chinese martial art of Kung Fu. Carradine once said in an interview that Bruce Lee was at...
- 1/21/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Universal Pictures has optioned the rights to the 1972 TV series Kung Fu for a contemporary-set action packed feature film that will be directed by David Leitch, the co-director of John Wick and director of Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, Deadpool 2 and Atomic Blonde.
They will set a writer quickly. The original ABC series starred David Carradine as a master martial artist who fled China after his master was murdered. He wandered the Old West helping the downtrodden and weathering rampant racism while eluding assassins trying to kill him. He was a peaceful man until provoked, which happened at least once an episode. Given the action pedigree for the stuntman-turned-director Leitch, there is potential for the kind of choreographed action mayhem found in Hobbs & Shaw as well as John Wick, latter of which he did with Chad Stahelski. Leitch is separately attached to direct a remake of...
They will set a writer quickly. The original ABC series starred David Carradine as a master martial artist who fled China after his master was murdered. He wandered the Old West helping the downtrodden and weathering rampant racism while eluding assassins trying to kill him. He was a peaceful man until provoked, which happened at least once an episode. Given the action pedigree for the stuntman-turned-director Leitch, there is potential for the kind of choreographed action mayhem found in Hobbs & Shaw as well as John Wick, latter of which he did with Chad Stahelski. Leitch is separately attached to direct a remake of...
- 1/21/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
The CW is developing a TV pilot reboot of the martial arts action series "Kung Fu" (1972) featuring a young female lead, as a deadly, crime-fighting, mixed martial artist, with 'Shaolin' pacifist beliefs :
"...a young Chinese-American woman drops out of college to go on a life-changing journey to an isolated monastery in China. But when she returns to find her hometown overrun with crime and corruption, she uses her martial arts skills and 'Shaolin' values to protect her community and bring criminals to justice, while searching for the assassin who killed her mentor. And is now targeting her..."
The original "Kunk Fu" series was created by Ed Spielman, Jerry Thorpe and Herman Miller, from an idea by Bruce Lee, set in the Old West, airing three seasons starring David Carradine as 'Kwai Chang Caine'...
...followed by "Kung Fu: The Movie" (1986), plus TV series "Kung Fu: The Next Generation" and "Kung Fu: The Legend Continues...
"...a young Chinese-American woman drops out of college to go on a life-changing journey to an isolated monastery in China. But when she returns to find her hometown overrun with crime and corruption, she uses her martial arts skills and 'Shaolin' values to protect her community and bring criminals to justice, while searching for the assassin who killed her mentor. And is now targeting her..."
The original "Kunk Fu" series was created by Ed Spielman, Jerry Thorpe and Herman Miller, from an idea by Bruce Lee, set in the Old West, airing three seasons starring David Carradine as 'Kwai Chang Caine'...
...followed by "Kung Fu: The Movie" (1986), plus TV series "Kung Fu: The Next Generation" and "Kung Fu: The Legend Continues...
- 11/10/2019
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
The reboot of “Kung Fu” that was in development at Fox last season is moving to The CW with a new writer.
The project, a new take on the 1972 series starring David Carradine, is being redeveloped at the network with “Blindspot” alum Christina M. Kim taking over as writer for “Sleepy Hollow’s” Albert Kim. “Blindspot” creator Martin Gero has also signed on as an executive producer on the drama via his Quinn’s House banner.
The reimagining centers on a young Chinese-American woman who drops out of college amid a quarter-life crisis and goes on a life-changing journey to an isolated monastery in China. When she returns to find her hometown overrun with crime and corruption, she uses her martial arts skills and Shaolin values to protect her community and bring criminals to justice, all while searching for the assassin who killed her Shaolin mentor and is now targeting her.
The project, a new take on the 1972 series starring David Carradine, is being redeveloped at the network with “Blindspot” alum Christina M. Kim taking over as writer for “Sleepy Hollow’s” Albert Kim. “Blindspot” creator Martin Gero has also signed on as an executive producer on the drama via his Quinn’s House banner.
The reimagining centers on a young Chinese-American woman who drops out of college amid a quarter-life crisis and goes on a life-changing journey to an isolated monastery in China. When she returns to find her hometown overrun with crime and corruption, she uses her martial arts skills and Shaolin values to protect her community and bring criminals to justice, all while searching for the assassin who killed her Shaolin mentor and is now targeting her.
- 11/6/2019
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
The planned reboot of the classic series “Kung Fu” is on the move.
