Chinese Studios to Revive Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan Films with AI

Chinese Studios Turn to AI for Martial Arts Film Revivals

Chinese production companies are pioneering artificial intelligence in cinema, with plans to digitally reinterpret classic kung fu films starring legends like Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li. The ambitious "Kung Fu Movie Heritage Project 100 Classics AI Revitalization" was unveiled at the Shanghai International Film Festival on June 19.

Iconic Films Get AI Treatment

The initiative will digitally restore and enhance martial arts masterpieces including:

• Bruce Lee's Fists of Fury (1972)
• Jackie Chan's breakthrough Drunken Master (1978)
• Jet Li's career-defining Once Upon a Time in China (1991)

Innovating Cinema Through Technology

The project also includes an experimental AI-powered cyberpunk reinterpretation of John Woo's classic A Better Tomorrow (1986), described as "the world's first fully AI-produced animated feature."

Industry Leaders Weigh In

Zhang Pimin of the China Film Foundation emphasized the project's cultural significance: "These cinematic treasures deserve preservation in formats that resonate with modern audiences. This initiative preserves our heritage while pushing the boundaries of film art."

Tian Ming, Chairman of Shanghai Canxing Culture and Media, revealed the project will be backed by a 100 million yuan ($13.9 million) fund to enhance image quality, audio, and production values while honoring the originals' legacy.

Global AI Controversy in Entertainment

The announcement comes amid ongoing debates about AI in creative industries:

• Filmmaker Tim Burton criticized AI-generated art as "deeply unsettling"
• Wizards of the Coast faced backlash for undisclosed AI use in Magic: The Gathering artwork
• Director Zack Snyder advocated embracing AI technology rather than resisting it
• Netflix executives argued most viewers prioritize content over production methods

The project invites global AI animation specialists to collaborate on what organizers describe as "a revolutionary transformation of traditional filmmaking."