Keanu Reeves‘ debut directorial effort Man of Tai Chi has landed its female lead. According to Twitch/Mtime, Chinese actress Karen Mok has been cast in the role of a police officer in this modern day kung fu film. Mok beat out a number of Chinese actresses, including Gong Li and Zhang Ziyi, as part of the months’ long casting process. Mok has previously been featured in Shaolin Soccer, Black Mask, and Around the World in 80 Days.
The male lead will be played by Tiger Chen, who coached Reeves in martial arts for his role in The Matrix trilogy. According to THR, Chen will play “a young martial artist whose fighting skills brings him to a realm of vast opportunities, and painful choices.” Reeves, in addition to his role behind the camera, will also be playing the part of the movie’s villain.
Principle photography for the film, which is being co-produced by Universal, China Film Group, Village Roadshow Asia, and Wanda Media, is set to begin in China sometime in February. Reeves is expected to shoot the film in Mandarin and English.
Without a stronger synopsis, what do you think of the film based on these casting choices? Are you excited for Reeves’ first trip behind the camera?