Aaron Kwok is reported to be playing the title character in the sequel of the fantasy film "The Monkey King" instead of Donnie Yen, CRIEnglish has learned.
Signed on to too many projects, which includes the next "Ip Man" film, Yen is reportedly too busy to play the role for the second time.
Kwok's involvement in the "Monkey King" sequel has been confirmed by his manager. However, his role in the film will be officially confirmed by the film's production company.
Recently, Kwok took to Sina Weibo to post several pictures of himself as the Monkey King, which sparked rumors he is taking the role Yen played in "The Monkey King" released on Jan. 31.
Earning more than $167 million, the film became the third highest-grossing film of all time in mainland China.
It was based on an episode of Wu Cheng'en's novel "Journey to the West." It was filmed in 3D and was directed by Cheang Pousoi and written by Edmond Wong and Kam-Yuen Szeto.
Yen also served as the action director. Joining him in the cast are Peter Ho as Erlangshen, Joe Chen as Princess Iron Fan, Xia Zitong as Ruxue, Chow Yun-Fat as Jade Emperor, Hai Yitian as Master Puti and Kwok as Bull Demon King.
Along with Andy Lau, Leon Lai and Jacky Cheung, Kwok shares the title "Four Heavenly Kings" of Hong Kong.
Cheung and Kwok are among the Mando-pop stars who had songs composed, produced and arranged by Singaporean music maestro Iskandar Mirza Ismail, who died of cancer on Nov. 1, Asia One reported.
In 1999, Janet Jackson collaborated with Kwok and Ricky Martin for international versions of the song "Ask for More," which she wrote, produced and performed. It was a promotional single for Pepsi.
Aside from "The Monkey King" sequel, Kwok's other future projects are the 2014 film "Cold War 2" and the 2015 film "The Monk."