15 years ago, Stephen Chow unleashed his magnum opus Kung Fu Hustle upon the world. The film was a glorious send-up of kung fu cinema tropes with a dash of absurdist comedy for good measure. Featuring the likes of Chow in the starring role and a bunch of famous Hong Kong actors, it was the perfect movie for anyone obsessed with kung fu action cinema.
At long last, a sequel is in the works. In an interview for the upcoming The New King of Comedy, Chow confirmed that Kung Fu Hustle 2 is officially in production. Chow will be directing, but only possibly appearing in a camera roll. The film is said to not be a traditional sequel, but more of a spiritual successor set in the modern era (the original is set in the ’30s). Work on the film should begin after Chow is finished with his sequel to The Mermaid.
I’m a huge fan of kung fu movies, but I don’t exactly know how I feel about this. I love Kung Fu Hustle, but the years since that film’s release haven’t been the kindest to Chow’s output. I miss seeing him on the screen and I even miss how his comedy was more physical than trying to be smart. The man had a way with composing shots that captured the best of the actors involved, but his more modern work relies a bit too much on CGI.
I’m probably just overthinking it, though. I’ll gladly take a new kung fu inspired film in this era where China barely produces any films.
STEPHEN CHOW Confirms KUNG FU HUSTLE 2 [MA Action Cinema]
