The news of a Bruce Lee biopic helmed by none other than director Ang Lee broke out in November. The Oscar-winning filmmaker, who is famously known for his works on Brokeback Mountain and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, revealed his plans for the upcoming martial arts film.
Lee’s son, Mason, is reportedly attached to lead the biopic that is in development at Sony’s 3000 Pictures. Dan Futterman will provide the script, while the earlier drafts were penned by Jean Castelli, Alex Law, Mabel Cheung, and Wells Tower.
Ang Lee Reveals Plans For The Upcoming Bruce Lee Biopic
In an exclusive interview with Discussing Film, Ang Lee shared some details about the Bruce Lee adaptation. When asked if the movie is going to be shot in 120fps, the director responded:
“I’m not going to with this movie. But I’m going to bring something new to the action and the way to do action. But no, I don’t break the frame rate this time that way. With 120fps you’re really challenging viewers’ habits and the industry because history is built for the 24 frames.”
The Taiwanese filmmaker also noted that he would like to do something new in the film, which is also something Bruce Lee would do if he were still alive.
“That’s a holistic ecosystem of the movie world. Someday we’ll create something new, but not with this movie. I’m going to break some other rules though, like Bruce Lee would do.”
The Bruce Lee biopic is Ang Lee’s longtime passion project, an emotionally-charged story depicting the highs and the lows of one of the best action stars in the world. The visual storyteller also revealed that Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was his most challenging project ever.
“Well, every movie is a challenge. You’re taking a risk because you don’t know what’s going to happen. You can’t plan for it. But I will say Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is, by far, the most challenging movie I made. I probably won’t take that kind of challenge again, I’m too old for that.”
Lee produced several movies after the famous martial arts flick, although it was not as challenging as the latter, production-wise. He noted that the Chinese filmmaking industry “got more sophisticated” with the advancement of technology and abundant resources. The creation of the film had more support, although it was still draining on the director’s part.
RELATED: Bruce Lee Biopic Set to be Made with Life of Pi Director Ang Lee at the Helm
Mason Lee Lands Iconic Bruce Lee Role Helmed By His Father
Mason Lee is set to star as the iconic martial artist, Bruce Lee, and this might be his career’s biggest break so far. The actor usually appeared in Asian dramas, such as Stand By Me, Limbo, and Who Killed Cock Robin. His other film credits include Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk and The Hangover Part II.
Meanwhile, the award-winning director has earned several Academy Awards through the years, including four nominations for Life of Pi, three for Brokeback Mountain, and two for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. The latter film is currently showing in theaters for a limited time in 4k starting February 17.
Source: Discussing Film
