Los Angeles rolled out the red carpet for ‘Birth of the Dragon,’ a beat-em-up popcorn flick that chronicles the events leading up to Bruce Lee’s legendary fight with Kung Fu master Wong Jack Man.
The screening was held at the legendary ArcLight Cinemas in Hollywood. The film’s stars, along with a gaggle of fans, showed up at the theater ready to take in this once-in-a-generation event.
‘I’m ready to be entertained. I want to get insight on this Hollywood version of this epic fight with Bruce Lee,’ said Akbar Gbajabiamila, Emmy-nominated host of TV’s American Ninja Warrior.
Phillip Ng, who plays Lee in the film, worked the press line like a pro, doling out kicks and jokes in rapid-fire succession. He’s every bit as charming as Lee, and is also a master martial artist – a perfect pedigree for someone tapped to play such an iconic role.
International smash hit producer J2 gushed about having his song, ‘We are the Warriors’ featured in the movie. “Watching the trailer was brilliant. When you combine that with seeing it in live action, it was brilliant,” he said. “It just gelled beautifully.”
Director George Nolfi posed for pictures and pal’d around with the cast. The camaraderie between them was palpable, infectious even.
Nev Schulman of MTV’s Catfish and wife Laura Perlongo came through to step up their kung fu movie bonafide’s. Both admitted to not being avid kung fu fans, but we’re thrilled to be witnessing the launch of a soon-to-be-iconic entry in the genre.
Autograph seekers stood at the end of the press line snagging pics and face time. Feet flew furiously toward the theater entrance as the red carpet festivities came to an end.