Wu Assassins

[GeneChing]

Wu Assassins - Netflix Orders Martial Arts Crime Drama
Posted by Assassin at June 28, 2018



Netflix has ordered martial arts crime drama "Wu Assassins" from writer/producer John Wirth (Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, Hell on Wheels, Falling Skies), SpoilerTV has learned.

Described as a character driven crime drama with martial arts & supernatural overtones and set in San Francisco's mysterious Chinatown, this contemporary series tells the story of Kai Jin, a young chef chosen to be the Wu Assassin, a "heroic killer” who must not only save the world from the powerful & dangerous Wu, but also navigate the morality of his newfound calling while hiding his secret from those closest to him.

Per Production Weekly, the show is set to begin production in August.

Nomadic Pictures' Michael Frisley and Chad Oakes produce, along with Tony Kranz (Blood & Oil), Cameron Litvack (Quantico, Ugly Betty) and David Simkins (Grimm).

A chef? Not a laundryman?

Judgment withheld until a lead is announced.

[GeneChing]

This changes everything.

Netflix Orders Martial Arts Drama Series ‘Wu Assassins’ Starring Iko Uwais From Tony Krantz, John Wirth & Nomadic Pics
by Nellie Andreeva • tip
June 29, 2018 12:00pm


REX/Shutterstock

Netflix has given a 10-episode order to Wu Assassins, martial arts sci-fi crime drama series starring Iko Uwais (The Raid, Star Wars: The Force Awakens). It hails from Tony Krantz of Flame Ventures (24), John Wirth (Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles; Falling Skies) and Nomadic Pictures (Fargo, Hell on Wheels).

Byron Mann (The Expanse) co-stars in the series, slated for an August 8 production start. Stephen Fung will direct the first two episodes, with Krantz expected to helm another. In addition to playing the lead, Uwais also will serve as producer, lead martial arts and fight choreographer and stunt coordinator.

Written by Wirth, who also serves as showrunner, Wu Assassins, set in San Francisco’s Chinatown, is a martial arts crime series with supernatural elements. It stars Uwais as Kai Jin, who becomes the latest and last Wu Assassin, chosen to round up the powers of an ancient triad and restore balance once again. Mann plays Uncle Six.

Wirth executive produces with Krantz and Nomadic Pictures’ Oakes and Frislev.

Uwais is known for his roles in The Raid, The Raid 2 on which he also served as fight choreographer, and most recently Star Wars: The Force Awakens. He’s in post-production on Mile 22, on which he stars and serves as co-fight choreographer. He is repped by Gersh, Ricky Siahaan and Management 360.

Wirth previously worked with Nomadic Pictures on Hell On Wheels where he served as an executive producer.

Krantz also has Suburbs Famous (working title), a dramedy co-written and starring Nia Vardalos, in development at Bravo. He is repped by CAA, Echo Lake Entertainment, and attorney Bianca Levin.

[GeneChing]

Louis Tan! We connected last year during my Into the Badlands set visit.

‘Wu Assassins’: Katheryn Winnick, Lewis Tan, Tommy Flanagan & Tzi Ma Join Netflix Martial Arts Drama
by Denise Petski
July 20, 2018 9:30am


Photos courtesy of Netflix

Vikings star Katheryn Winnick, Lewis Tan (Into the Badlands), Sons of Anarchy alum Tommy Flanagan, and Tzi Ma (Meditation Park) are set as series regulars opposite Iko Uwais and Byron Mann in Netflix’s Wu Assassins, from Tony Krantz of Flame Ventures (24), John Wirth (Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles; Falling Skies) and Nomadic Pictures (Fargo, Hell on Wheels).

Written by Wirth, who also serves as showrunner, Wu Assassins, set in San Francisco’s Chinatown, is a martial arts crime series with supernatural elements. It stars Uwais as Kai Jin, who becomes the latest and last Wu Assassin, chosen to round up the powers of an ancient triad and restore balance once again. Mann plays Uncle Six.

Winnick will play Christine “C.G.” Gavin, an undercover cop caught in the middle of a gang war that’s breaking out in Chinatown. Tan will portray Lu Xin Lee, a suave, fierce intelligent leader who owns and operates his own custom garage a la West Coast Customs and runs a car theft ring for the Triad.

