EXCLUSIVE: Hong Kong filmmaker Tsui Hark is producing a new 3D installment in his iconic Zu Warriors series, to be directed by Yuen Woo-ping.

Bona Film Group is financing the $35m fantasy martial arts film, titled Zu Warriors: Dawn Of Darkness, which is expected to start shooting in late July/early August in Beijing.

The film will use the same high-end stereoscopic 3D technology that Tsui used in his acclaimed 2011 hit Flying Swords Of Dragon Gate and his upcoming Detective Dee prequel. It is likely there will also be an IMAX version of the film.

The Tsui Hark-directed Zu Warriors From The Magic Mountain (1983) was the first Chinese movie to make extensive use of visual effects, with Tsui importing Hollywood technicians to work on the film. He directed The Legend Of Zu in 2001, based on the same martial arts mythology, starring a young Zhang Ziyi.

The films are set in a fantastical world of gods and demons where the forces of good and evil battle each other with superhuman powers.

Yuen has directed films such as True Legend and Iron Monkey and recently worked as action director on Keanu Reeves’ Man Of Tai Chi.

Meanwhile, Tsui is planning to direct 3D action adventure Tracks In The Snowy Forest, backed by Bona Film Group, from November 2013. 

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