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"The Transporter 2" Japanese Theatrical Poster

Cinemax’s TV show based on The Transporter is still going strong, but it looks like everyone’s favorite ass-kicking courier Frank Martin may be destined to return to the big screen.

Producer Luc Besson has struck a deal with China’s Fundamental Films to produce a new trilogy of movies in the Transporter series. Each film will be budgeted in the $30 to $40 million range, which is reasonable enough; although Transporter 3 received the worst reviews in the franchise’s history, it grossed a solid $109 million worldwide.

What remains to be seen is if actor Jason Statham will return to the role that helped make him famous. The actor has a busy schedule lined up, with a possible turn in Fast and Furious 7, but we are hoping he’ll slip into the ‘ol suit and tie for at least one more ride as Frank Martin.

And with The Transporter 4 actively in development now, we expect to hear word on a director in the coming months. Our question, though: is there enough fan interest to warrant a whole new trilogy of these movies?

"Once Upon a Time in Vietnam" Cannes Promotional Poster

Back in 2007, former 21 Jump Street star Dustin Nguyen managed to reinvent his image by playing a nearly invincible martial artist bad guy in the Vietnamese hit The Rebel. Now Nguyen is parlaying his status in the burgeoning Vietnamese action scene by stepping behind the camera for an ambitious project.

Previously titled Monk on Fire but now known under the title of Once Upon a Time in Vietnam (AKA Lua Phat), the film is described as an ‘Eastern Western’ featuring motorbike-riding kung fu monks and large-scale battles. Not only will Dustin Nguyen direct but he penned the script. Cameras have officially started rolling on the movie, with Ballistic: Ecks Versus Sever helmer Wych Kaosayananda serving as director of photography. Thanks to Twitch Film for the story.

Update: Don’t miss the first action-packed teaser trailer. The link is updated with a high-quality trailer. Credit goes to Lee Mason, who is hard at work on a ‘behind the scenes’ feature for the film. Stay tuned for more info! | Get a look at the bad-ass teaser poster! | Check out the 2nd official poster. And be sure and watch the full trailer now! (Link has been fixed)

BREAKING NEWS: Beyond Hollywood offers this new poster and an English-subbed trailer. Once Upon a Time in Vietnam is currently up for sale at the Cannes Film Festival – we’ll see if any North American distributors take a bite! It feels like Dustin Nguyen’s movie might make a good fit at Well Go USA.

Nightfall Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Cityonfire.com and Well Go USA are giving away 3 Blu-ray copies of Nightfall to three lucky Cityonfire visitors. To enter, simply add a comment to this post telling us what your favorite Hong Kong crime film is, along with a brief explanation of why it’s your favorite. We will be selecting three winners at random. Be sure to include your email address in the appropriate field so we can contact you for your home address. Additionally, please ‘Like Us‘ on cityonfire.com’s Facebook by clicking here.

The Blu-ray & DVD for Nightfall will be officially released on May 21, 2013. We will announce the 3 lucky winners on May 18th and ship out the prizes immediately.

CONTEST DISCLAIMER: You must enter by May 17th to qualify. Also, because Well Go USA holds the film’s U.S. rights, only U.S. residents may enter the contest. We sincerely apologize to our non-U.S. visitors.

WINNERS: Congratulations to Kyle, Anthony Crabtree and Nick. You have all been notified via email. Thanks to all for playing!

"Badges of Fury" Chinese Theatrical Poster

Enlight Media held a press conference on April 22 to announce that martial arts superstar Jet Li will reteam with up-and-coming actor Wen Zhang on a new film. The duo previously starred together in the special FX-infused, 2011 kung fu fantasy The Sorcerer and the White Snake.

Their next movie is known only as Bu Er Shen Tan (English: The One Detective) with no details on the plot or genre. It’s one of seven movies that Enlight Media is planning to shoot this year, in another clear indication that the Chinese film industry is ramping up to compete with Hollywood.

In the meantime, you can always order The Sorcerer and the White Snake on Blu-ray from our friends at DDDHouse.

Update: Jet Li’s latest collaboration with fellow actor Wen Zhang is a cop thriller titled The One Detective.

The project has been shrouded in secrecy. All we really know of the plot is that it follows Jet Li and Wen Zhang as two police officers investigating a series of murders. However, today much of the female cast was revealed: actresses Liu Yan, Liu Shishi, and Michelle Chen will all have a role in the film.

The film is no longer titled The One Detective but Badges of Fury. Before you think ‘badges? We don’t need no stinkin’ badges!’, realize that the film also now co-stars martial artists extraordinaire Collin Chou (The Matrix Reloaded, Flashpoint) and Wu Jing (Sha Po Lang AKA Killzone).

Twitch reports the film will have a promo at the European Film Market. | Check out an advance promotional poster for the film. Thanks to the tireless heroes at Martial Arts Action Cinema for the story. | It’s not much here’s the first image of Jet Li from the film. Thanks to M.M.A.C.

M.M.A.C. has a collage of sorts for the film, featuring one new image of Jet Li as well as what looks like a low-resolution version of an early promotional poster. Thanks, guys!

Here’s a legitimate version of the trailer. Martial Arts Movie Junkie has some high-quality images as well. No more bootleg quality! Looks like the movie is actually something of an action/comedy. | Check out the unusual new poster, which announces the film’s Chinese release date of June 28th, 2013, but seems to go out of its way to exclude Jet Li.

BREAKING NEWS: Don’t miss the second trailer for the film.

"The Legend of Zu" Cover Art

It is perhaps not possible to overstate the importance of the Zu series to Hong Kong cinema. Back in 1983, Tsui Hark’s Zu Warriors from the Magic Mountain single-handedly created Hong Kong’s special FX industry, much in the same way that Star Wars gave rise to Industrial Light and Magic. The film’s success also paved the way for Tsui Hark’s Film Workshop to become a production powerhouse during the 80′s and early 90′s.