Flanagan is Alec McCullough, an international crime boss with a mysterious interest in San Francisco’s Chinatown. Ma will portray Mr. Young, a kindly Chinatown grocer and a mentor to Kai.

Wirth executive produces with Krantz and Nomadic Pictures’ Oakes and Frislev. Stephen Fung will direct the first two episodes, with Krantz expected to helm another. In addition to playing the lead, Uwais also will serve as producer, lead martial arts and fight choreographer and stunt coordinator.

Winnick stars as Lagertha in History Channel’s Vikings, which is currently in its fifth season. On the film side, Winnick recently wrapped production on action-thriller Polar, alongside Mads Mikkelson, and Vanessa Hudgens, which will be released on Netflix. She’s repped by CAA, Alchemy Entertainment and attorney Jeffrey Bernstein.

Tan can be seen as Gaius Cha in season 3 of AMC’s Into the Badlands and as Shatterstar in Deadpool 2. He previously guest-starred in Marvel’s Iron Fist for Netflix and can also be seen in crime thriller Den of Thieves with Gerard Butler. Tan is repped by Luber Roklin Entertainment and ICM Partners.

Flanagan starred for seven seasons as Filip ‘Chips’ Telford opposite Charlie Hunnam in FX’s Sons of Anarchy. Known for his breakout performance in Mel Gibson’s Braveheart, Flanagan currently can be seen in feature The Ballad of Lefty Brown and he recently appeared in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and thriller Killers Anonymous. Flanagan is repped by Gersh and Untitled Entertainment.

Ma most recently played the male lead in feature Meditation Park, for which he was nominated for Best Actor at the 2018 Canadian Screen Awards. He also played General Shang in Denis Villeneuve’s Arrival. On TV, he has recurred in ABC’s Once Upon a Time, Amazon’s The Man in the High Castle, AMC’s Hell on Wheels and HBO’s Veep, among others. Ma is repped by Echelon Talent Management and BRS/Gage.

[GeneChing]

I don't really know either of these actors. I did see Revenge of the Green Dragons, but I don't recall Au.

I take it they're filming in Canada, not SF.

‘Wu Assassins’: Lawrence Kao And Celia Au Join Netflix Martial Arts Series
by Dino-Ray Ramos
October 17, 2018 1:29pm


Erich Chen, MVan Photography

EXCLUSIVE: Netflix’s forthcoming martial arts drama Wu Assassins has added Lawrence Kao (The Walking Dead) and Celia Au (Lodge 49) as series regulars.

Wu Assassins blends martial arts, drama, and supernatural elements for a story that centers on Kai Jin (The Raid star Iko Uwais), a man who becomes the latest and last Wu Assassin chosen to round up the powers of an ancient triad and restore balance once again.

Kao is set to play Tommy Wah, a drug addict in search of redemption as he is passed over by his parents in favor of his younger sister who runs the family business. Au will step into the role of Ying Ying, a quirky, young woman who is wise beyond her years and assists Kai Jin in his mission.

The pair will join previously announced cast members Katheryn Winnick (Vikings), Lewis Tan (Into the Badlands), Sons of Anarchy alum Tommy Flanagan, Tzi Ma (Meditation Park), and Byron Mann (The Expanse).

Wu Assassins comes from Tony Krantz of Flame Ventures (24), John Wirth (Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles; Falling Skies) and Nomadic Pictures (Fargo, Hell on Wheels). Wirth is the writer, executive producer and showrunner while the show’s star Uwais also serves as producer, lead martial arts, fight choreographer, and stunt coordinator.

In addition to The Walking Dead, Kao credits include The Originals and Sleepy Hollow. He is also dancer who competed as a member of Kaba Modern in the first season of MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew and is currently part of the dance crew Kinjaz, which competed on NBC’s World of Dance. He is repped by Ellis Talent Group and Chris Roe Management.

Hong Kong-born American actress Au starred in Andrew Lau’s Revenge of the Green Dragons which was executive produced by Martin Scorsese. She also appeared in the Jemaine Clement comedy People, Places, Things and currently has a recurring role in AMC’s Lodge 49. She is repped by Brio Entertainment and Nicolosi and Co.

