Kung Fu in Rome: Yaxi Liu's Breakout Martial Arts Role. ​🐲​

Kung Fu in Rome: From Stunt Double to Martial Arts Star.

Get ready for Kung Fu in Rome, also known as Forbidden City, an upcoming martial arts action film poised to captivate audiences in the US, UK, Canada, and beyond. This highly anticipated movie stars Yaxi Liu, renowned for her impressive work as Liu Yifei's stunt double in Disney's live-action Mulan. With her transition from behind-the-scenes heroics to leading lady, Yaxi Liu is set to make a significant impact on the martial arts film genre.

Directed by the critically acclaimed Gabriele Mainetti, known for his work on They Call Me Jeeg, Kung Fu in Rome is a unique Italian production that blends high-octane action with a compelling storyline. The film boasts a talented ensemble cast, including Enrico Borello (Supersex), Marco Giallini (Rocco), and Sabrina Ferilli (The Great Beauty). Adding to the martial arts authenticity, the film also features Chunyu Shanshan, recognized for his role in King of Fighters, as reported by Film Combat Syndicate. This diverse cast promises a rich cinematic experience for fans of action and martial arts cinema.

The plot of Kung Fu in Rome follows the intertwined destinies of two protagonists. The son of a restaurant owner, burdened by his father's debts, teams up with a mysterious foreign girl. He embarks on a quest to find his missing father, while she is desperately searching for her sister. Their paths converge in the treacherous underbelly of Rome, forcing them to fight side by side against the city's most ruthless criminal organizations. This exciting premise promises a thrilling journey filled with intense combat sequences and a captivating narrative of loyalty and survival.

Kung Fu in Rome (or Forbidden City) initially premiered in Italy on March 13, 2025, and is scheduled for a German release on August 21, 2025. While North American and UK release dates are still eagerly awaited, the buzz around the film is growing. With its unique blend of Italian filmmaking prowess and authentic martial arts action, Kung Fu in Rome is positioned to be a must-see for fans of the genre.

Street Fighter Movie Casts Callina Liang as Chun-Li: All the Latest Updates. 🔥

Callina Liang Cast as Chun-Li in Upcoming Street Fighter Movie: What We Know So Far

Despite being pulled from its initial release schedule, the highly anticipated Street Fighter movie continues to generate buzz with new casting announcements. Sony and Capcom are steadily filling roles for their long-delayed adaptation of the iconic fighting game franchise. From Andrew Koji to Jason Momoa, significant names have already been revealed, and while principal photography isn't imminent, the latest casting news for a beloved character is certainly turning heads.

Recent reports from major entertainment trades confirm that Callina Liang has been cast as Chun-Li in the forthcoming film. For those unfamiliar with the rich lore of Street Fighter, Chun-Li is a legendary Chinese martial artist and intrepid Interpol officer driven by a quest for vengeance after her father's tragic death. Alongside Ken and Ryu, she stands as one of the most recognizable and beloved characters in the entire video game series, known for her powerful kicks and iconic design. Liang's portrayal of this formidable warrior is sure to be a focal point for fans.

Liang joins an already impressive ensemble, which includes Andrew Koji, Noah Centineo, Jason Momoa, Roman Reigns, and Orville Peck. Her character is expected to play a pivotal role in the storyline. The film is being directed by Kitao Sakurai, known for Bad Trip, with a script penned by Dalan Musson, whose credits include Captain America: Brave New World and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. This combination of talent behind and in front of the camera suggests a serious commitment to the source material.

The Street Fighter film initially had a March 20, 2026, release date before it was removed from the schedule. While this delay might seem concerning, it could also indicate Sony and Capcom's dedication to crafting a faithful and successful adaptation. This isn't the first attempt at bringing Street Fighter to the big screen; past endeavors include the often-discussed 1994 version starring Jean-Claude Van Damme and the late Raul Julia, which, despite its cult status, deviated significantly from the game's narrative. We also won't dwell on the gritty, yet critically panned, 2009 Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun Li. The studios appear keen to learn from past missteps and deliver a film that truly resonates with the global fanbase.

There's a strong belief that Street Fighter can once again electrify cinema screens, or perhaps find a new home on streaming platforms. This recent casting news instills hope that a truly great adaptation is finally within reach. The Street Fighter video game series remains incredibly popular with a dedicated following, demanding patience as studios work to deliver the quality fans deserve. The caliber of actors now involved certainly suggests a serious commitment to honoring the legacy of this beloved franchise.

