General News

Recently a teaser film for a re-inspired Mortal Kombat made its way online. Since then speculation has been running high on who’s involved and how long before it hits the big screen. The eight-minute trailer was shot in less than a week as a pitch to Warner Brothers for a movie franchise reboot. The Mortal Kombat franchise has been popular since the early 1990’s when the series of fighting games was first released. While the first feature film in 1995, Mortal Kombat, became an instant fan-favorite, the sequel titled Mortal Kombat: Annihilation was widely panned when it released in 1997. One reboot of the franchise had already been rumored to be in the works since 2009. Tentatively titled Mortal Kombat: Devastation, it was slated for a release in 2010. When asked on whether or not Devastation was meant to be a sequel to the prior two films, the director said to Moviehole, “the project isn't so much a sequel as it is a "re-envisioning of the Mortal Kombat franchise from top to bottom. Today’s audience is a savvy involved group so the film must be A plus plus in every area in order to capture the magic of the first film."

With the mega-success of Avatar, the 3D blockbuster which continues to break records worldwide, some have already started to think about how to translate 3D technology to martial arts films. Director Yuen Woo Ping, best known for handling the action sequences in the Matrix, Kill Bill and Oscar-winning Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, recently introduced Chinese audiences to the first martial arts film in 3D. The film called “True Legend” is based on the story of a wealthy man, Su Qi-Er, living during the Qing Dynasty who loses his fortune and reputation as a result of a conspiracy against him. After being forced out onto the streets, Su dedicates his life to martial arts and reemerges as a patriotic hero known as the "King of Beggars." Yuen Woo Ping picked the two most important action scenes to be in 3D. Nevertheless, it took more than 10 months to create the fight scenes in 3D. The process required more than 100 digital artists in post-production who worked layer by layer

Gong Hay Fat Choy! The Chinese year 4708 began on Sunday, February 14, 2010. Chinese New Year is the longest and most important celebration in the Chinese calendar. February 14, 2010 begins the year of the White Metal Tiger. One legend has it that in ancient times, Buddha asked all the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year. Twelve came, and Buddha named a year after each one. He announced that the people born in each animal's year would have some of that animal's personality. Those born in pig years tend to have excellent manners, make and keep friends, work very hard, and appreciate luxury. They are very loving and make loyal partners. As this is the year of the Metal Tiger, the year should be a big and bold one. It is a year for massive change but this can also bring out the best. For all of the Chinese horoscope signs, this year is one to be active – seizing opportunities and making the most of our personal and very individual talents.

After the breakout success of Donnie Yen’s Ip Man, the martial arts based film which hit the big screen in 2008 and ushered Wing Chun back into the spotlight, the sequel is already well under way. Wing Chun master Ip Man (also known as Yip Man), is well-known in the West for providing martial arts instruction to a young Bruce Lee – one of his most famous disciples. The 20th century kung fu Grandmaster is credited with helping to make Wing Chun one of the world’s most widely practiced Chinese martial arts today. Ip Man 2 is the second film in a planned semi-biographical trilogy on his life. Donnie Yen portrays Ip in the first film, depicting the future master in his early adulthood as a wealthy playboy and martial arts practitioner in Foshan, China. The Hong Kong Film Award’s took notice by nominating Donnie

Columbia Pictures' The Green Hornet is full speed ahead in spite of a few cast changes. We last reported that Stephen Chow, of Kung Fu Hustle and Shaolin Soccer fame, was set to direct the big screen debut of The Green Hornet and star as Kato. He subsequently dropped the directing gig and some time later, he dropped out of the film altogether. Chow has now been replaced by Taiwanese actor Jay Chou to play the martial arts fighting chauffeur and trusty sidekick Kato. Chou is a veritable superstar in his native country and has a list of noteworthy credits from acting to producing. What he seems to miss is a solid background in martial arts. Martial arts enthusiasts and Green Hornet fans alike may find this aspect disappointing since Kato was made legendary on the silver screen by Bruce Lee. In spite of the fact that Michel Gondry, the film’s director, has said in a press

Academy Award winning director Steven Sonderbergh will enter the martial arts action arena with his next film featuring female mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Gina Carano. Carano started her career in the sport of Muay Thai and quickly rose to dominate the arena of broadcast MMA fights between women. She currently holds a record of 7-1, remaining undefeated until August 2009. The self-professed tomboy, known as Gina “Conviction” Carano in the fight arena, is certainly no stranger to the camera. Both her natural good looks and her powerful techniques have been known to seduce fans. On the small screen, Carano served as mentor for aspiring female fighters in the Oxygen reality series Fight Girls, which documented seven female fighters'

With the success of Ong Bak 2, Tony Jaa’s newest movie Ong Bak 3 is already in production. It is a direct sequel to the darker, grittier Ong Bak 2 and a prequel to mega-successful Ong Bak: Muay Thai Warrior. Sia Jiang, president of Sahamongkol Films International, mentioned to Daily Xpress that the film will feature more fights between Thai martial arts actor, Dan Chupong, and Tony Jaa. Chupong started out as a part of the stunt team of martial arts choreographer Panna Rittikrai. He played a minor role in Ong Bak: Muay Thai Warrior and then went on to leading roles in the 2004 film

A few adventurous directors are still trying to find a way to bring popular martial arts video games back to the silver screen. Dead or Alive made the attempt a few years back, and while helmed by Cory Yuen, still got panned by most martial arts enthusiasts and gamers alike. Street Fighter took up the reins earlier this year with Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li and found mixed reviews. Still to come? Tekken and Mortal Kombat 3. Tekken is the first to arrive. Set to be a high-octane action movie, the film revolves around a young man, Jin Kazama who seeks revenge on the killer

M. Night Shyamalan (The Sixth Sense, Signs) is bringing the popular anime-influenced series Avatar: The Last Airbender to the big screen, as a live-action film. The Emmy-award winning animated series has gotten rave reviews from people who don't normally watch animation mostly for its top-notch story-lines, design and well-developed characters. It's too late for you to get on board as a lead character. We posted the casting for the main character 'Aang' late last year. However, if you'd like to be a martial arts soldier in the film and can get to Philadelphia, you can find out details in the casting link below.

