Chinese Studios Plan AI-Powered Remakes of Kung Fu Classics From Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and Jet Li

by

While Hollywood studios and artisans are debating the suitable part AI could play in the movie business, Chinese studios continue to move forward without pause.

Legendary martial arts film stars like Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li, along with numerous other greats in martial cinema, are set for a modern transformation through AI technology. At the Shanghai International Film Festival this week, Chinese production studios declared their intention to utilize AI to re-create approximately 100 iconic martial arts films.

Famous martial arts movie stars such as Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li are getting a high-tech update using AI. Chinese film studios recently announced that they will use AI technology to remake around 100 classic martial arts movies.

The iconic films “Fist of Fury” (1972) by Lee, “Drunken Master” (1978) by Chan, and the epic “Once Upon a Time in China” (1991), directed by Tsui Hark, are some of the movies that have been chosen for restoration as part of the “Kung Fu Movie Heritage Project 100 Classics AI Restoration Project.” This project aims to revitalize these classic martial arts films using advanced artificial intelligence technology.

A modern adaptation of the 1986 John Woo movie “A Better Tomorrow” is in the works, as suggested by the trailer. This new version appears to transform the original character played by Chow Yun-fat, who was a money-burning anti-hero, into a cyberpunk figure. It’s being touted as the world’s first fully AI-generated animated feature film from start to finish.

Major Chinese industrial figures were also present during the Shanghai International Film Festival’s 27th edition, making their respective declarations as well.

Under the guidance of Zhang Pimin, head of the China Film Foundation, it was announced that Artificial Intelligence (AI) would be employed to revamp these “aesthetically significant historical artifacts,” providing them with a modern appearance that aligns with present-day movie viewing preferences.

Zhang stated that this isn’t just about preserving cinematic history, it’s also about boldly pushing the boundaries in the advancement of filmmaking craft.”

Or:

“According to Zhang, it’s not just about cinema tradition, but also about courageously pioneering new ways in the evolution of film creation.

Tian Ming, head of Shanghai Canxing Culture and Media’s project partners, assured that the upcoming project will not only enhance the quality in terms of imagery, sound, and overall production but also maintain the storytelling and artistic essence of the original pieces. He further stated that this project would serve as a tribute to the original work while simultaneously redefining its visual aesthetics.

Tian extended an earnest invitation to leading AI animation firms globally, encouraging them to collaborate on a groundbreaking cinematic movement that challenges established norms,” he said, noting a fund of 100 million yuan ($13.9 million) was being prepared to initiate this venture.

The collaboration for this project involves the China Film Foundation’s Film and Urban Development Special Fund, as well as Quantum Animation, creators of “A Better Tomorrow: Cyber Frontier.

At China’s biggest gathering, the focus has been intensely on advancements in artificial intelligence. On the opening night, a video montage was presented which seamlessly integrated AI-generated images into scenes from renowned films like “Roman Holiday” featuring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck.

Leaders in our nation have been swift to support the advancement of new technologies. On July 10, 2023, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, along with several other government bodies, published a series of interim rules titled “Temporary Regulations for Managing Generative Artificial Intelligence Services.” This was followed by another set of regulations, “Rules for Identifying Synthetic Content Created by Artificial Intelligence,” which were released in March of this year. The authorities explained that these measures aim to foster a responsible and organized growth of artificial intelligence within our country.

Moreover, present on Thursday was Zhai Xuelian, the Secretary General of the China Science Fiction Industry Investment Alliance, who added his voice to the collective endorsement of this project.

She stated that this [example/phenomenon] demonstrates the vast potential of blending ancient traditions with modern technology, particularly in shaping the future trajectory of classic films and television from China. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, it can provide a more immersive experience for the global audience to appreciate the richness and liveliness of Chinese culture.

Read More

2025-06-19 12:24