[GeneChing]

WU ASSASSINS
Summer joins Netflix Sci-Fi drama Wu Assassins



Summer’s new project has been revealed today. She will reunite with producer John Wirth, with whom she worked with in Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles and The Cape. In a short tweet, Wirth welcomed Summer on board of his new show Wu Assassins. The show is a martial arts drama set in San Francisco’s Chinatown starring Iko Uwais (The Raid, Star Wars: The Force Awakens) and Byron Mann (The Expanse) and centers around a wannabe chef who teams up with a homicide detective to unravel an ancient mystery and take down supernatural assassins.

The series has received a 10-episode order from the streaming giant Netflix, but no release date has been set yet. Early 2019, we would expect. It's being written and executive produced by John Wirth, who is also acting as showrunner on the series. Chad Oakes, Mike Frislev and Tony Krantz will also serve as executive producers.

Here's Wu Assassins official description on Netflix.

The last in a line of Chosen Ones, a wannabe chef teams up with a homicide detective to unravel an ancient mystery and take down supernatural assassins. The show also stars Katheryn Winnick (Vikings), Lewis Tan (Into the Badlands), Tommy Flanagan (Sons of Anarchy), Tzi Ma (Meditation Park), Lawrence Kao (The Walking Dead), Celia Au (Revenge of the Green Dragons).

There’s no information about Summer’s role yet but We have more information about Summer's role.

Still waiting to hear a release date for this.

[GeneChing]

‘Wu Assassins’: Li Jun Li Cast In Netflix Martial Arts Series
by Denise Petski
January 15, 2019 1:43pm


Courtesy of Nicolosi & Co. Talent Agency

The Exorcist alumna Li Jun Li is set as a series regular on Netflix’s upcoming martial arts series Wu Assassins.

Wu Assassins blends martial arts, drama, and supernatural elements for a story that centers on Kai Jin (Iko Uwais), a man who becomes the latest and last Wu Assassin chosen to round up the powers of an ancient triad and restore balance once again.

Li will play Jenny Wah, who on the surface, is a confident young businesswoman with an MBA. Scratch the surface, the noisy wheels of ambition crank a darker nature, and the need to overcompensate.

Li will join previously announced cast members Katheryn Winnick (Vikings), Lewis Tan (Into the Badlands), Sons of Anarchy alum Tommy Flanagan, Tzi Ma (Meditation Park), Byron Mann (The Expanse), Lawrence Kao (The Walking Dead) and Celia Au (Lodge 49).

Wu Assassins comes from Tony Krantz of Flame Ventures (24), John Wirth (Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles; Falling Skies) and Nomadic Pictures (Fargo, Hell on Wheels). Wirth is the writer, executive producer and showrunner while the show’s star Uwais also serves as producer, lead martial arts, fight choreographer, and stunt coordinator.

Li was most recently seen on the second season of The Exorcist in the series regular role of Rose. She previously recurred on Blindspot, Chicago P.D., Quantico and The Following. She also was a series regular on Fox’s Minority Report. Li is repped by Nicolosi & Co., Inc. and Authentic Talent & Literary Management.

So what if Netflix raised its prices? Gotta stay subscribed.

[Djuan]

indeed, I trust your word.

[Djuan]

the stereotypes arent really bad ones either, to be clear. just generalization. I actually like the depiction of the "other side of the bay" as well, kinda had some romeo must die vibes , and does more justice than other shows that tried it like SOA.

and about Always Be My Maybe lol that one was ok also, irony is we got into the stereotypes in that movie here the other day.
told my fam I think the point of that one was satirical on purpose in its steortypes, from the sub cultures of the bay and the sub characters which were supposed to be "grounded and well rounded" which is how we are out here, most of us ......and like the hippe/harlot girlfriend who stuck with Keanu for "world peace and carbon footprint akashic mixtapes" lol that was classic, terrible, funny and spot on of the Bay to LA, I remember festi hoppers like that back in the day smh man oh man.

stereotypes (negative or positive) will be built within any film or show like that because were dealing with point of views. like to make a film based on one group of people or location, or tribe, we have to view it through the lens of how the directors and writers, and actors even, interpret the group or location, and hope its 'grounded and well rounded'.