We'll be sure to keep you updated as more details emerge about this exciting project. Get ready for more Street Fighter intel!

'The Raid' Director Gareth Evans Takes on Yakuza Remake: 'A Colt Is My Passport' 🔥

 Gareth Evans to Remake Classic Yakuza Thriller 'A Colt Is My Passport' for Amazon MGM

Big news for action and crime film aficionados! Gareth Evans, the visionary writer-director celebrated for his groundbreaking work on The Raid franchise and the recent Amazon MGM hit Havoc, is officially set to helm a remake of the iconic 1967 Yakuza thriller, A Colt Is My Passport. This highly anticipated project will be brought to audiences by Amazon MGM’s Orion Pictures, as first reported by TheInSneider.

Evans's involvement promises a fresh, modern take on a beloved classic. The original A Colt Is My Passport, directed by Takashi Nomura, is a gritty and stylish masterpiece of Japanese cinema. It stars the legendary Joe Shishido (known for his roles in Cruel Gun Story and numerous Nikkatsu productions) as a cold, methodical hitman. His mission: to assassinate a rival yakuza boss. After successfully carrying out the hit, he and his partner, played by Jerry Fujio, find themselves in a precarious situation. All escape routes from the country are sealed off, with every airport under surveillance by the vengeful yakuza.

Forced to lay low, Shishido and Fujio are instructed to hide out at a remote truck stop outside of town, awaiting a safer opportunity to flee. However, the dangerous game of yakuza politics takes an unexpected turn. While they wait, Shishido’s boss brokers a deceptive peace with the son of the recently murdered rival, forming a new, treacherous alliance. To solidify this new bond and ensure friendly relations, the ultimate sacrifice is demanded: Shishido himself. His boss, in a chilling act of betrayal, is all too willing to give him up.

Gareth Evans’s connection to A Colt Is My Passport is a personal one. He discovered the film during the pandemic while Browse the Criterion Channel and, as he shared, "quickly fell in love." This newfound admiration led him to introduce the film at the 2023 L’Etrange Festival, where he also penned a heartfelt tribute, revealing his deep appreciation for the original's unique style and narrative.

While specific production details, casting announcements, or a release timeline for the remake are still under wraps, the mere announcement of Evans at the helm has already ignited considerable excitement among fans. Given his track record for intense action, intricate storytelling, and a keen eye for character-driven narratives, this remake has the potential to be a standout in contemporary crime cinema. We will be sure to keep you updated as more information about this thrilling project emerges.

Mortal Kombat 2: Exclusive Details on the Highly Anticipated Sequel's Tournament and Expanded Cast. 🐉

 Mortal Kombat 2: "Bigger, Funnier," and an "Avengers: Endgame" Level Fan Reaction Awaits!

Fans of brutal kombat and iconic fatalities, brace yourselves! Mortal Kombat 2 is poised to deliver an experience far "bigger and funnier" than its predecessor, with early test screening reactions being compared to the monumental Avengers: Endgame. This highly anticipated sequel promises to fix the glaring omission of the first film and dive headfirst into the titular tournament that defines the franchise.

The 2021 Mortal Kombat film certainly brought the fights, gore, and fantastic Easter eggs for loyal gamers. However, a significant point of contention for many was the absence of the actual Mortal Kombat tournament. Warner Bros. and screenwriter Jeremy Slater clearly heard the fans loud and clear. Slater was "adamant" that the sequel would rectify this, ensuring viewers wouldn't have to "wait another movie and then be like, ‘Come back for the finale.'" This commitment to the source material is undoubtedly the best lesson learned, and judging by the electric responses in test screenings, their dedication has already paid off.

"So Excited" for Fans to Witness the Spectacle

Speaking with Comic Book, Slater expressed immense excitement, calling his involvement a "tremendous honor and incredibly cool," especially as a lifelong Mortal Kombat aficionado. He recounted the surreal experience of being on set: “It was genuinely surreal… look through my phone and there’s pictures of me next to Raiden, Kitana, and Baraka.”

Slater’s enthusiasm is palpable when discussing the fan reception. “I am so excited for people to see the movie. It’s been done for a while. We’ve been waiting for the right release date and waiting for the right window.” He vividly described the test screenings, packed with devoted Mortal Kombat fans, where reactions mirrored the fervor seen during Avengers: Endgame. “They were cheering and jumping out of their seats. Every joke is landing and they are loving it. It’s one of the greatest moments of my life. That’s why you get into this business.”