When Tsui Hark announced the series would return with 2001′s The Legend of Zu (known as Zu Warriors in the US), Chinese audiences had their expectations at an all-time high; unfortunately, the film went on to be a Phantom Menace-style disappointment and some would argue that Tsui Hark’s career still hasn’t recovered from the blow.

Now, over a decade later, the Warriors from the Magic Mountain are making a comeback. Tsui Hark has announced plans for a new film in the series, titled Zu Warriors: Dawn of Darkness. This time around, action choreographer and filmmaker Yuen Woo-ping (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 2) is set to direct the picture. Shooting is expected to begin in Beijing this July and the movie will be in 3D. Casting details should be announced any day now.

"Special ID" Poster

Twitch reports that Donnie Yen held a press conference in Beijing yesterday to announce his latest film, titled Special Identity. The movie is a rip-roaring action yarn set in modern times and pits Donnie Yen against a formidable opponent in Vincent Zhao, the martial artist/actor famous for turns in True Legend and The Blade.

The project will be directed by Clarence Fok, who directed the original The Iceman Cometh that Donnie Yen happens to be remaking. He also helmed the classic Category III flick Naked Killer and the underrated 1998 film Cheap Killers.

The cinematographer on Special Identity is Peter Pau, a legend in his own right, having served as director of photography on films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and The Bride With White Hair.

At the conference, Donnie Yen promised some “great action scenes” between himself and Vincent Zhao, while Zhao said to look forward to some epic car chases. The car stunts on Special Identity are being handled by Hong Kong luminary Bruce Law, who has films like The Beast Stalker and Flash Point to his credit, and is also handling the car work on Jackie Chan’s upcoming farewell to action, Chinese Zodiac. Special Identity is scheduled to release in China in November.

Update: Beyond Hollywood has some behind the scenes photos of the film, including one which looks like it depicts a massive Triad gangwar.

Twitch has some shocking news: Vincent Zhao has dropped out of Special Identity. Andy On (Black Mask 2, King of Triads) has been cast to replace Vincent Zhao. Beyond Hollywood has the word on Zhao’s departure straight from Donnie Yen. Jaynestars.com posted a new, interesting article that has Vincent Zhao blasting Donnie Yen’s domineering ways. HKtop10 has the latest on the Donnie Yen and Vincent Zhao fiasco.

HKtop10 has posted stills from the Special Identity. Mtime.com reports that Flash Point’s Collin Chou has joined the Special Identity cast. | HKtop10 reports that Mainland director Tan Bing (who was originally going to direct Special Identity back when it was still known as The Ultimate Codebreak) held a press conference and made several accusations against Donnie Yen. | Asian Movie Pulse has more on the issue, with claims that Donnie Yen may be taking Vincent Zhao to court.

Via Twitch, Donnie Yen’s official website has a gallery of pictures, including many behind-the-scenes photos and action shots from Special Identity. The film is currently in post-production and should be on track for a November release date.

Andy On speaks! In a new interview, the veteran martial artist/actor stays pretty quiet about the Donnie/Vincent feud but lets it slip that he and Donnie share a 10 minute fight scene in the film. In fact, Andy makes it sound like he and Donnie went ‘full contact’ for their fight – and we believe him! Thanks to Martial Arts Action Cinema for the story.

When Andy On signed on to Special Identity to replace Vincent Zhao, most fans assumed that the film’s ‘final fight’ would be a bout between Donnie and Andy – especially when Andy revealed he has a 10 minute fight scene with Donnie in the movie. Well, new details have surfaced and it turns out Special Identity‘s climactic showdown will be between Donnie Yen and Collin Chou. What do you folks think: can these two martial arts stars possibly top their incredible battle at the end of 2007′s Flash Point?

BREAKING NEWS: Don’t miss the new poster for the film, which suggests the movie may be released under the title Special ID.

"Licence to Kill" Japanese Theatrical Poster

Agent 007′s latest adventure, Skyfall, has gone on to become the most successful James Bond film of all time. With a final gross of over $1 billion worldwide, it’s no surprise that the Bond producers have asked Skyfall director Sam Mendes to return to helm Daniel Craig’s next outing as the super spy.

Latino Review reported that John Logan (Gladiator), one of four credited writers on Skyfall, has already been hired to write the next two films in the franchise. And director Mendes even told Total Film that he has an idea for Bond 24.

However, as of today, the official word is that Sam Mendes has declined the offer to direct the next Bond film.

Mendes will resume his work in the theater world, focusing on his upcoming productions like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and King Lear. So the question remains: now that Skyfall has proven James Bond is more popular than ever, which filmmaker will orchestrate the highly anticipated follow-up to Skyfall?

Update: Collider reports that MGM plans to release the next Bond movie within 3 years. The article also mentions that the new director will be announced soon.

BREAKING NEWS: The Daily Mail reports that Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight Rises) has been approached by Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson to direct the next 007 movie.

"Red 2" Theatrical Poster

THE MOVIE: Unbeknownst to us, the action-comedy Red must have been one of the sleeper hits of 2010 because Summit Entertainment is fast-tracking the sequel and they’re signing on some big-name talent to join the cast. Headliners Bruce Willis, Helen Mirren, and John Malkovich are all back, but now they’ll be joined by Catherine Zeta-Jones and Korean superstar Lee Byung-hun (I Saw the Devil, G.I. Joe: Retaliation).

This time around, Dean Parisot of Galaxy Quest fame will be handling scripting and directing duties. The first movie was based on a graphic novel written by acclaimed comic book author Warren Ellis. Red 2 takes our cast of geriatric ex-C.I.A. agents to Europe and should arrive in theaters on August 2, 2013.

