Profiles

Jackie Chan in talks with director Zhang Yimou

(AP)
Updated: 2006-08-21 20:33

HONG KONG - Action star Jackie Chan is in talks with famed Chinese director Zhang Yimou about a possible collaboration, his spokesman said Monday.

Chan spokesman Solon So said Chan and Zhang have held several discussions but haven't agreed on a project.

Jackie Chan speak during a news conference in Shanghai in this Sept. 1, 2005 file photo. Action star Jackie Chan is in talks with famed Chinese director Zhang Yimou about a possible collaboration, his spokesman said Monday, Aug. 21, 2006. [AP]

"He has met with director Zhang many times. Both parties are interested but they need to find the right script," he said, adding that several ideas had been discussed but nothing had been finalized.

Chan said last year he and Zhang conferred on a story set in the 1980s but didn't give further details at the time.

Zhang Yimou is known for films such as "Raise the Red Lantern," "Hero" and "House of Flying Daggers." One of China's most respected directors, he has won the Golden Lion award at the Venice Film Festival twice.

Most recently, he filmed "Curse of the Golden Flower," a movie about ancient Chinese imperial politics starring Gong Li and Chow Yun-fat.

Also Monday, the Hua Shang Bao newspaper said Chan is making preparations to film "Armor of God III."

The report said Chan plans to direct and cast mainland Chinese actors.

But So denied the report, saying Chan won't continue the "Armor of God" series because its first two installments, which revolved around an Indiana Jones-style treasure hunter named Asian Hawk, were made by Golden Harvest, a movie studio with which Chan has split.