China unveils massive AI martial arts movie project with “first fully AI film”

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At this year’s Shanghai International Film Festival, I’m thrilled to share a massive undertaking: over a hundred iconic martial arts films are getting a modern twist! Artificial Intelligence is going to breathe new life into these classics. But that’s not all, folks! This event will also debut the world’s first fully AI-produced animated feature film. I can hardly wait to see how this groundbreaking technology transforms our favorite martial arts movies and creates a whole new cinematic experience!

In one way or another, artificial intelligence is becoming an integral part of our daily experiences. With over 180 million users, ChatGPT is being utilized for a variety of purposes, including content creation by TikTokers. Furthermore, there have been instances where people have developed feelings for their chatbots, reminiscent of the movie “Her.

While some argue that AI doesn’t belong in artistic endeavors, it’s already being utilized extensively in the entertainment sector, a trend that is expected to grow. In fact, studios in China are embracing this technology.

100 iconic martial arts films featuring stars like Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li are being digitally restored under the ‘Kung Fu Movie Heritage Project 100 Classics AI Revitalization Project’. The project will receive an initial investment of approximately $13.9 million (100 million yuan).

AI used to make animated cyberpunk version of A Better Tomorrow

In addition to being utilized to modernize the visual style of films for today’s audiences, an AI-generated animated feature film has undergone a transformation that gives John Woo’s A Better Tomorrow a futuristic, cyberpunk twist.

This week at the 2025 Shanghai International Film Festival, the fresh release, “A Better Tomorrow: Cyber Border,” had its premiere. As reported by Variety, this movie was crafted utilizing technology developed by Quantum Animation, with artificial intelligence handling tasks ranging from scriptwriting and character modeling to animation and final rendering.

Producer Zhang Qing stated, “With only 30 individuals involved, this whole animated movie came to life. Artificial Intelligence has broken down the divide between creative ideas and practical implementation, reducing the production time from years to mere months.

Regarding our restoration project, Artificial Intelligence will enhance the quality of images, sounds, and overall productions while maintaining the original tone. Some of the 100 titles include Fist of Fury, The Big Boss, Once Upon a Time in China, and Drunken Master.

Chairman Tian Ming of Canxing Media has verified that the sum of 100 million yuan ($13.9 million) is earmarked for using artificial intelligence to enhance the initial ten films on their list. He explained that these projects are currently their top focus.

🚨 Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li are making a comeback on the big screen with AI technology.
At the Shanghai International Film Festival, China has initiated an extensive project using artificial intelligence to:

→ Refurbish 100 timeless martial arts films
→ Debut the world’s first entirely AI-created animated feature film: A Better Tomorrow…

— AllAboutAI (@AllAboutAicom) June 19, 2025

Tian stated that AI serves as the tool, while creativity represents the essence. Just as classic Chinese kung fu movies symbolize the country’s spiritual foundation, we extend an invitation for worldwide collaborators to participate in this fusion of culture and technology, revitalizing our heritage.

Zhang additionally encouraged filmmakers to explore alternative entertainment avenues, specifically combat video games. He posed the question, “Why aren’t the world’s most popular fighting games Chinese, given they incorporate Chinese martial arts moves? It’s time for us to create the next Street Fighter using our unique intellectual properties such as Wong Fei-hung and Nezha.

In many instances, the latest news tends to stir up much discussion, and this time is no exception. Some people argue that timeless works such as classic films should be left unaltered, with comments like “It’s just ruining a classic movie” and “Please stop meddling with legends.

On the other hand, certain individuals are advocates for this notion and possess unique ideas of their own as well. One user expressed enthusiasm by saying, “If an AI can replicate Bruce Lee’s voice, I would be open to dubbing over his classic movies.

To stay updated on AI-related movie news, check out the legal dispute between Disney, Universal, and AI company Midjourney, along with the ongoing AI controversies surrounding films like The Brutalist, Late Night With the Devil, Thunderbolts, and True Detective.

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2025-06-19 16:48