Updates: It looks like Anthony Hopkins will play the big villain in the movie, as long as his commitment to Thor 2 doesn’t interfere. | Even though Red 2 doesn’t even start filming until the spring, the first teaser poster has been released, courtesy of Collider. | Enjoy some new set photos from Collider. | More new set photos from Cinema Blend. | The first trailer is now available. | The newest poster has arrived. | Check out the new Lee Byung-hun character poster. See all of the other character posters at impawards.com. | Watch the new Red 2 trailer.

BREAKING NEWS: Apparently encouraged by rave test screenings for Red 2, Summit Entertainment has already tasked screenwriters with developing a Red 3.

"The White Storm" Poster

Benny Chan, the Hong Kong director renown for kinetic action films like Big Bullet and New Police Story, is prepping his next slice of blockbuster entertainment. This new film, titled The Cartel War, already boasts an impress cast including Louis Koo (Flash Point), Lau Ching Wan (A Hero Never Dies), and Nick Cheung (The Beast Stalker). Louis Koo stars as a narcotics detective hot on the trail of a new drug kingpin (played by Cheung), who may or may not be a former cop that everyone believes is dead.

The Cartel War sounds like a recipe for explosive Hong Kong action and the budget is suitably big to match: a cool $16 million will be funded into the film. The only downside is that we’re gonna have to wait a bit longer to see Louis Koo and Nick Cheung duke it out, as the The Cartel War won’t hit Hong Kong theaters until Summer 2014. Thanks to Far East Films for the story.

Update: It’s been almost a year since we’ve heard anything substantial on the film, but Twitch has the latest scoop. The movie’s title has been changed from The Cartel War to Metamorphosis. Benny Chan is still busy shooting the picture in Thailand but attendees of the Hong Kong Filmart were shown a dazzling promo reel. The early footage promised a blind of high-stakes intrigue and big action beats. Check out a piece of promotional artwork for the film.

BREAKING NEWS: Check out the first trailer and this new poster. The film is now titled The White Storm.

"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" Theatrical Poster

Deadline reports that The Weinstein Company will start production on a Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon sequel in May. Ronny Yu (The Bride with White Hair) is currently in talks to direct, with a script by John Fusco (The Forbidden Kingdom). Fusco’s script is based off the fifth book in Wang Du Lu’s Crane-Iron Pentalogy, which is same source material Ang Lee used for the original film.

According to Deadline, the sequel will continue to revolve around Yu Shu Lien (Michelle Yeoh). “This was an opportunity to explore a lifelong passion I’ve had for Wu Xia, and if there wasn’t continuing source material, I would never have gotten involved,” says Fusco.

As of yet, there are no details if Yeoh or anyone from the first film will reprise their roles. Stay tuned for any breaking updates.

Update: Website JanyeStar reports that Michelle Yeoh will return for the sequel. Thanks to Martial Arts Action Cinema for the tip. | Via JayneStar, Ronny Yu says he was offered to direct Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 2 but turned it down out of respect to Ang Lee.

The producers would love to nab Donnie Yen for a role in the sequel but Yen is concerned that his schedule may be too packed – he still has to shoot Ip Man 3D, after all. Martial arts buffs will remember that Donnie Yen and Michelle Yeoh shared the screen once before in Yuen Woo-ping’s excellent Wing Chun.

JayneStars appears to have the scoop! The Chinese movie website says Black Swan and Robocop remake producer David Thwaites will direct the sequel, which will be shot in both English and Mandarin; the Weinstein Company is trying to get Ang Lee to come onboard as a producer; and Donnie Yen would likely play Michelle Yeoh’s finace’, who was thought deceased but returns as a war hero. There’s even a rumor that Fan Bingbing (Flash Point) could play Michelle Yeoh’s daughter!

BREAKING NEWS: It may be hard to believe but the Hollywood Reporter indicates Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 2 — The Green Destiny is a ‘go,’ with both Michelle Yeoh and Donnie Yen starring in the picture. CTHD martial arts choreographer Yuen Woo-ping will coordinate the action and direct the sequel. Production is expected to begin in March 2014.

"Sympathy for Lady Vengeance" Korean Theatrical Poster

In celebration of Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month, Hulu is adding some new and exciting titles to its Chinese, Japanese and Korean libraries.

Korean Titles:

Korean Dramas: Launching today are My Sassy Girl (dir. Jae-Young Kwaek), 200 Pounds Beauty (Young-Hwa Kim), and action drama Crying Fist (Seung-Wan Ryoo with Oldboy’s Min-Sik Choi).

Korean Cannes Selections: Hahaha, Virgin Stripped Bare by Her Bachelors (Sang-Soo Hong), and A Brand New Life (Ounie Lecomte)

The famed Vengeance trilogy is available on Hulu Plus until June 30th. The sci-fi cult classic is about a man determined to find his kidnapper who imprisoned him for 15 years. The film has been recognized at numerous festivals, and took home the Grand Prize of the Jury at Cannes in 2004. Enter the world of director Chan-Wook Park with Oldboy, Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance and Lady Vengeance.

Chinese Titles:

Chinese dramas, such as Love In a Puff (Ho-Cheung Pang), The Soul Of Bread (Pin-Chuan Kao), and Don’t Go Breaking My Heart (Johnnie To) make their Hulu debut in the Chinese film category as well.

Japanese Titles:

Continue your journey into cinematic history with the Criterion Collection, which features masterpieces by Akira Kurosawa, Masaki Koboyashi and Nagisa Oshima, among many others. Brand new Criterion titles never before seen on DVD are coming exclusively to Hulu soon, so stay tuned.

