Crouching Tiger Sequel and Theater Productions Planned

Bob and Harvey Weinstein are bringing martial arts to the stage and screen, by getting five novels including Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and bringing them to life in theater, according to the trades.

The Weinstein Company has acquired the rights to Crane—Iron Pentalogy, a series of five martial arts novels written by Wang Du Lu. They includeCrouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, the fourth novel in the group but the first of them planned for theatrical production. The others include Crane Frightens KunLun, Precious Sword, Golden Hairpin, Sword Spirit, Pearl Light and Iron Knight, Silver Vase.

They also envision a series of films, much like the Lord of the Rings. The book series follows three generations of a fighting family during the Qing dynasty. “I think this an opportunity to create something revolutionary,” he said. They will serve as prequels and sequels to Crouching Tiger, which they have no plans to bring back to screen.

Bob Weinstein added, “In our efforts to continue developing strong roots in Asia, we see these projects as an avenue to nurture new relationships and discover fresh talent.”