Chan and Li enter 'The Forbidden Kingdom'

Jackie and Jet's Monkey King project gets a title and a director.

Apr 11 2007

Last May we reported on the 'Untitled Jackie Chan and Jet Li project', and today, nearly a year later, we are able to bring you big news in the shape of a title – 'The Forbidden Kingdom'.

Based on the ancient Chinese legend of the Monkey King (surely this would have been a better title), 'Stuart Little' helmer Rob Minkoff is set to shoot the film in China next month for Lionsgate and The Weinstein Company.

''The Forbidden Kingdom' has all the makings of a modern classic' said Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer. '[Producer] Casey Silver scored a real coup in bringing together two titans of martial arts, Jackie Chan and Jet Li, for their first onscreen pairing.

'He also gave them a project that is absolutely worthy of their talents, built upon a very savvy script that combines Chinese legend with the story of a modern, kung fu obsessed teenager. And Rob Minkoff is the ideal director to handle the film's combination of heart, head and lightning fast limbs.'

'The Forbidden Kingdom' should hit screens worldwide next summer, and to keep you going until then, here's a picture of a monkey in honour of the aforementioned King.

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