Action actor Jet Li (李連杰·Lianjie Li), famous for films such as "Once Upon a Time in China" and "The Heroic Ones," is making a return to Chinese kung fu films after 14 years.
According to local Chinese media including Jimu News on the 23rd, the China Movie Channel Integration Media Center announced that Jet Li has been cast in the lead role of "Biao Ren: Feng Qi Da Mo" (Blaze of the Guardians), directed by world-famous martial arts director Yuen Woo-ping (袁和平). Hong Kong star Nicholas Tse (謝霆鋒·Jetingfeng) will also appear.
Now 62, Jet Li's leading role in a kung fu film comes 14 years after "The Invincible Armor" in 2011. He rose to fame after taking his first leading role in "Shaolin Temple" in 1982 and starred in successive hits such as "Once Upon a Time in China," "The Heroic Ones," "The Legend of the Condor Heroes," and "Hero."
However, after being diagnosed with hyperthyroidism in 2010, he had to undergo treatment and was restricted in his activities due to health issues, including a strained back and legs from strenuous filming. After "The Invincible Armor," he mainly appeared in supporting roles in Hollywood films such as "The Expendables" and "Mulan" rather than as an action star.
Moreover, rumors circulated that he was expelled from the Chinese film industry after changing his nationality twice, first to the United States and then to Singapore. Additionally, when he refrained from public appearances, rumors of his serious illness and even death emerged.