We all like films and shows with universal principles. and thats an entirely different discussion/ potential thread.

I think thats why martial arts films always had home in my (our) heart tho, no matter from what 'side' or 'art' because the principles of a martial artist are MOST Universal. I could watch the corny ones even lol, or the over hyped ones if they were done right in principle. I liked "Best of the Best" for example, a favorite movie as child, yet I cant stand competition TKD (no offense to anyone who practices TKD, dont come for me lol), I still love that movie to this day. '
And though I love Shaolin, some of the old films I cant stomach because they were all poor stereotypes and no principle or substance. While some Shaolin movies or scenes even, stand strong to this day, like Enter the Dragon, 36 Chambers, Shaolin vs Lama, Holy Robe of Shaolin, and Shaolin Temple /Martial Arts of Shaolin .....all before the 90's.

(pardon my rant )

Amituofo

[GeneChing]

The FALL 2019 Table of Contents is available online.



THREADS
Fall 2019
Wu Assassins

[GeneChing]

I knew of most of the cast prior to the show but Kao was new to me. I really liked his performance and he nails a quality of this show that I've been trying to convey in this interview. Not everyone has been sensitive to it - particularly not several of my non-Chinese friends - even some of my Chinese friends spent too much time focusing on the Kung Fu to see it either.

Wu Assassins star Lawrence Kao explains why new Netflix drama is not just about martial arts
"Things like this don't come to Asian Americans that often."
BY JESS LEE
18/08/2019


DANIEL POWER/NETFLIX

Wu Assassins is more than just a martial arts show.

The excellent action and choreography are no doubt some of the highlights of the Netflix drama, which launched last week. With a majority Asian American cast, the show also tells stories and emotional arcs rarely seen in this way on TV.

Lawrence Kao plays Tommy Wah, a longtime friend of lead character Kai Jin (Iko Uwais) and a heroin addict.


VIVIEN KILLILEAGETTY IMAGES

"Things like this don't come to Asian Americans that often," he said in an interview with Digital Spy. "Being able to be a part of a show like this that revolutionises how people think of Asian Americans is just – I'm speechless.

"People like it a lot. They're very huge fans of the martial arts, and I feel like the people who make it through the season see that the show explores underlying themes throughout that talk about Chinese culture, as well as dive into familial relationships and themes about identity. I think people are enjoying those things besides all the action and martial arts."

Tommy is a complicated character. An addict and a member of the Triad, he regularly disappoints his friends despite often having good intentions.

"It was fun to juxtapose the idea of what people think Asian Americans are, so to even be able to play a heroin addict and to play the different levels of what this kind of character goes through, especially as an Asian American, makes it fascinating for me to explore," he said.


DANIEL POWER/NETFLIX

"In the beginning, I feel like people will look at Tommy and go, 'Man, this kid is so annoying. He keeps messing up'. And people keep thinking negatively about him because he just continues to disappoint.

"But as the season goes on, you realise, 'Man, this guy, he's just human'. There are vulnerabilities to him and he's trying. And people who make it through the season realise that and can empathise with him.

"I [hope] this character, especially as an Asian American, will help other people who aren't Asian American empathise and see a person like this in a different light."


DANIEL POWER/NETFLIX

Tommy, alongside Kai, is part of a close-knit friendship group which includes his sister Jenny (Li Jun Li) and Lu Xin (Lewis Tan).

It's uncommon to see an Asian American friendship group on screen, and Kao explained that they bonded away from the cameras as well.

"I've never been part of a cast with a friendship group that consists mostly of Asian Americans," he said. "It definitely resonated.

"Even being off set, it was just interesting to hang out with each other, and to have to take off our shoes when we go into each other's homes, and to have hot pot with each other, and to just be able to culturally hang out with one another without questioning any of it.

"I've never really had that opportunity or that kind of experience. So being able to be like that off-set helped us establish a stronger connection when the cameras were rolling."


NETFLIX

Netflix has made a number of high-profile cancellations lately, including Santa Clarita Diet, The OA, Tuca & Bertie, and Designated Survivor. Will we see a second season for Wu Assassins?