An Expanded Roster and Unforgettable Fights

While the first film boasted a solid cast, Mortal Kombat 2 is expanding its roster dramatically. Fan favorites such as Johnny Cage (Karl Urban), Kitana (Adeline Rudolph), Jade (Tati Gabrielle), Quan Chi (Damon Herriman), Shao Khan (Martyn Ford), Sindel (Ana Thu Nguyen), and Baraka (CJ Bloomfield) are all confirmed to appear, joining the returning cast.

This expanded universe presented both excitement and significant creative challenges for Slater. “It was finding a structure to make the tournament as satisfying as you want it to be because this had years of build-up,” he explained. The intricate process involved meticulously planning individual matches, pairing characters for maximum emotional impact and dynamic fights, and weaving a compelling overarching narrative within the tournament's framework.

Slater emphasized the meticulous attention to detail in ensuring that "those moments that matter — the fights, the fatalities, the surprises, the deaths — that they land and they are as satisfying as everyone wants them to be. I think we nailed it. They had the best stunt team in the business working on this thing. The actors are phenomenal. It’s so much funnier and bigger than the first movie.”

Mark your calendars! Mortal Kombat 2 is set to unleash its fury in cinemas on October 24, 2025. In the meantime, don't miss our comprehensive list of the best action movies of all time, and stay ahead of the curve with our 2025 movie calendar for all the must-see releases this year.

The Future of Rush Hour: Jackie Chan Discusses Rush Hour 4 and Shanghai Sequels. 🐉

Rush Hour 4: Jackie Chan's Latest Update Fuels Franchise Revival Hopes!

For over a decade, the possibility of Rush Hour 4 has been a recurring conversation among fans and stars alike. Now, action cinema legend Jackie Chan himself has reignited excitement, suggesting the highly anticipated fourth installment of the beloved action-comedy franchise is still very much on the table.

In a recent interview with ScreenRant while promoting his new film, Karate Kid: Legends, Chan offered a candid update regarding the future of the Rush Hour series. When asked about Rush Hour 4, Chan playfully quipped, "I don't know. Ask the director, ask the studio, ask the writer. Hurry up! Otherwise, Chris Tucker and me [will be] 100 years old. We'll be old men doing Rush Hour." This lighthearted yet pointed remark underscores Chan's eagerness to reprise his role as Inspector Lee alongside Chris Tucker's Detective Carter before time truly runs out.

Chan further elaborated on his commitment to the franchise, stating, "Yes! And I want to do [another] Shanghai Knights, Shanghai Dawn. Shanghai Noon, Shanghai Knights, and Shanghai Dawn. The script is still going on. I want to do a Rush Hour 4." This enthusiastic declaration not only confirms his willingness to return for Rush Hour 4 but also hints at his desire to revisit the Shanghai universe, another fan-favorite action-comedy series. The mention of scripts being in progress for the Shanghai films could also indicate a broader strategy from studios to revive Chan's successful comedic partnerships.

The original Rush Hour trilogy, directed by Brett Ratner, was a massive commercial success, kicking off with the eponymous Rush Hour in 1998, followed by Rush Hour 2 (2001), and Rush Hour 3 (2006). The undeniable chemistry between Chan's disciplined martial artist and Tucker's fast-talking LAPD detective cemented the franchise's place in action-comedy history.

However, the path to Rush Hour 4 has been anything but smooth. In 2016, a Ratner-produced Rush Hour TV series, starring Jon Foo and Justin Hires, was released but unfortunately cancelled after just one season. Further complicating matters, Warner Bros., who acquired the film rights from the now-defunct New Line Cinema, severed ties with director Brett Ratner in 2017 following sexual harassment allegations. This development strongly suggests that a new director would helm any future Rush Hour projects, potentially offering a fresh perspective on the franchise.

Adding another twist, reports from March 2019 (via That Hashtag Show) indicated that STX Studios was exploring a female-led Rush Hour film, with The Meg co-star Bingbing Li rumored for a lead role. However, it's widely believed these plans fizzled out, likely due to the critical and commercial failures of other female-centric reboots of established franchises, notably the 2016 Ghostbusters film.

Despite these past hurdles, Jackie Chan's recent comments inject new hope into the Rush Hour 4 conversation. Fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting official confirmation and details, and we'll be sure to keep you updated on any further developments regarding this exciting potential return to the beloved action-comedy series.