Nobody’s a bigger fan of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon than me. Ang Lee’s fine directing mixed with a strong cast and a truly engaging story resulted in one of the finest martial arts films of all time. Does it need a sequel? I’d normally say no, unless Ang Lee was attached to direct. Then again, I’m not Harvey Weinstein. Ever since Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon – The Green Destiny was announced and greenlit, there have been rumors about some of the original cast returning for a second bout. As it turns out, Michelle Yeoh will be reprising her role as Yu Shu Lien, while Donnie Yen (Ip Man) will play the character of Silent Wolf.
Alas, the great Ang Lee won’t be returning. The man just won an Academy Award for Best Director — at this point, he’s probably got bigger fish to fry. Yuen Woo Ping, who was the original film’s fight choreographer, will direct the sequel instead. It’s a rather interesting choice, considering he was at the helm of another wuxia classic — Iron Monkey. Weinstein recently stated (via /Film) he’s eager to start working with the director one again.
I loved Ang Lee’s film. I thought it was a master class in directing, but I know we are in fantastic hands with Yuen Wo Ping directing the second installment of Crouching Tiger. Master Yuen worked with me on Iron Monkey, Kill Bill and now Grandmaster. He is a first-class director and choreographer, and I am thrilled to be teaming up with him once more.
Even though I’m not keen about this new project, I’m not rooting against it, either. Yuen Woo Ping might be an established filmmaker, but let’s just all agree right now the guy’s no Ang Lee.
The script for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon – The Green Destiny was written by John Fusco, and is based on the book Iron Knight, Silver Vase, by novelist Wang Dulu. Principal photography is slated to start next spring.