"It's really hard to say," Kao said. "It's difficult because it's all about the numbers in the first couple of weeks.

"We're all out here trying to promote the show and tell people to watch it – and especially to watch it all the way through, because that's how they count their numbers.

"I really have no idea. The season does wrap up nicely, but I want to see more. I want to see what these characters go through, and I'm just as invested as other people are when they watch the show. I'm hopeful. Fingers crossed."

All ten episodes of Wu Assassins season 1 are available to watch on Netflix right now.

[Djuan]

all I have to say is I took your advice and stuck with the show, and you were right about it, great work. very well rounded and universal artwork.

[Djuan]

I knew of most of the cast prior to the show but Kao was new to me. I really liked his performance and he nails a quality of this show that I've been trying to convey in this interview. Not everyone has been sensitive to it - particularly not several of my non-Chinese friends - even some of my Chinese friends spent too much time focusing on the Kung Fu to see it either.

I think I get what you are saying about him, and what he adds. I will share my perspective later, when I cant be blamed for spoilers lol
& I'm EAGERLY waiting on season 2.

Amituofo

[GeneChing]

I think I get what you are saying about him, and what he adds. I will share my perspective later, when I cant be blamed for spoilers lol
& I'm EAGERLY waiting on season 2.

I just didn't know Kao. The rest of the cast I knew. I've been following Iko since Merantau (10 years!). I'm a huge fan of his work. I've met Lewis Tan - had dinner with him and interviewed him both for Into the Badlands and Deadpool 2. The rest of the cast I knew from their previous work for the most part. But I didn't know Kao. I do now.

I'm hoping for Season 2 too. I felt Season 1 started off strong, then sort of fizzled towards the very end. It gasses out a little - often a problem with martial arts shows because it's very hard to sustain good fights for every episode. The teaser for the potential of Season 2 felt a little stretched. Nevertheless, I support it like I support all martial arts shows. None of them are 'perfect' but if we don't support them, no more will get made.

On that note, here's Celia's take on Season 2. And unlike Djuan, there are spoilers.

Wu Assassins star Celia Au reacts to cliffhanger ending and reveals season 2 hopes
"I was so excited for that to happen!"
BY JESS LEE
17/08/2019


NETFLIX

Note: This article contains spoilers for Wu Assassins.

Wu Assassins launched on Netflix last week, and already attention is on whether or not there will be a second season.

One person keeping her fingers crossed for a renewal is star Celia Au, who plays mythical spirit Ying Ying – the mentor of lead character Kai Jin (Iko Uwais). Ying Ying tasks the reluctant hero with saving the world, after he is granted the power of the Wu Assassins.


PHOTOGRAPHY: NICK ONKEN | HAIR: COREY TUTTLE | MAKE-UP: ROMANA MAKEUP NEW YORK | STYLING: CAROLYN SON

Across the ten episodes, Kai attempts to carry out the mission by collecting the five elemental Wu Xing, but midway through the season, Ying Ying decides to abandon Kai when he chooses to save his father Uncle Six (Byron Mann) instead of killing him when extracting the Fire Wu from inside of him.

The season-long mission culminates in an action-packed finale which sees Alec McCullough (Tommy Flanagan) – the Wood Wu, a former Wu Assassin, and the season's Big Bad all in one – successfully opening a portal to a mythical plane called the Dao.

With help from his friends, Kai stops McCullough and kills him in order to prevent the Dao from being corrupted.

Six weeks later, at Jenny Wah's (Li Jun Li) restaurant, Kai is shocked to see Ying Ying again – and in the world of the living – as she delivers an ominous warning that the world still needs the Wu Assassin.


NETFLIX

"I was so excited for that to happen!" Au said in an interview with Digital Spy, when asked about Ying Ying being in the human world.

Ying Ying pretty much only shared scenes with Kai and McCullough in the first season, but the twist opens up the possibility of her interacting with other characters.

"We actually have an ongoing joke," Au added. "Lewis [Tan] who plays Lu Xin, Li [Jun Li] who plays Jenny, and Lawrence [Kao] who plays Tommy, they're like, 'For the second season, we're going to take Ying Ying shopping. She needs new clothes!'