The one-hour series, which was previously set up at Fox with a put pilot order, is now in development at The CW. In addition, Albert Kim has exited the project, with Christina M. Kim now attached to write and executive produce and Martin Gero attached to executive produce. As before, Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter of Berlanti Productions remain onboard as executive producers. Gero’s Quinn House and Berlanti Productions will produce in association with Warner Bros. Television, where both are set up under overall deals.
In the new take on the series, a quarter-life crisis causes a young Chinese-American woman to drop out of college and go on a life-changing journey to an isolated monastery in China. But when she returns to find her hometown overrun with crime and corruption, she uses her martial arts skills...
The one-hour series, which was previously set up at Fox with a put pilot order, is now in development at The CW. In addition, Albert Kim has exited the project, with Christina M. Kim now attached to write and executive produce and Martin Gero attached to executive produce. As before, Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter of Berlanti Productions remain onboard as executive producers. Gero’s Quinn House and Berlanti Productions will produce in association with Warner Bros. Television, where both are set up under overall deals.
In the new take on the series, a quarter-life crisis causes a young Chinese-American woman to drop out of college and go on a life-changing journey to an isolated monastery in China. But when she returns to find her hometown overrun with crime and corruption, she uses her martial arts skills...
- 11/6/2019
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
The CW has put in development Kung Fu, a reimagining with a female lead of the 1970s David Carradine-starring TV series. The hourlong project hails from the Blindspot team of writer-executive producer Christina M. Kim, creator-executive producer Martin Gero, executive producers Greg Berlanti & Sarah Schechter and Warner Bros. TV, where Kim, Gero and Berlanti Prods. are under deals.
Written by Kim, inspired by the original series created by Ed Spielman, in the reimagined Kung Fu, a quarter-life crisis causes a young Chinese-American woman to drop out of college and go on a life-changing journey to an isolated monastery in China. But when she returns to find her hometown overrun with crime and corruption, she uses her martial arts skills and Shaolin values to protect her community and bring criminals to justice…all while searching for the assassin who killed her Shaolin mentor and is now targeting her.
Kim and...
Written by Kim, inspired by the original series created by Ed Spielman, in the reimagined Kung Fu, a quarter-life crisis causes a young Chinese-American woman to drop out of college and go on a life-changing journey to an isolated monastery in China. But when she returns to find her hometown overrun with crime and corruption, she uses her martial arts skills and Shaolin values to protect her community and bring criminals to justice…all while searching for the assassin who killed her Shaolin mentor and is now targeting her.
Kim and...
- 11/6/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva and Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Another reboot is in the works at The CW, and this one is based on the cult 1970s series Kung Fu.
The drama from prolific producer Greg Berlanti and Blindspot executive producer Christina M. Kim will put an Asian-American woman at the center of the show. The Warner Bros. TV project was in development at Fox last year with a different writer, Albert Kim.
The original series, created by Ed Spielman, starred David Carradine as the orphaned son of an American man and a Chinese woman who trains at a Shaolin monastery and ends up wandering the 19th century American West.
The premise ...
The drama from prolific producer Greg Berlanti and Blindspot executive producer Christina M. Kim will put an Asian-American woman at the center of the show. The Warner Bros. TV project was in development at Fox last year with a different writer, Albert Kim.
The original series, created by Ed Spielman, starred David Carradine as the orphaned son of an American man and a Chinese woman who trains at a Shaolin monastery and ends up wandering the 19th century American West.
The premise ...
- 11/6/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Fox has given a put pilot commitment to Kung Fu, a present-day sequel to the 1970s David Carradine-starring TV series, from former Sleepy Hollow executive producer Albert Kim, Greg Berlanti’s Berlanti Prods. and Warner Bros. TV, where the company is based.
Written by Kim, Kung Fu is an action-driven procedural about a young Chinese-American woman who inherits her father’s kung fu studio, only to discover it’s actually a secret center dedicated to helping members of the Chinatown community who have nowhere else to turn. With the help of a former star pupil — a smart and driven ex-Marine — she vows to continue the school’s mission. In the process, she discovers things she never knew about her cultural background and family’s heritage, including a connection to a legendary ancestor.
That legendary ancestor presumably is Carradine’s character from the original series, Shaolin monk Kwai Chang Caine.
Written by Kim, Kung Fu is an action-driven procedural about a young Chinese-American woman who inherits her father’s kung fu studio, only to discover it’s actually a secret center dedicated to helping members of the Chinatown community who have nowhere else to turn. With the help of a former star pupil — a smart and driven ex-Marine — she vows to continue the school’s mission. In the process, she discovers things she never knew about her cultural background and family’s heritage, including a connection to a legendary ancestor.
That legendary ancestor presumably is Carradine’s character from the original series, Shaolin monk Kwai Chang Caine.
