Gong Li and Yeoh to star in Spielberg geisha film
(Agecnies)
Updated: 2004-07-29 14:35

Leading Asian actresses Michelle Yeoh and Gong Li have been confirmed to appear alongside Chinese star Zhang Ziyi in 'Memoirs of a Geisha', the long-awaited film by Steven Spielberg, reports said.

Chinese film actress Gong Li [baidu]

Following earlier reports Yeoh had been pipped at the post for the lead role by mainland actress Zhang, Apple Daily reported former Bond-girl Yeoh had accepted the second female lead in the movie.

Highly regarded Gong, who starred in the acclaimed 'Raise the Red Lantern' directed by leading Chinese director Zhang Yimou, was the latest to be cast for the film, the newspaper said.

Hong Kong star, 2004 Cannes Best Actress winner Maggie Cheung, had originally been tipped for one of the lead roles.

Filming for the movie, an adaptation of the Arthur Golden bestseller, is expected to begin in September.

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