Chow Yun-Fat seeks to play 'Confucius'

(CRIENGLISH.com)
Updated: 2009-03-05 10:21

Actor Chow Yun-Fat and a portrait of Confucius [Photo: baidu.com]

It might be hard for any actor to receive unanimous praise for playing the role of Confucius, the greatest Chinese thinker, but Chow Yun-Fat says he wants to try.

The "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" actor has signed on to play the title role in director Hu Mei's new movie, "Confucius", the newspaper Metropolis Express reported on Wednesday.

In an interview with the Hong Kong publication Tungstar, Chow confirmed he had been invited and would like to accept the offer, but final negotiations still need to be ironed out.

Chow's latest offering is the Hollywood-made fantasy adventure "Dragonball Evolution", which will open in the U.S. next month.

The international following that Chow enjoys is expected to help expand the global market for "Confucius", the Metropolis Express report says.

But opinions vary on whether Hong Kong-born Chow is able to portray the great philosopher. Some say they don't want to see a Cantonese-speaking Confucius, suggesting Chow has lots to do to improve his Mandarin.

In a survey conducted by Sina.com.cn, voices for and against are almost split down the middle.

Besides Chow, mainland actor Chen Daoming and actress Zhou Xun are reported to be joining the cast.

Director Hu Mei and the film's investors have not commented on the involvement of the three actors.

The date for filming to begin is also being kept under wraps.