“Enter the Dragon” Japanese Theatrical Poster
David Leitch (John Wick, Atomic Blonde) is in early talks to direct a remake of Enter the Dragon, the 1973 kung fu classic about a martial artist (Bruce Lee) who agrees to spy on a reclusive crime lord (Shih Kien) using his invitation to a tournament there as cover.
Brett Ratner (Rush Hour 1-3) was originally attached to the remake, but producers most likely distanced themselves from the director due to sexual misconduct allegations against him.
What do you think of this news? Who would you like to see play Bruce, Shih, John Saxon, Jim Kelly, Bob Wall, Angela Mao and Bolo’s role? Share your thoughts in the comments section! Also, don’t forget to read why Enter the Dragon may be the most overrated kung fu movie ever.
Yeah, the only names that come to mind for the Lee and Kelly characters are Tony Jaa and Will Smith.
Mr. Lee: Jon Foo
Roper: Scott Adkins or Matt Mullins
Williams: Michael Jai White
Mr. Han: Kane Kosugi
Roper: Scott Adkins (although he’s a bit too over-qualified)
Williams: Michael Jai White
Bolo: Bolo
No idea for the others. But Darren Shahlavi (RIP) would have made a good “Ohara” type villain.
For Bolo, they should pick that dude with the tattoos and knife in Story of Ricky.
Actually I would prefer not to have a remake. This is a classic! No way you can do it justice.
With another director I would think this is a bad idea. With Brett Ratner, it’s the worst idea I’ve heard for a very long time.
Right. I can see it: Chris Tucker as Williams. Martin Sheen as Roper.
Bret Ratner is stupid. Remake a Bruce Lee movie, the whole reason the movie was famous was because of Bruce. Now this guy is trying to steal from Bruce.
I’m guessing you meant Charlie Sheen (although I think I would prefer Martin Sheen).
I think Enter the Dragon has been unofficially remade/ripped off several times already. Remaking/ripping off Bruce Lee films is an entire genre itself. It usually results in a terrible film, but occasionally works out well (Fist of Legend).
It should just be left alone, but if there’s going to be a new Enter the Dragon, a sequel would be a better idea. One of Han’s many daughters (Michelle Yeoh or Kara Hui perhaps) decides to restart the tournament to cover for drag producing/people trafficking or something else. Basically the same plot as the first one making it a sequel and a remake at the same time. John Saxon could make a brief cameo (not fighting, obviously). A secret agent is sent in but the plot follows him/her and a handful of fighters entering the tournament. Each fighter brings a teacher/coach. This would give the opportunity to make it a big ensemble cast instead of focussing the film around one character with plenty of cameos from older established martial arts stars as the masters of younger fighters. It could have a martial arts ‘Expendables’ type feeling to the casting.
As to who would play who, that’s up for debate.
They could have someone play Bruce’s son or a relative maybe in this
It’ll be hard to match Bruce’s charisma and intensity, but I’m sure they can find someone physically capable. At least having Leitch onboard means the action’ll be straight. I’d love to see Michael Jai White in Jim Kelly’s role. If they wanna go for someone younger, Michael B. Jordan’s been killing it since The Wire (and All My Children – don’t judge, my mom watched and I’d often be on the computer in her room), and he’s proven he can handle himself well physically on-screen. Keanu Reeves seems right for Saxon’s role, if only for the symetry of it all.
Don’t feel bad, ToryK. I’ve had a big crush on Marcy Walker, who used to play Liza Colby on “All My Children.” She also played Eden Capwell on “Santa Barbara.” When Marcy left “All Children” in the mid-2000s, Michael B. Jordan was still on the soap.
Ha! I had a crush on Bianca, myself. I’m gonna ask my mom if the name Liza Colby rings a bell and watch her face light up. She loved AMC and she was PISSED when the show was cancelled.
Please do not remake Enter The Dragon. Bruce Lee cannot be replaced
This is the best time for this announcement following Paul’s article.
All you have to do is take out the shit that wasn’t good about the original, and have it be a linear film with no stupid sub plots to get in the way.
David Leitch should be daring and bring in Jason Scott Lee who’s still got it. Considering how ETD inspired Mortal Kombat, this movie can fill the void of the delayed MK movie, and Leitch can bring in more martial art stars like Chad has with John Wick 3.
I remember when Jet Li was rumored to star back in the day with Quintin Tarantino directing, but it didn’t work out.
I say get Alexander Nevsky in Bolo’s role. Something tells me Mr Hernandez would be first in line. 😛
If he’s guaranteed to die a horrible death in the beginning, I would be first in line. 😄
For Bruce’s role, I’d get that martial artist from Afghanistan (Look up Afghan Bruce Lee on YouTube), he’s a splitting image of Bruce I swear! My second choice would be Joe Taslim from the Raid, who’s also a great martial arts teacher, can speak good english and looks like Bruce.. I agree with you all about Michael Jaee White and Jason Statham as Roper and Williams..Bolo is easy, just get some WWE wrestler like Rusev lol! As for Han, get Chow Yun Fat to play him.. Angela Mao’ s character could be Zhang ZiHi.
Bruce Lee: Gina Carano
Sek Kin: Cynthia Rothrock
John Saxon: Michelle Rodriguez
Jim Kelly: Lupita Nyong’o
Bob Wall: Ronda Rousey
Bolo: Rebel Wilson (& after its release she’ll spend the rest of her career simply called ‘Rebel’)
Angela Mao: Mark Wahlberg
Expect it to be a straight to Netflix exclusive.
LOL! It’ll come pre-loaded on every TV sold from Walmart.