Experiencing Asian films can be as simple as adventuring through one of our many categorized playlists, such as New Asian Films on Hulu, Chinese or Korean Dramas and A Beginner’s Guide to Korean Dramas.

New Asian Films on Hulu | Cick Here
Asian Fight Films | Click Here
Chinese Dramas  | Click Here
A Beginner’s Guide to Korean Dramas | Click Here

Cityonfire.com received the above press release from hulu.com.

"Flash Point" Chinese Theatrical Poster

The good folks at Film Combat Syndicate report on yet another new project from martial art sensation Donnie Yen. This film is thought to be the same movie originally unveiled as One Person’s Martial Arts Circle, but has wisely gone under a title change to The Last of the Best.

This high-octane action thriller will reunite Donnie Yen with his Bodyguards & Assassins director Teddy Chen as well as his Iceman Cometh 3D co-star Wang Baoqiang.

Plotwise, the movie follows Donnie Yen as a top-notch martial arts instructor at the Hong Kong Police Academy who is imprisoned for accidentally killing a man. Yen may not be able to stay behind bars for long as shortly after his arrest, a deranged killer (played by Wang Baoqiang) begins targeting the best and brightest martial arts fighters in Hong Kong.

The premise sounds ripe for yet another rip-roaring Donnie Yen picture in the vein of Flash Point. Color us excited!

"The Wrath of Vajra" Chinese Promotional Poster

Law Ching Cheong is currently busy directing an increasingly over-budget remake of The Iceman Cometh with Donnie Yen, but his previous film is finally about to see the light of day. Titled The Wrath of Vajra, this high-concept martial arts movie is intended to serve as the first starring vehicle for Yu Xing.

Xing is a Shaolin monk turned actor who has already been seen in supporting roles in a number of movies so far, including Flash Point, Shaolin, and Kung Fu Hustle.

Law Ching Cheong has praised Yu Xing has ‘the next big thing’ in Chinese martial arts. You can watch the trailer for The Wrath of Vajra now. In the film, Yu Xing plays a top Chinese martial artist who sets his sights on a Japanese death cult after they abduct innocent Chinese children and train them to be assassins.

Judging by the trailer, the filmmakers have been influenced by the Ong-Bak sequels in terms of the slow-motion action photography and a willingness to feature comic book-like villains.

Update: Distributor Media Asia has snagged the international rights to The Wrath of Vajra. CEO Jeffrey Soong says the film “harks back to the old days when one take meant 20 minutes of fighting, not one scene with 200 cuts.” Here here! Film Combat Syndicate has a plot synopsis and word that Sammo Hung provided the action choreography. We’re still waiting to hear a release date, however.

Dante Lam is arguably the leading action director in Hong Kong right now (sorry, Wilson Yip) thanks to movies like Fire of Conscience and The Stool Pigeon. Lam is a veteran of the industry going all the way back to 1998′s Beast Cops, but he’s managed to invigorate his career of late by taking well-worn Hong Kong action tropes and reenergizing them with an immediate, Bourne-esque visual style.

Dante looks to be continuing this trend with his latest project, That Demon Within, which will also reunite the filmmaker with his frequent leading man, Nick Cheung. This time around, Nick Cheung is joined by Daniel Wu (New Police Story) as a paranoid cop convinced he’s the only one who can see the dangerous crimes Cheung’s character is committing.

Not to hedge our bets but with a premise like that it sounds like That Demon Within will feature plenty of tense, beady-eyed stand-offs between our two leads and a gun fight or two. Shooting on That Demon Within is expected to start this Winter with plans for a Summer 2013 release.

Update: Website JayneStars discusses the ‘explosive’ nature of the film’s action sequences. One major setpiece had Dante Lam applying for a road closure permit 2 months before shooting began, with a budget of $1.5 million HKD to film a scene with major explosions and gunfire in only 3 days! The article also suggests Nick Cheung’s character suffers from something of a split personality, as JayneStar says the role is like “two parts in one” for Cheung. | Twitch Film has the first piece of promotional art for the film and it looks like this is going to be one very grim affair!

BREAKING NEWS: Twitch premiered this new poster for the film, which at least somewhat brings to mind such movies as Point Break and Fulltime Killer.

"The Expendables 2" Comic-Con Poster

The Expendables 2 earned slightly more money than its predecessor at the global box office, even if it wasn’t as successful in America. Thus, it’s kind of surprising that we haven’t heard much word about a possible Expendables 3. All of that changes today, though, as AICN is running an article in which Jackie Chan discusses joining the cast of Expendables 3.

Jackie says Sylvester Stallone invited the Hong Kong action icon to play a part in the sequel, with Chan adding the caveat that he must be more than just “a minor role with a few scenes.” Now that Expendables 3 is moving forward with Chan in the cast, the screenplay is being reworked into more of a ‘buddy action picture’ with Sly Stallone and Jackie Chan teaming up.

Updates: It’s likely best to take this news with a grain of salt, but Chinese Films relays news from Screen Crush that John Woo is interested in directing The Expendables 3 – as long as he has creative control and can set the film in China. Says Woo: “I want to shoot the movie the way I want.” The acclaimed filmmaker supposedly already has a fight scene between Jet Li and Jean-Claude Van Damme mapped out in his head, even though Van Damme wasn’t in a condition to fight anyone at the end of The Expendables 2.

The Playlist reports that Dolph Lundgren hinted The Expendables 3 may begin production this fall and Jackie Chan, Wesley Snipes and Nicolas Cage are wanted. | A new article from Movie Pilot suggests that Jackie Chan and Nicolas Cage are definite additions to the cast, with actor Tom Sizemore (True Romance) up for the role of the main villain.

