Chinese Studios Plan AI Remakes of Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Jet Li Classics

China Launches AI-Driven Kung Fu Film Revival Project

Chinese production studios are pioneering AI-assisted filmmaking with a bold initiative to digitally remake legendary martial arts movies starring Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Jet Li, and other iconic performers. Announced during the Shanghai International Film Festival on June 19, the "Kung Fu Movie Heritage Project 100 Classics AI Revitalization Project" aims to breathe new life into cinema classics.

The Classics Getting an AI Makeover

The ambitious project will recreate:

• Bruce Lee's 1972 masterpiece Fists of Fury
• Jackie Chan's breakout 1978 hit Drunken Master
• Jet Li's career-defining 1991 epic Once Upon a Time in China

In a particularly innovative move, producers plan to transform John Woo's 1986 classic A Better Tomorrow into what they're calling "the world's first full-process, AI-produced animated feature film" with cyberpunk aesthetics.

Preserving Cinematic Heritage Through Technology

Zhang Pimin of the China Film Foundation emphasized how AI will update these "aesthetic historical treasures" to meet modern viewing standards while honoring their legacy: "It represents both film preservation and bold artistic innovation."

Tian Ming, chairman of partner company Shanghai Canxing Culture and Media, stressed the project's dual purpose: "We're paying homage to the originals while revolutionizing their visual presentation through AI-enhanced imagery, sound, and production quality." The initiative boasts substantial backing with a dedicated 100 million yuan ($13.9 million) fund.

Industry Reactions to AI Film Innovation

The entertainment world remains divided on AI applications:

• Director Tim Burton condemned AI-generated art as "very disturbing"
• Zack Snyder (Justice League) advocates embracing AI technology
• Netflix executives observe audiences prioritize content over creation methods

Tian Ming extended an open invitation: "We welcome leading AI animation specialists worldwide to join us in this groundbreaking cinematic revolution." Additional collaborators include the China Film Foundation's Film and Urban Development Special Fund and Quantum Animation.