We're providing more ways for you to connect and interact with other martial artists and fans of Martial Arts Talent. Until now, you came to MAT for casting, jobs and the latest news. Now, you can get connected and discuss topics with other martial artists. MARTIAL ARTS TALENT *NEW FORUM* We'd like to introduce the MAT forum to all of you. It's brand new, so sign up and start posting. The forum is open to anyone with an interest or background in martial artists - not only registered members of Martial Arts Talent.

There's been talk of a Broadway musical based on Bruce Lee for years. See our article on the subject as far back as May 2006. However, it seems the production is finally full speed ahead to portray the martial arts legend known for his "fists of fury" on stage. Just last week we had the casting notices for the lead role of Bruce Lee, as well as a young Bruce Lee "Jun Fan"on Martial Arts Talent: Casting Males for Bruce Lee Broadway Musical. Casting for dancers with martial arts backgrounds for the production was on Martial Arts Talent in the Fall

The classic 80's film The Karate Kid starring Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita as Daniel-san and Mr. Miyagi respectively will be remade by Columbia Pictures and released in 2010. The film is set to star Jaden Smith, son of Will Smith, who was last seen playing in the Pursuit of Happyness. Some concern has been expressed over Jaden's ability to fill the role at such a young age. He is currently eleven.

Gong Hay Fat Choy! The Chinese year 4707 begins on Monday, January 26, 2009. Chinese New Year is the longest and most important celebration in the Chinese calendar. It marks the 15 day long festivities beginning today and going on till the 9th February. Year of the Ox January 26, 2009 begins the year of the Ox. One legend has it that in ancient times, Buddha asked all the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year.

With just one week into the New Year, Martial Arts Talent is already working on our plans for you in 2009. We are pleased to welcome a New Year with all of you. Each year we endeavor to add more resources for our members, and quite a few useful features for our daily visitors as well. This year continues the trend - we have exciting new developments in store. Here is what we have done in year's past:

Some new publicity stills have been released from the third installment of the high-octane action series that revolves around Frank Martin (Jason Statham), an ex-Special Forces operative turned professional car driver and “transporter” who will transport any cargo, content unknown. For Transporter 3, Frank Martin has relocated to Paris to continue his low-key business of delivering packages without questions. The movie’s tagline this time around says, “This time, the rules are the same. Except one.”

The television show which introduced Bruce Lee to American audiences as the trustworthy, crime-fighting side-kick Kato is set to be remade for the big screen. Columbia Pictures optioned the rights to The Green Hornet last year, and now with a screenplay by Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg in hand, the film is set to release on June 25th 2010. The latest big announcement is that Stephen Chow, of Kung Fu Hustle and Shaolin Soccer fame, will both star in and direct the film. Stephen Chow is one of Asia's most popular box-office draws and award-winning stars.

The Wachowski Brothers are back on the scene with a new martial arts film called Ninja Assassin. The film is directed by James McTeigue who also directed V for Vendetta. Recently, "behind the scenes" footage has surfaced showing fight scenes shot for Ninja Assassin during filming in Berlin. The film stars Korean actor-singer Rain as Raizo, a man brought up in an orphanage that functions as a ninja factory. Rain also appeared in the Wachowskis' Speed Racer. Raizo is now is one of the deadliest assassins in the world. Taken from the streets

A few years back, a little Thai film called Ong Bak: The Thai Warrior introduced us to Tony Jaa and launched the Muay Thai screenfighter into international stardom. Tony Jaa blasted onto the scene doing all of his own eye-popping stunts and action sequences without the use of wires or visual effects, a rarity in 21st century filmmaking. Jaa became the modern day Jackie Chan, the original icon known for doing all of his own stunts. THE REAL FIGHT IS BACK: ONG BAK 2 Now, Tony Jaa is returning to the big screen as both lead actor and first-time director in Ong Bak 2. Once again he works

The international version teaser trailer for Transporter 3 has been released. As we mentioned back in March, Jason Statham will reprise his role as ex-Special Forces operative turned professional car driver and “transporter” Frank Martin. The teaser for the third installment of the film shows Statham is once again in tip-top shape and similarly determined to pack the film with gritty action and gravity-defying stunts as he did in the first two movies.

The Mummy 3: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor trailer introducing Jet Li has been unveiled and can now be seen online. The latest installment of the action-adventure series places explorer Rick O'Connell (Brendan Fraser) in the Far East along with his son Alex O’Connell. There the trouble-seeking-duo unearth the mummy of the first Emperor of Qin -- a shape-shifting entity who was cursed by a sorceress (Michelle Yeoh) over 2000 years ago.