- 10/10/2018
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
The planned “Kung Fu” reboot at Fox is doing some retooling.
The project, which was set up as a put pilot at Fox last year, has brought on Albert Kim as the writer and executive producer, taking over for Wendy Mericle. As before, Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter will executive produce via Berlanti Productions.
The revamped reboot is described as an action-driven procedural about a young Chinese-American woman who inherits her father’s kung fu studio, only to discover it’s actually a secret center dedicated to helping members of the Chinatown community who have nowhere else to turn. With the help of a former star pupil–a smart and driven ex-Marine–she vows to continue the school’s mission, and in the process discovers things she never knew about her cultural background and family’s heritage, including a connection to a legendary ancestor. This version will also be set in the present day,...
The project, which was set up as a put pilot at Fox last year, has brought on Albert Kim as the writer and executive producer, taking over for Wendy Mericle. As before, Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter will executive produce via Berlanti Productions.
The revamped reboot is described as an action-driven procedural about a young Chinese-American woman who inherits her father’s kung fu studio, only to discover it’s actually a secret center dedicated to helping members of the Chinatown community who have nowhere else to turn. With the help of a former star pupil–a smart and driven ex-Marine–she vows to continue the school’s mission, and in the process discovers things she never knew about her cultural background and family’s heritage, including a connection to a legendary ancestor. This version will also be set in the present day,...
- 10/10/2018
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Fox is teaming up with Arrow, The Flash and Supergirl producer Greg Berlanti to develop a sequel to the classic 1970s series Kung Fu. The original show starred David Carradine, and this new series will focus on a female lead. I personally don't care who plays the lead as long as they can kick ass and the story is solid. With Berlanti developing the series there's a good chance it will turn out solid.
The original show was created by Ed Spielman. It was set in the 1880s and followed the adventures of Kwai Chang Caine (Carradine), "a Shaolin monk who travels the American Old West armed only with his spiritual training – including a ton of aphorisms – and his skill in martial arts in search of his half-brother." Thanks to Deadline, we have a description of the new series, which gives us an idea of where the story will go:...
The original show was created by Ed Spielman. It was set in the 1880s and followed the adventures of Kwai Chang Caine (Carradine), "a Shaolin monk who travels the American Old West armed only with his spiritual training – including a ton of aphorisms – and his skill in martial arts in search of his half-brother." Thanks to Deadline, we have a description of the new series, which gives us an idea of where the story will go:...
- 9/29/2017
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Exclusive: In a competitive situation, Fox has landed Kung Fu[/link], a drama with a female lead based on the 1970s David Carradine-starring TV series. The project, executive produced by Greg Berlanti, was given a put pilot commitment. Written by Arrow executive producer and longtime Berlanti collaborator Wendy Mericle, Kung Fu is a sequel to the original 1880s-set series, which was created by Ed Spielman and chronicled the adventures of Kwai Chang Caine (Carradine), a Shaolin…...
- 9/28/2017
- Deadline TV
After all the debates, controversies, and stereotype accusations have cleared, looking back on Blaxploitation cinema today it’s easy to see healthy portions of the crime and action genres. Using these genres and the struggles of the black community, these films were created for those that wanted to see African American characters on the big screen not taking shit from the man, “getting over”, and–above all else—being the heroes in movies. In the documentary Baad Asssss Cinema, Samuel L. Jackson gives his take on the heroes of Blaxploitation: “We were tired of seeing the righteous black man. And all of a sudden we had guys who were…us. Or guys who did the things we wanted those guys to do.”
The unsung supporting players in these films that backed Fred Williamson and Pam Grier and many other stars were people acting and making a living off of it.
The unsung supporting players in these films that backed Fred Williamson and Pam Grier and many other stars were people acting and making a living off of it.
- 12/4/2012
- by Gregory Day
- SoundOnSight
I always thought that if anyone was going to bring Ed Spielman's Kung Fu to the big screen it would have been Quentin Tarantino. From Jules proclamation that he would "walk the Earth like Caine from Kung Fu" at the end of Pulp Fiction to the casting of David Carradine as the titular character in his Kill Bill movies, it always seemed as though Tarantino was foreshadowing a future announcement that he would be making a feature film from the 1970s television series. If that actually is true, it looks like he may have waited just a touch too long, as now it looks like another director is looking to take the gig. Deadline reports that Bill Paxton is looking to return behind the camera and is now in talks to direct Kung Fu for Legendary Entertainment. While Paxton doesn't have the longest directing resume around, his two films...
- 11/1/2011
- cinemablend.com
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.