First Trailer for Jackie Chan Epic 1911

Jackie Chan’s next film, the historical epic 1911, is billed as his 100th feature. This appears to be mostly marketing math to capitalize on the centennial of the subject matter, “the founding of the Republic of China when nationalist forces led by Sun Yat-sen (Winston Chao) overthrew the Qing Dynasty.” The first trailer is online, and looks suitably heroic.

Chan co-directed the movie with cinematographer Zhang Li (Red Cliff). 1911 is set for a day-and-date release in the United States and China on October 11. Watch the trailer after the break.

As Bleeding Cool noted when writing about the trailer, Chan is credited as “general director” while Zhang receives the more traditional “director” credit. Since this is a war movie, I assume Chan was focused on advising the actors playing generals — Zhang took care of the rest.

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THE KARATE KID 2 ON THE WAY

Does it count as news if everyone kind of already knows it?  Deadline reports [via using their common sense] that Sony Pictures is taking pitches for The Karate Kid 2 after The Karate Kid remake smashed box office expectations and made back its entire budget in one weekend.  While I would much rather see Jackie Chan Hates Karate Kids, it looks like we’ll have to settle for another round of Jaden Smith doing roundhouse kicks. 

The Karate Kid beats The A-Team

1		The Karate Kid (2010)	$56M
2		The A-Team (2010)	$26M
3		Shrek Forever After (2010)	$15.8M
4		Get Him to the Greek (2010)	$10.1M

Rebooting franchises isn't always a popular idea, but in many cases, it's a profitable one. Such was the case this weekend as two updates on classic properties entered the box office arena in the form of "The Karate Kid" and "The A-Team," with the kung fu-centric reboot coming out in first place.

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Jackie Chan's Heading to the Qin Dynasty for Junior Soldiers

We have word today that Chan is working on a new project called Junior Soldiers. We get wind of this news thanks to our friends at the movieweb:

According to Variety, Spox Yuan Nong from the Beijing office of Chan’s JCE shingle confirmed the film would be shot next year but gave no further details. The project is essentially a road movie in period costume set during the Qin dynasty; Underdog Knight director Ding Sheng will direct.

Chan will produce, star and write the screenplay, which focuses on three people and a horse.

A road movie in period costume involving an unnamed horse……I’m down.

I enjoy the Kung Fu hi-jinx of Jackie Chan and will always count it a treat to see his violent acrobatics in film. This dude has got to be one of the busiest dudes in the industry, he always seems to be working on something; I think he defeated sleep in a battle to the death.

We will be sure to keep you updated on the progress of Junior Soldiers. Right now I’m guessing it will be a children’s film based on the title, but I could be dead wrong.

If the horse learns Kung Fu - I will be very excited.