Bill Block’s QED International will fully finance and jointly produce with Michael London’s Groundswell Productions Birth Of The Dragon.

The film will is based on the true story of a challenge match between Kung Fu master Bruce Lee and China’s Wong Jack Man.

The no-rules fight took place in San Francisco and was set up to settle who was the world’s greatest martial arts exponent. In the film, the combatants team up to take on vicious Chinatown gangsters.

Christopher Wilkinson and Stephen Rivele will write the screenplay and previously shared a best original screenplay Oscar nomination for Ali. Their screenplay Mercury is set up at GK Films with Sacha Baron Cohen set to star.

Block and London will produce with the writers and Kelly Mullen of Groundswell will serve as executive producer.

“We’re excited to retell the fantastic origin story of the world’s most famous martial arts icon, which in the hands of Christopher and Stephen, lends itself to an action thriller we’re sure will enthral movie fans around the world,” said Block [pictured].

“We are thrilled to be joining forces with QED on Birth Of The Dragon,” said London. “Stephen Rivele and Chris Wilkinson have taken a little-known chapter in the life of Bruce Lee and used it as a jumping-off point for a bold, exciting story about the making of an international legend. Bill Block’s passion for the project and his belief in its global potential make QED the perfect partner.”