Chinese Studios Plan on Turning to AI to Remake 100 Kung Fu Classics

China’s film industry is taking a bold step into the future with a new initiative unveiled at the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival.

The project, named the “Kung Fu Movie Heritage Project 100 Classics AI Revitalization Project,” aims to use artificial intelligence to modernize around 100 classic martial arts films, giving them a fresh look for today’s audiences.

The effort, supported by the Chinese government, will focus on iconic movies like Bruce Lee’s 1972 hit Fist of Fury, Jackie Chan’s 1978 classic Drunken Master, and Jet Li’s 1991 film Once Upon a Time in China.

Another highlight is a reimagined version of John Woo’s 1986 action film A Better Tomorrow, which will become a futuristic animated movie featuring Chow Yun-fat’s character as a cyberpunk hero. This animated remake is being touted as the first feature-length film fully produced using AI technology.

Leading the charge, Zhang Pimin, chairman of the China Film Foundation, described these classic films as “treasures of cinematic history.” He emphasized that AI will enhance their appeal while preserving their essence, calling the project a bold step toward innovating film art. Similarly, Tian Ming, head of Shanghai Canxing Culture and Media, stressed that the remakes will stay true to the original stories.

Improvements will focus on upgrading visuals, sound, and overall production quality. Tian also revealed that the project has a budget of 100 million yuan, equivalent to roughly $13.9 million, and invited global AI animation companies to join what he called a “revolutionary” effort.

The initiative involves key players like the China Film Foundation’s Film and Urban Development Special Fund and Quantum Animation, the studio behind the cyberpunk A Better Tomorrow.

The festival itself highlighted AI’s growing role in filmmaking, with the opening ceremony featuring a montage blending clips from classics like Roman Holiday with AI-generated visuals.

China’s embrace of AI in entertainment comes with clear government backing. In July 2023, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television introduced regulations to guide AI use in media. By March 2024, further rules were set to ensure proper labeling of AI-generated content, aiming to foster responsible growth in the sector.

Zhai Xuelian of the China Science Fiction Industry Investment Alliance praised the project as a fusion of tradition and innovation. She noted that it opens up new ways to preserve and share Chinese cultural stories globally through advanced technology.

As China pushes forward with AI-driven filmmaking, the global industry watches closely, with Hollywood still grappling with how to integrate similar technologies into its own productions.

This project is an exciting blend of honoring cinematic history and embracing modern technology. It could breathe new life into beloved films, making them accessible to younger generations while preserving their cultural significance. However, there’s a risk that over-relying on AI might dilute the raw, human spirit of these classics.

Balancing innovation with authenticity will be key. What do you think about using AI to remake classic films? Share your thoughts in the comments below!