ComingSoon has the scoop from Sylvester Stallone himself! Sly says that Expendables 3 needs “more humor,” but fans shouldn’t expect Steven Seagal (Above the Law) to make an appearance. However, Sly says Jackie Chan is still a definite possibility! Lastly, Sly says the Expendables team needs more young blood, mostly like 20-something guys to serve as tech wizards for the team, as well as a wise-cracking female who is tough but not just a sex symbol.

Via AICN: Sly posted a message to Twitter – which has since been deleted – which made it sound like Wesley Sniples’ involvement in the film is a done deal. Additionally, the latest rumor is that Sly is courting Mel Gibson to direct, or at least star in, Expendables 3. Considering how much slow-motion violence Gibson has brought to the screen as a filmmaker, he seems like a natural fit for the series but Cityonfire.com is still holding out hope that John Woo helms the picture.

Some new tweets from Sylvester Stallone indicate that he is meeting with a possible director for Expendables 3 soon – and it’s not John Woo or Mel Gibson. Stallone says he’s a big fan but Woo is busy with his filmwork in China. As far as Mel Gibson, Stallone says “Sorry, tried hard, Mel’s living his own life…”

Sly Stallone has handed directing duties to Australian filmmaker Patrick Hughes, who wrote and directed the 2010 modern day Western Red Hill. His 2008 short film Signs is also available on YouTube. Stallone promises that Expendables 3 will have a mix of heart and action, and that he’s aiming to top what he considers his best pure action film – 2008′s Rambo.

BREAKING NEWS: Stallone recently tweeted about wanting to top The Raid (as far as raising the bar in action), the return of Mickey Rourke, as well as the inclusion of Jackie Chan and Wesley Snipes. | Tweet on The Raid: “Thinking about Raiding, THE RAID….think about it…”, followed by “We believe we can do better than the RAID, which was an excellent film… Raising the bar…” | Tweet on Jackie Chan: “What’s the plan? Ask Jackie Chan….” | Tweet on Wesley Snipes: “Talked to WESLEY today … He can not WAIT to fight to the top again!!!!!!! | Tweet on Mickey Rourke: “Mighty Mickey is back…..”

"Tom Yum Goong 2" Promotional Poster

Twitch reports that Tom Yum Goong 2 will reunite the entire Tom Yum Goong/Ong Bak team with Jaa in the lead, Pinkaew directing, Rittikrai handling fight choreography and Chocolate star Jeeja Yanin also handed a significant role – the first time Jaa has ever shared the stage with another marquee fighter. Read the full story here.

Updates: There are also plans to shoot the movie in 3D. Rising martial artist Marrese Crump also has a role. At the link are some shots of the Tom Yum Goong 2 opening ceremony. | Twitch Film has the word from a Thai newspaper that Tom Yum Goong 2 is only about 40% finished after eight months of principal photography, and that Tony Jaa will take a break from filming in May to marry his longtime girlfriend. Twitch speculates that the Tom Yum Goong 2 is now likely over-budget and won’t see release until mid 2013.

Not much new but Asian Movie Pulse makes notice of a fan petition you can sign to try and grant the film a worldwide release. Also, this guy actually managed to see some footage from the film at Cannes, and it sounds appropriately big-budget and over the top.

Twitch Film relays news that the RZA, fresh off The Man With the Iron Fists, has a ‘featured’ role in Tom Yum Goong 2. In addition, the film finally has a release date: expect the movie in Thai theaters this May 2013. | Twitch is running an article that states Tom Yum Goong 2 will be the first Tony Jaa movie to make extensive use of CGI and wirework, supposedly necessitated because of the film’s 3D nature. Expect the first trailer for the movie in Spring 2013.

Twitch reports that Tom Yum Goong 2 is nearly finished with principle photography. Now that the film is reaching completion, Tony Jaa is lining up two new projects: one film, which may or may not be a Hong Kong-based project with Sammo Hung as fight choreographer, is said to co-star Jean-Claude Van Damme. In addition, Tony Jaa is looking to return to the director’s chair for a different film. That project may involve callaboration with Bangkok Knockout director Panna Rittikrai and Fighting Fish director Julaluck Ismalone. Stay tuned for further news as it develops. | M.M.A.C. says Tom Yum Goong 2 is slated for a December 5th, 2013 release date. | Click here to watch the Tom Yum Goong 2 trailer. Note: If you get an error, try doing a search.

BREAKING NEWS: Check out the new poster for Tom Yum Gong 2.

"Pacific Rim" Theatrical Poster

THE MOVIE: When an alien attack threatens the Earth’s existence, giant robots piloted by humans are deployed to fight off the menace. This is Hellboy and Pan’s Labyrinth director Guillermo Del Toro’s ode to the Godzilla movies of his youth. Look for the film to land in theaters on July 11th, 2013.

THE TRAILERS: Courtesy of Apple Quicktime.

Updates: Del Toro says the film is inspired by Japanese monster movies. | Saw writers Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan are giving ‘Rim a rewrite. | Rinko Kikuchi talked to Collider about the film. | ScreenRant has a production update. | More details on the film from Screenrant. | Actor Idris Elba claims that while much of the movie will be CGI-based, they’ve still constructed a lot of sets for the production.

The Collider has an interview which has Guillermo del Toro explaining why he put together an international cast. He also talks about the film’s monsters, robots and massive battles. | AICN relays word that Warner Brothers is post-converting the film to 3D for its July release, reportedly against director Del Toro’s wishes. Check out the new Comic-Con poster.

Let the viral campaign begin, starting with this video and official website. We should be expecting the teaser trailer very soon. | “Breaking News,” literally: check out a video of a monster attack! | THR reports that Legendary Studios is already prepping a sequel. | Head over to Collider for a pack hi-res images from the film. | Check out the latest posters at Total Film. | Total Film has a new photo featuring Idris Elba and Rinko Kikuchi.

