Long in development, at least from a post-production perspective, action comedy Hidden Strike has its first trailer, which you can see above. That means the 2018 Jackie Chan/John Cena team film might finally be hitting theaters, or at least on VOD. The film, originally titled Snafu, has been a constant victim of changing circumstances, both external and internal.
The film got the green light and was shot amid a revival specifically in China for Jackie Chan-fronted action films like “Kung Fu Yoga” and “Skiptrace.” The latter was also a (partly) English-language film starring Johnny Knoxville, a clear attempt to recapture some of the late 1990s and early 2000s “rush hour” or “Shanghai Knights” magic.
“Skiptrace” grossed $131 million in 2016, while the previous global adventure film “Kung Fu Yoga” grossed $256 million in 2017. Since then, The Climbers has made $174 million in 2019, but COVID has obviously put a damper on that robust earnings for a moment.
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Ironically, by late 2020, American theaters were so desperate for content that Chan’s ensemble action film Vanguard became the first foreign-language Chan film to premiere nationally since Summer 2000’s Summer 2000’s Drunken Master II.
However, the reopening of Chinese cinemas also led to a further market shift towards local Chinese-language blockbusters such as Hi, Mom, The Battle at Lake Changjin and Moon Man.
John Cena’s comments during his “F9” promotional tour indirectly proclaiming Taiwan’s independence probably didn’t help. However, due to bad word of mouth, “F9” was already in decline before this controversy. In addition, “Fast
Those variables aside, it’s hard to say what will become of Hidden Strike – directed by Expendables 4 and Need for Speed contributor Scott Waugh – until we have a better idea of where and how arrive in North America will be China. Chan’s brief Chinese comeback seems comparatively gone, while Cena has little established appeal in either market, save for added value on otherwise surefire greats like “Bumblebee” and “F9.”
The story goes on
Given how long it’s been since it was filmed, Hidden Strike could turn out to be a period film made for market realities that no longer exist. Well, at least if you’re curious (raise your hand), you can try the goods.
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