Just in case you may have missed this bit of news…David Leitch is a name that needs no introduction for action fans. A veteran stuntman with credits on everything from “300” to “Ninja Assassin“, David made the leap to directing with 2014’s sleeper hit “John Wick“, which he co-directed alongside his fellow stunt pro Chad Stahelski. Since then, David has gone on to direct such action hits as “Atomic Blonde” “Deadpool 2“, and “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw“. With a resume like that, it goes without saying that David would be a natural to tackle a theoretical remake of “Kung Fu” – and fortunately for action aficionados, that is no longer hypothetical, with the recent news that he will indeed be doing exactly that!
As reported by The Wrap, the remake of “Kung Fu” is currently being developed by Universal Pictures, with David Leitch attached as director. Additionally, the creator of the TV series “Kung Fu”, Ed Spielman himself, will also serve as executive producer.
Running for three seasons from 1972 to 1975, “Kung Fu” followed the adventures of Kwai Chang Caine, played by the late David Carradine, who joins the famed Shaolin monastery in China and grows up to become a kung fu master. Following his training at the temple, the series then follows his exploits in the American Old West.
It goes without saying that “Kung Fu” made a major impact on the martial arts world and on Western culture as a whole. The nickname “grasshopper” is well-known shorthand for any up-and-coming martial arts practitioner, while Caine’s relationship with his wise Master Po has become the stuff of legend, especially with his training being tied into his ability to snatch a pebble from his master’s hand; “Quickly as you can, snatch the pebble from my hand”.
While the return of such a beloved martial arts property as “Kung Fu” is sure to be welcome news to martial arts fans, the involvement of David Leitch only sweetens the deal. His career as an action filmmaker comes as part of a new wave of stunt professionals stepping into the driver’s seat of major action films, and the results (especially in 2019) have more than spoken for themselves. As fans continue to await news about what Universal’s “Kung Fu” remake will entail, a quick skim of David’s directorial career thus far is more than enough to make clear that it is in very good hands indeed!
