- China launches AI project to remake 100 martial arts film classics.
- Legends like Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li to get digital makeovers.
- $13.9M fund and global AI partners invited to lead the cinematic revival.
At the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival, Chinese studios unveiled an ambitious plan to reimagine 100 kung fu movie classics using AI. This groundbreaking “Kung Fu Movie Heritage Project” features titles like Fist of Fury, Drunken Master, and Once Upon a Time in China.
Spearheaded by the China Film Foundation and Shanghai Canxing Culture, the initiative isn’t just about technical upgrades—it’s a cultural and artistic endeavor.
AI Meets Martial Arts: China’s $13.9M Bet on Reimagining Film History
Chinese cinema is stepping into the AI era with a bold project to digitally remake iconic kung fu films. At the center of this initiative are globally recognized stars such as Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li, whose most iconic films will be transformed using advanced artificial intelligence tools to match modern standards.
One standout project is an AI-animated version of A Better Tomorrow, directed by John Woo, now reimagined with cyberpunk aesthetics. It’s being hailed as the world’s first fully AI-produced animated feature. This blend of heritage and high-tech marks a first in global cinema and positions China as a leader in AI-driven film innovation.
The project’s leaders emphasize that this is not just a technical update but a preservation of cultural memory. Zhang Pimin of the China Film Foundation called the remakes “aesthetic historical treasures” that will resonate with contemporary audiences while retaining their original storytelling power.
The inclusion of international AI firms signals a desire for global collaboration and recognition. Tian Ming from Shanghai Canxing Culture called on the world’s best AI animation companies to help launch “a film revolution that subverts tradition,” reflecting both ambition and cultural pride.
By merging nostalgia with innovation, China’s AI-powered kung fu film revival reflects a transformative shift in how cinema can honor its past while forging a new creative frontier.
“Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire.” – Gustav Mahler
