Kung Fu is cranking up… to the Max!
See, we capitalised Max there because we’re actually referring, in a clever fashion, to the new director of the big screen version of the 70s TV show: step forward, Max Makowski, the helmer with the best name in Hollywood.
He may sound more like a PI in a gritty noir thriller, but Makowski – who today was confirmed as replacement for Albert and Allen Hughes on the Warner Bros./Legendary Pictures movie – has been slowly but surely making a name for himself, with movies like the little-seen action thriller, One Last Dance.
And now he’s been charged with turning the David Carradine series – about a young man named Caine who has been raised in the ways of Shaolin monk warriors, which mainly involve the opening of a Threshers’ worth of cans of whup-ass – into a major motion picture event tentpole blockbuster type thing.
The script has been rewritten by Cory Goodman, and Kung Fu must be close to the start of production, for a casting call for Caine has gone out to casting agencies everywhere. And it’s got our very own Chris Hewitt all colours of excited, for he thinks he’s got a real shot of landing the part. To wit:
Caine is described as… "Male, 20-35. [Chris is male, and he’s not yet 35! Get in!] A handsome mix of East (Chinese/Asian) meets West (American). [If you’ve ever heard Chris’ legendary Christopher Walken impression, it’s easier for China to meet America than you might have thought possible] A man with the emotional capacity of a young Clint Eastwood. [Bingo!] Charismatic and charming [Ah… Might have a problem here], Caine was raised by Shaolin monks after his mother's murder and became a highly skilled fighter. [Chris has never been raised by monks of any kind, but he was pretty good at Tekken 2] In addition to being a strong actor with the right look, [Balls, now it’s getting tricky] the actor for this role should be athletic [Big balls! Can’t he be lardy and wheezy?] and although not required, some martial arts training, [Gah! Triple balls!] gymnastics or ballet are a plus. [Dammit! Take your lead role and shove it!]"
Max Makowski’s Kung Fu, directed by Max Makowski will be released in late 2008 or 2009. Chris Hewitt will not be in it.