Cod gobbler Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson seems to also have a taste for San Francisco disaster movies—according to The Wrap, he’s set to join a remake of Big Trouble in Little China, taking over the Jack Burton role originated by Kurt Russell. (That means Vin Diesel will be in the new Stargate movie, right? Russell’s clearly just getting work for all his Furious 7 family.)
Everybody relax, I’m here.
As much as I love The Rock (to the moon and back) and despite my deep enjoyment of Big Trouble (when viewed through a critical lens), the original film’s focus on Chinese-American stereotypes makes me hesitant to break out the ol’ CB in celebration.
That being said, the remake’s creative team already seems to reflect a new interest in positive representation; in addition to having a man of color in the lead role, the script will also be co-written by X-Men: First Class scribe Ashley Miller. [Edit: we’ve been informed Miller is a man.] Hopefully 20th Century Fox can make this remake the definitive Little China by prioritizing finding a Chinese director and bringing on Chinese creators.
What do you think of this news, gang? Should ol’ Jack Burton be retired, or do you think a modern remake can make amends for the original’s shortcomings? And who should play Gracie Law?
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