Harvey Weinstein to Remake Shaw Brothers Classics THE AVENGING EAGLE and COME DRINK WITH ME?

The Weinstein Co. is intent on adding more martial arts films to its cannon.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Harvey Weinstein has announced his plans to remake the Shaw Brothers Studio classics THE AVENGING EAGLE and COME DRINK WITH ME for The Weinstein Co. and Hong Kong's Celestial Pictures. Production on the English-language films is slated to begin in 2014.

Celestial Pictures' head of business and legal affairs Kristen Tong told THR that "preliminary thought is to have international casts for both pictures." Tong added, "...we feel that the subject matter of the projects would fit with more exotic locations."

Weinstein said in the statement that the joint venture with Celestial was "an exciting opportunity to be bringing new life to these two classic films."

Read the original report here.

Screenwriter John Fusco (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Draggon II) will write both remakes, with David Thwaites also on the producing team. Weinstein had previously talked about remaking COME DRINK WITH ME in 2007. At that time, he mentioned Quentin Tarantino as his choice for director.

In 1966, COME DRINK WITH ME launched the careers of both director King Hu and of actress Cheng Pei-Pei. THE AVENGING EAGLE in 1978 starred Ti Lung (A Better Tomorrow).

The Weintsein Co. is stocking up on martial arts films this year. The company is set to begin production on Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon II in March 2014. The film stars Donnie Yen and Michelle Yeoh. TWC will also be releasing The Grandmaster on August 23.

Photo by RD / Bishop / Retna Digital