"How funny would it be if there's this scene where we just take Ying Ying shopping and give her a makeover? She gets a haircut, has different make-up, wears new and modern clothes, and tries to fit in this world."


PHOTOGRAPHY: NICK ONKEN | HAIR: COREY TUTTLE | MAKE-UP: ROMANA MAKEUP NEW YORK | STYLING: CAROLYN SON

More seriously, Au thinks that there is plenty to explore with Ying Ying, should there be a second season.

Little is known about the character beyond the fact that she was the very first Wu Assassin and has mentored the following 999 Wu Assassins.

"I like the fact that when you meet her and even at the very end, she's all mysterious," she said. "I definitely want to see more about what happened with the other 997 Wu Assassins.

"In my mind, throughout the years of her failing her mission and seeing her Wu Assassins dying, she becomes less emotional and harder and harder on her Wu Assassins – because she can see the consequences and she's seen it all, and she doesn't want for it to repeat itself even though it has 999 times."

Wu Assassins - Kai Jin (Iko Uwais)
NETFLIX

Au praised her co-stars, calling Uwais and Flanagan "complete sweethearts" and saying that she gets on well with the cast away from the set as well. The camaraderie shines through in the series, with the stars sharing an easy chemistry in front of the camera.

"We're basically one big happy family," Au said, adding that they would regularly spend time and have dinner as a group. "It's rare when you have a whole cast that gets along really well, and everyone is always together and hanging out."

As for the show's chances of a second season, the star is optimistic.

"Right now, I have to say we're all feeling pretty good about it, but we rely on fans to keep spreading the word," she said, explaining that the higher the numbers, the more likely Netflix will renew the drama. "We're like, 'Everyone, watch the show so we can tell more stories in season 2 and continue to follow our characters!'"

All ten episodes of Wu Assassins season 1 are available to watch on Netflix right now.

[GeneChing]

HK American Actress JuJu Chan Gets Hollywood’s Attention
By addy on August 20, 2019 in NEWS, TV Dramas



The road to success has been long and tiresome, but as it turns out, the wait was worth it.

Hong Kong-born American actress JuJu Chan (陳鈺芸), a recurring star in the Netflix series Wu Assassins, is gaining international attention for her role as the female bodyguard Zan. In IMDb’s Most Popular Celebs list, a weekly list as determined by IMDb users, JuJu Chan rose 905 places to 84th place in the 100 list, ranking higher than even Captain Marvel star Brie Larson this week.

JuJu Chan is also the highest Asian celebrity on the weekly list. The other Asian celebrity on the list is her Wu Assassins costar Iko Uwais.



IMDb users have been using the platform to praise JuJu’s performance on the show, specifically the 30 year old’s action prowess. JuJu did all of her scenes without a stunt double.

According to producer John Wirth, the character of Zan was originally written to be a male. However, he was so impressed with JuJu’s audition that he changed the role to suit her.

Doing action scenes for television are difficult, as there is usually limited time to train. JuJu said, “We are usually given about two hours to train and practice an action scene. The action choreography team and I would then demo the scene for the director.”

Wu Assassins’ action choreography Dan Rizzuto praised JoJo for being a professional in the business, saying that actor usually do not participate in the demo reels. “It’s my first time seeing this in 20 years,” he said. “JuJu is very dedicated to her craft.”

JuJu was born in Hong Kong but grew up in San Francisco, California. She attended the University of San Francisco as well as the Tisch School of the Arts. Prior to entering Hollywood, she participated in the 2010 Miss Hong Kong Pageant.

Wu Assassins stars Indonesian action star Iko Uwais as Kai Jin, who learns that he is the last of the supernatural Wu Assassins, and is destined to kill the five Wu Warlords. The series is set in Chinatown, San Francisco, and also stars Byron Mann (文峰) and Li Jun Li.



Source: On.cc

This article is written by Addy for JayneStars.com.

Still no word on Season 2, but it's tracking well so far.

[GeneChing]

READ Meet the Martial Star of Netflix’s Wu Assassins, Iko Uwais By Gene Ching



THREADS
Fall 2019
Wu Assassins
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