The trailer is live via Apple Quicktime or YouTube. | Scope out a CES trailer out of Vegas, one that is slightly different from the theatrical trailer we’ve already seen. Thanks to AICN. | Head over to The Playlist for some new images. | If you want a clear idea of what the giant, piloted robots in Pacific Rim will look like, Collider has a sneak peek at the upcoming toy line. | Head over to Cinema Blend to check out two new pieces of concept art. | Head over to Collider for a new image. | Two more Pacific Rim stills stomp in at Empire.

Check out all the giant robot posters: Japan’s Coyote Tango, America’s Gipsy Danger, Russia’s Cherno Alpha, Australia’s Striker Eureka and China’s Crimson Typhoon. | Watch the new TV spot. Check out the latest poster. | Another new giant robot poster. | The latest full-length trailer is online and ready to dazzle your senses. | Here is the Japanese trailer for the movie. In addition, here are three new posters: 1 | 2 | 3

BREAKING NEWS: Watch the newest trailer.

"Iceman Cometh" Promotional Poster

THE MOVIE: Donnie Yen is stepping into a role made famous by Yuen Biao with a 3D remake of the 1989 Hong Kong martial arts film The Iceman Cometh. Appledaily.com.hk has a video of Donnie Yen discussing (in Chinese) plans for the movie with Stephen Shiu, the producer of the original film. Donnie stars and serves as martial arts choreographer.

Directed by Clarence Ford (Cheap Killers), the original Iceman Cometh starred Yuen Biao, Maggie Cheung and Yuen Wah.

Updates: Twitch has the official teaser poster. In addition, check out their interview with producer Stephen Shiu, who says that Yuen Biao will have a duel with Donnie Yen. | Shooting began yesterday in Hong Kong.

Donnie Yen stars alongside Wang Baoqiang (Fire of Conscience), Simon Yam (Ip Man), and Eva Huang (The Sorcerer and the White Snake). | The film is expected to release in 2013.

On his Facebook site, Donnie Yen has posted what appears to be a behind-the-scenes image of him working on Iceman Cometh. | Here’s another image from Donnie Yen’s Facebook site. | Our friends at Martial Arts Action Cinema have some new, mostly behind the scenes, photos from the film. Pics one and two and three.

M.M.A.C. reports via JayneStars that progress is slow on Iceman Cometh; the film has been shooting for 4 months but is not even halfway completed. This is rare for the Hong Kong movie industry, where an entire movie can typically wrap filming in as little as 3 months. But it’s not as though Donnie has been taking it easy: his other action film Special Identity is now in post-production, and the crew on Iceman Cometh recently spent 10 days filming a 7-minute fight scene!

JayneStars reports the film’s budget has ballooned to $200 million Hong Kong dollars, which is roughly $25 million in US dollars. The producers suggest it’s mostly for insurance purposes, so the cast can continue to perform their own stunts. | HKsar has some new set photos of the cast on the Kai Tak airport runway.

Reports are coming out that Donnie Yen and the producers are unhappy that the Hong Kong Government has not been supportive of Iceman Cometh. The Government denied the crew the right to shoot on Tsing Ma Bridge and also claimed that the set lights were too bright during filming in Hong Kong proper. Simon Yam remains confident that the film will be successful at the box office regardless, especially since co-star Wang Baoqiang is coming off of one of the biggest Chinese films of all time, Lost in Thailand.

Our friend Danny Ho passed along this cool fan-made poster for the film, which should help build anticipation for Donnie Yen’s next action blockbuster. | MA Movie Junkie has a pack of photos and promotional shots from the movie.

A report from Impact Magazine suggests that Iceman Cometh will be split into two movies – which would likely help the producers recoup the budgetary costs. While Part 1 is screening in theaters, the filmmaking crew will use the extra time to wrap up Part 2 before Christmas ’13. In addition, Impact notes that Donnie Yen’s modern day action movie Special Identity is still stuck in post-production and litigation limbo.

BREAKING NEWS: Donnie Yen strikes a pose in this new promotional poster. Thanks to M.M.A.C. and Danny Ho.

"Police Story 2013" Official Poster

THE MOVIE: Website Chinese Films has some jaw-dropping news for martial arts fans, if this project does indeed end up reaching fruition. Reportedly, China Vision Media Group held a press conference in Beijing yesterday to announce that Jackie Chan would team up with Ding Sheng, his co-writer/director on Little Big Soldier, once again. Their next collaboration together? Wait for it: a new entry in the Police Story saga, tentatively titled Police Story 2013.

Police Story remains arguably the most popular series of films that Jackie Chan has ever done, with the 1985 original solidifying Jackie’s status as an international action icon. Jackie would return to the series intermittently over the years, adding bigger and more dangerous stunts with each entry.

The last installment was 2005′s New Police Story, which may not have achieved the acclaim of past movies but was undoubtedly a damn fine Jackie Chan flick.

Update: Jackie Chan will begin shooting Police Story 2013 on November 15th in Beijing, alongside Mainland actor Huang Bo. This time around, Jackie is portraying an all new character – a Mainland Chinese cop. Police Story fans will recall that the third installment, Supercop, contrasted Jackie’s easygoing Hong Kong cop with Michelle Yeoh’s stricter Mainland officer. Says Jackie: “I’ve played policemen many times before, but I’ve never shot a film which focused on the life of a mainland policeman. So this time, I get the chance to fulfill this kind of role.”

Twitch Film unveiled this promotional poster for the film, which is reportedly just Jackie Chan’s head photoshopped onto Jason Statham’s body from The Mechanic. As such, it’s not yet known if this is an official poster or merely a fan job. | Check out the teaser poster for Police Story 2013, which has officially wrapped up filming. Thanks to superchanblog.blogspot.com.

