Philip Ng (伍允龍) has been cast as Bruce Lee (李小龍) in the upcoming biopic Birth of the Dragon, produced by Groundswell Productions. This announcement came just after Philip completed the filming of his debut TVB drama A Fist Within Four Walls <城寨英雄>, an upcoming action series about mysterious kung fu masters living in the Kowloon Walled City. According to Hong Kong news media, Philip spent over half a year to prepare for the casting auditions of Birth of the Dragon. The martial arts action film, which has been in production since early last year, is currently shooting in Vancouver and is helmed by director George Nolfi with a script written by Christopher Wilkinson and Stephen J. Rivele. Corey Yuen (元奎) is choreographing the movie’s fights. Nolfi’s last directorial work was 2011’s The Adjustment Bureau, starring Matt Damon and Emily Blunt. As reported on the American magazine Entertainment Weekly, the movie will be a recreation of the events leading up to the fateful duel between Bruce Lee and Northern Shaolin master Wong Jack-man (黃澤民) in mid-1960’s Oakland, California. It was a controversial match that changed Bruce’s kung fu philosophy. The battle is still one of the biggest mysteries in modern martial arts history, as many are still unsure why it happened and who had won it. Starring as Wong Jack-man is Chinese actor Xia Yu (夏雨). Into the Woods star Billy Magnussen plays Steve McKee, a young martial arts student whose loyalty is torn between the two masters. Birth of the Dragon will be told in McKee’s perspective. Creds: Oncc
Yes, that is true, to a degree. But, you have to have the foundation of a main character who is believable in his role. If not, all the other peripheral or secondary drama and supporting activity won't have a leg to stand on. Bruce is such a historically iconic martial arts figure that anyone who attempts to play him; that is, step into his shoes, will inherently be at a disadvantage. That isn't a statement or rejection of anyone's acting ability, but rather a recognition of the greatness that they're trying to portray. In fact, Bruce's legend is so profound that if he were still alive, I think even he would have a hard time trying to play himself, LOL...
It's take the right actor to play a historical character. To me, it's the story that is slightly more important than everything else.
