The star of the Ip Man film series is rumored to play a Jedi in the upcoming sequel.
[dropcap size=small]S[/dropcap]tar Wars is finally returning this winter with The Force Awakens, and will feature characters both new and old. While the cast of the upcoming film has been set, little information has been revealed as to who will be appearing in the ensuing sequel. However, it is possible that actor and martial artist Donnie Yen may appear in the film, lightsaber in hand.
According to the Chinese tabloid Apple Daily, Yen will apparently star as a Jedi in Star Wars Episode VIII, helmed by Looper director Rian Johnson. The report claims that Yen’s character will fight The First Order, the new Galactic Empire, alongside everyone’s favorite scruffy-looking nerf herder, Han Solo. It was also stated that Yen will be heading off to London’s Pinewood Studios in August to commence filming.
While perhaps not a big name in the states, Yen is quite the accomplished actor overseas. He is the star of the successful Ip Man film series, where he portrays the titular martial artist legend and teacher of Bruce Lee, as well as various other foreign action films. His next high-profile project is Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon II: The Green Legend, releasing simultaneously in theaters and on Netflix next month.
Although details are scarce and should be taken with a grain of salt, this report is in line with the current trend of Hollywood films using foreign actors and locations in order to draw a larger audience and greater box office returns. In fact, Yen apparently beat out many other notable Chinese actors, including Jet Li, for this role.
While Donnie Yen may or may not be using the force in Episode VIII, look forward to Star Wars:The Force Awakens coming to theaters on December 18th.
