Usually Jackie Chan is a fish out of water in American movies, but his latest project sees matters go the other way around as John Cusack and Adrien Brody sign up for DRAGON BLADE. The story concerns Roman soldiers who lose their way in “ancient China”. Cusack will play General Lucius in the field and Brody the usurper Tiberius who is pursuing him. Brody is clearly enjoying historical roles at the moment, with another upcoming part in EMPEROR. There was speculation Mel Gibson was going to be involved but this double acquisition is more than enough Hollywood star power. The mighty Chan will play a commander who joins forces with Lucius, presumably to stop the rampaging Tiberius.
At $65 million it is one of the most expensive movies ever made in China and is apparently also being shot in IMAX 3D. Directed by Daniel Lee (THREE KINGDOMS), the money is coming from the Beijing Cultural Assets Chinese Film & Television Fund and associated partners. Filming is taking place in the Gobi Desert.
DRAGON BLADE is set for release in February.