Kung Fu Magazine interviewed Jack Tu, who won a Chinese reality TV contest and became Jackie Chan’s ‘disciple’ for a year. This led to a small role as a police sniper in Police Story 2013. News on this project have been scarce but Jack Tu has finally let a few details slip. Based on the interview, it looks like Police Story 2013 will be set entirely within Mainland China and put an emphasis on the Chinese police force (most of the extras in the movie are real police officers and firefighters).

The film’s storyline follows the relationship between Jackie and his daughter; from the sounds of it, a gang kidnaps Jackie’s daughter and holds her at a club, where Jackie and his police force must rescue her. Jack Tu also gives the impression Police Story 2013 will feature more gun battles than traditional hand-to-hand combat.

Police Story 2013 has officially screened for the public at the Beijing International Film Festival. Word from the director himself indicates that the film is related to the first five Police Story movies in name only. This movie is a bit of a departure for Jackie, blending the cop genre with drama and suspense. There is reportedly more gun-based violence than hand-to-hand combat as well. We look forward to a trailer in the near future! | M.M.A.C. offers this pic of Jackie from the film via the always reliable Danny Ho.

BREAKING NEWS: Here’s the official poster, thanks to Chewi for the heads up.

"Riddick" Theatrical Poster

THE MOVIE: The third part of the Riddick saga is directed by David Twohy (Pitch Black, The Chronicles of Riddick) and stars Vin Diesel, Karl Urban, Katee Sackhoff, Dave Bautista, Jordi Mollà and Bokeem Woodbine. The film is scheduled for release in 2013.

Here’s the plot synopsis, paraphrased from Shock Till You Drop: Betrayed by his own kind and left for dead on a desolate planet, Riddick must fight for survival against alien predators and a ruthless gang of bounty hunters.

Updates: Moviehole.net has descriptions of characters. | Bloody Disgusting suggests that Karl Urban will reprise his role. | AICN notes that Vin Diesel’s Facebook page claims Universal will allow the next Riddick film to be R-rated.

Vin also released some concept art for a suit of armor Riddick may wear in the new movie. | Check out a sketch of a jackal. | Latino Review has the first look at Vin Diesel in Riddick 3 CBM has a pic of Vin with goggles. | Comic Book Movie has a look at the press release which reveals the summary and cast. | Here are some Storyboards, courtesy of Rope of Silicon. | Collider has images of the mercs. | AICN has a new picture of director David Twohy with the mercs in the film.

Filming has officially wrapped in Montreal! Bloody Disgusting has a new pic of a shirtless Vin Diesel in the film. | Box Office Mojo states that Riddick 3 will be rated R for ‘strong violence, language and some sexual content/nudity.’ | Collider has the new logo and photo of Karl Urban as Vaako. | Take a peak at the international poster. | Collider has a new photo. | Head over to Digitalspy.com for a new still. | Comic Book Movie posted this still yesterday. | Check out a new picture of Riddick on his throne. Thanks to the good folks at Martial Arts Action Cinema. | The new 20-second preview makes the film look like a direct sequel to Pitch Black.

BREAKING NEWS: The first trailer is now available. Also check out the new poster.

"Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol" Japanese Theatrical Poster

Audiences around the world enjoyed Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, to the tune of some $680 million dollars. That makes a sequel pretty much a given at this point. Although Paramount had been grooming Jeremy Renner to take the reins to the series, general response has been that Tom Cruise (and Tom Cruise doing ridiculous aerial stunts) remains the big reason why people go see these movies. So expect Cruise’s mug to adorn the posters for M:I 5 when and if it happens.

And we have reason to believe it’s gonna happen soon. Ain’t it Cool News reports that the CEO of Viacom, Paramount’s parent company, recently said “Oh, yes” when asked by shareholders if Paramount was moving forward with a sequel to Ghost Protocol. Funny, that was my same response when I saw Tom Cruise jump out the window of that tall-ass building in Dubai: Oh yes.

The only question now, besides if director Brad Bird is coming back, is how is Cruise gonna top himself?

Update: Great news for fans of the highly underrated crime movie The Way of the Gun. It appears that the writer/director on that film, Christopher McQuarrie, is in talks to direct the next Mission: Impossible film. McQuarrie rocketed to fame back in 1995 by penning the screenplay for The Usual Suspects, but he most recently worked with Tom Cruise on the forthcoming Jack Reacher movie. Both Cruise and the Paramount are reportedly happy with McQuarrie’s work on Reacher, so we can expect an announcement for M:I5 in the near future.

According to Deadline, Paramount and Skydance Productions have confirmed that Tom Cruise will be back for M:I5. However, there is no word on the official writer or director, nor is there a set release date. We’re sure that the announcement is just days away, so stay tuned.

BREAKING NEWS: Via AICN, Jackie Reacher director Christopher McQuarrie is still reportedly in negotiations to direct the film but he’s pushing for as much creative control as Paramount will give him. Meanwhile, Sherlock Holmes 3 and Iron Man 3 co-writer Drew Pearce has been given the assignment to write the screenplay.

"Red Dawn" International Theatrical Poster

THL reports that director Michael Mann (Heat) paid a visit to Hong Kong where he and his production team are scouting locations and auditioning local A-list stars for an upcoming cyber-thriller lead by Chris Hemsworth (Thor, Red Dawn). Some of the Hong Kong stars seen meeting with Mann include Tang Wei (Wu Xia), Nick Cheung Ka-fai (Nightfall) and Shawn Yue Man-lok (The Guillotines).

There are currently no further details about the upcoming film. All that’s known is Hemsworth signed for the movie last February. Check back for more information regarding this project.

