Hollywood studio Columbia is taking a gamble that Hong Kong's king of comedy Stephen Chiau Sing-chi's slapstick humour will translate to a worldwide audience.
After negotiating for two years, Columbia's Asian arm yesterday finally decided to co-produce Chiau's new action comedy - tentatively titled Kung Fu Hustle.
Impressed by the success of Shaolin Soccer, which is set for release by Miramax in the United States in August, the studio will begin shooting the movie on the mainland on June 27.
Barbara Robinson, managing director of Columbia Pictures Film production for Asia, said: 'Stephen came to us with this idea two years ago. After Shaolin Soccer, he proved his commercial viability.'
Shaolin Soccer is the highest grossing local film of all time in Hong Kong and the highest grossing Chinese film in Japan since 1984.
Ms Robinson said: 'The combination of physical comedy, kung fu and special effects will work. Dialogue is important, but it doesn't even translate fully into Mandarin [from Cantonese]. [Chiau] appeals to both young and old.'
Columbia's decision reflects the growing trend to export Chinese culture to worldwide audiences.