The good news? Two of Asia's biggest action superstars have teamed up for the first time. The bad news? It's 15 years too late. And what's with the white kid?

The Forbidden Kingdom is yet another picture in which we are meant to experience an exotic locale peopled entirely by "others" through the eyes of a Caucasian character. In this case, it's a fantasy world cobbled together from classic Chinese literature and period martial arts movies. As the latest entry in the category of "low expectation, Asian-themed, English-language movies written and directed by respectful American creative talent," the film is slightly above average entertainment. But I grow tired of having to lower my expectations in exchange for the pleasure of seeing talented Asian performers make an appearance on the big screen in America.

Writer John Fusco and director Rob Minkoff make fun of some of the stereotypes inherent in period martial arts pictures, while also sprinkling shout-outs into the material to demonstrate their love and knowledge of the various source materials that inspired them. Jackie Chan and Jet Li are cheerfully engaging as a drunken beggar and monk on a mission, respectively, providing most of the film's comic and action highlights in supporting roles. That's right -- Chan and Li have both achieved Hollywood stardom, are top-billed, are no doubt top-paid, but play second fiddle to "the white kid," Michael Angarano. We waited years for this?

Cinematical has just received this exclusive poster for The Forbidden Kingdom (click on the image for a larger version), otherwise known as the film that pairs up martial arts veterans Jackie Chan and Jet Li for their first ever big-screen collaboration. Directed by Rob Minkoff (The Lion King), The Forbidden Kingdom follows an American teen (Michael Angarano) and all-around Kung Fu nut, who comes across a mysterious Chinese staff that transports him back to ancient China. While there, he meets up with two Kung Fu masters (Chan, Liu Yifei) and the Silent Monk (Li), and the four head off to fulfill an ancient prophecy to free the jailed Monkey King. Of course, there's another set of warriors who will attempt to make their journey just a wee bit difficult.

Not long ago, a (sort of) teaser trailer premiered announcing the end of principal photography, and the footage looked pretty insane. Keep in mind the film's fight choreography is from Yuen Wo Ping (The Matrix films, Kill Bill) with cinematography from Peter Pau (Shoot 'Em Up) -- which means we're definitely in store for some wicked visuals. The Forbidden Kingdom will arrive in theaters on April 18.

The first footage (more like a teaser trailer) for The Forbidden Kingdom has popped up online, and the flick -- which stars both Jet Li and Jackie Chan -- looks pretty damn awesome. There's that one female with the grey hair who kept reminding me of Storm from the X-Men flicks, but aside from that it appears we're in store for a wild ride. According to the teaser's intro, the film has wrapped principal photography and is now in post-production. Rob Minkoff (The Lion King) directed, with fight choreography from Yuen Wo Ping (The Matrix films, Kill Bill) and cinematography from Peter Pau (Shoot 'Em Up). Needless to say, I wouldn't expect anything less than awesome with that team behind the camera.

Apparently the film follows an American teen obsessed with martial arts who uncovers a magical staff that transports him back to ancient China. There, he meets up with a band of martial arts warriors on a quest to free the imprisoned Monkey King. I know, it all sounds nuts, but check out the video above -- the film, visually, looks fantastic. The Forbidden Kingdom is set to arrive in theaters on April 18.

[via Coming Soon]

It was probably the squeal 'heard round the world' for martial arts fans when Scott first reported on the historic pairing of Jet Li and Jackie Chan. That was over a year ago, and now Variety is reporting the film has just wrapped shooting and is ready for that special 'F/X touch'. Titled The Forbidden Kingdom, the story "is a loose adaptation of classic Chinese tale "The Monkey King" which sees an American teenager transported back to ancient China, where he learns about honor, loyalty and friendship, and the true meaning of Kung fu". It has been rumored that both Li and Chan will play the Kung fu masters who help the boy in his quest. Stuart Little director, Rob Minkoff, was at the helm, but Hong Kong cinematographer Peter Pau (Shoot 'em Up) was on hand to oversee the whole production. Pau is one of the most respected cinematographers in Hong Kong cinema, and won an Oscar for his work on Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Unfortunately, he also was in charge of Dracula 2000. Oh well, they can't all be masterpieces.

The Forbidden Kingdom was shot on location in the Zhejiang Province over the summer. Now, the film is headed for South Korea for some final touches. According to Kingdom's producers, it will be the most expensive non-Korean film to use the state of the art facilities. The film has a current budget of $70 million, but we all know how these things can get away from you sometimes. There is no word on what kind of FX are being added, but when your leads are Jet Li and Jackie Chan, you know it's probably not going to be any physical stunts. The Forbidden Kingdom is set for release on April 18th, 2008.

[Thanks to Rotten Tomatoes' Kathryn Kenworth for the Jet-Jackie mockup.]