Update: Michael Mann has cast Lust, Caution stars Wei Tang and Leehom Wang in his untitled upcoming cyber-theft/attack thriller. THR reports that that Tang and Wang will play a brother-and-sister duo. Tang also will be Hemsworth’s love interest.

"The Wolverine" Theatrical Poster

THE MOVIE: James Mangold (Cop Land, 3:10 to Yuma remake) directs Hugh Jackman in a new solo Wolverine film that presumably ignores the continuity mess of X-Men Origins: Wolverine. This time a Wolverine travels to Japan, training under a samurai and falling in love with some local beauties in the process. In theaters on July 26th, 2013.

Updates: Dark Horizons reports that Jackman and Mangold are looking into a possible R-rated version | In an interview via CBM, Mangold says the film will be heavily influenced by Japanese culture and even have fight scenes modeled after Japanese martial arts.

Casting on the movie continues and a host of Japanese talent has been added. Look for Hiroyuki Sanada (Royal Warriors), Hal Yamanouchi (Push), and two female newcomers – Tao Okamoto and Rila Fukushima – to round out the cast. | Will Yun Lee (TV’s Hawaii Five-O) will play the Silver Samurai.

It’s not much but here’s the first on-set photo of Hugh Jackman, courtesy of Cinema Blend. | The Coventry Telegraph says Hugh Jackman confirms The Wolverine is standalone film, not a sequel and won’t be ‘overloaded’ with mutants. | Collider has the first official image of Hugh Jackman in The Wolverine. | Collider has new set photos. | Collider has the first photo of Svetlana Khodchenkova as Viper. | The latest rumor is that Famke Janssen will have a cameo in The Wolverine as her X-Men character Jean Grey/the Phoenix.

Director James Mangold recently clarified that The Wolverine takes place a long time after X-Men: The Last Stand, at a point when most of the X-Men are gone or disbanded. | There’s a new pic of Hugh Jackman at the link as well. | Take a peak at the new teaser poster, as well as some new set photos, courtesy of Collider. | Here are some new set photos.

A new international teaser poster has been released. To see the animated version, head over Cinema Blend. | According to Collider, Hugh Jackman reveals when The Wolverine takes place and mentions an X-Men cameo. | AICN has some choice new quotes from director James Mangold. The filmmaker says one of his main inspirations for the film was the classic Clint Eastwood Western The Outlaw Josey Wales, and that this movie will put a renewed focus on Wolverine’s immortality and berserker rage.

The first photo from the film is in the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly. | Enjoy some new images, courtesy of Collider. | Check out this newly released still of Jackman. | Head over to Collider to check out a pack of set images from the film. | Check out the new poster! And beyond Hollywood has 8 new images from the film, including our first look at Svetlana Khodchenkova as the villainous Viper. | The full-length trailer is here, courtesy of Apple Quicktime. New poster has been released. | Check out a pack of new photos from Collider. | Watch the Japanese trailer!

Theater chain AMC has released a low-res shot of Wolverine holding off the Silver Samurai, who appears completely computer-generated in this shot but will be played by Will Yun Lee (Red Dawn remake) in the film. Also check out The Wolverine CinemaCon trailer! Thanks to M.M.A.C.for the news. | Check out the new Silver Samurai teaser poster, which is done with the Japanese paint-style treatment.

BREAKING NEWS: Collider has a new photo of Jackman vs. Hiroyuki Sanada. If you’re not familiar with Sanada (aka Henry Sanada), he’s had one heck of a martial arts career in Japan and Hong Kong, ranging from Legend of the Eight Samurai with Sonny Chiba to Hong Kong’s Royal Warriors with Michelle Yeoh. His Hollywood work includes Rush Hour 3, The last Samurai, Sunshine, Speed Racer, Lost and the upcoming 47 Ronin.

"Wild Bunch" Japanese Theatrical Poster

The Wrap reports that Will Smith is in talks to star and produce a modern day reboot of Sam Peckinpah’s The Wild Bunch. The 1969 western – which has influenced popular filmmakers like John Woo and Quentin Tarantino – is known for its graphic violence and slow motion imagery.

The original – which starred William Holden, Ernest Borgnine, Robert Ryan, Edmond O’Brien, Warren Oates, Jaime Sanchez and Ben Johnson – involved an aging group of outlaws who look for one last big score as the “traditional” American West is disappearing around them. According to The Wrap, the remake is expected to follow a disgraced D.E.A. agent who assembles a team to go after a Mexican drug lord and his fortune.

The idea of a Wild Bunch remake/reboot has been lingering for some time. At one point, Warner Bros. hired David Ayer (Training Day) to write the script. Most recently, Tony Scott (True Romance), who was set to direct, wrote about half of the screenplay with Brian Helgeland (L.A. Confidential) before his death in 2012.

Stay tuned for more updates regarding this project.

"Tank School of the Imperial Japanese Army" Poster

THE MOVIE: David Ayer – the award-winning writer of Training Day, and writer/director of End of Watch and the upcoming Ten (with Arnold Schwarzenegger) is back with another action-thriller, this time it’s tank vs. Nazi film called Fury, which he will also direct. Production may begin this fall.

According to Deadline, Fury will take place in 1945 as the Nazi regime collapses and the five man crew of an American tank called Fury battles a desperate German army.

Ayer says he wants to “bring a fresh execution to the genre. What these men went through is worthy of a complex, honest portrayal. This will have incredible, visceral action and complex rich characters. I plan to bring tank combat to life in a way that lands with a modern audience.”

Updates: Deadline reports that Brad Pitt is in final negotiations to star in Fury, which is expected to start production in September. | Variety reports that Shia LaBeouf is in talks to join the cast.

BREAKING NEWS: There are several reports that Michael Pena, who worked with Ayer in End of Watch, is up for a part.