EXCLUSIVE: Korean action star Jang Hyuk is set to make his directorial and writing debut with action film Stop Stop Dark Cold, alongside Stars Collective and Stars Entertainment.
Jang Hyuk has played roles in films like Volcano High, The Swordsman, The Killer and Iris 2 as well as shows like Slave Hunters and Bloody Heart.
Trained extensively in Jeet Kune Do, Jang will mark his directorial and writing debut with Stop Stop Dark Cold.
Stop Stop Dark Cold is currently in the script development phase and is slated to begin production in mid-2025.
Stars Collective and Stars Entertainment said that they have cross-industry ambitions for Stop Stop Dark Cold, which include extending the IP beyond the silver screen to immersive experiences, merchandise, anime and gaming.
“I am deeply committed to this project and eager to explore the future implications of technology through my artistic lens,” said Jang. “I look forward to connecting with audiences worldwide.”
Stars Collective recently optioned the film rights to the non-fiction book “Fortune Sons: The 120 Chinese Boys Who Came to America, Went to School, and Revolutionized an Ancient Civilization,” and is developing a film adaptation with Donna Gigliotti (Shakespeare in Love, Silver Linings Playbook).
Stars Collective also recently optioned the life rights of Chef Pam (also known as Pichaya Soontornyanakij), a well-known Thai-Chinese-Australian chef and the owner of POTONG, a Michelin-star restaurant in Bangkok’s Chinatown.
In 2023, Stars Collective announced that it will team up with Chinese financier Hana Investments on a $300M “cross media fund to invest in comics, films, games, collectibles, consumer goods, artificial intelligence and metaverse technology.”
Yoyo Liu, CEO of Stars Entertainment and producer of the film, said: “Since early 2024, our exploration into merging AI with film has led to Stop Stop Dark Cold, a project that transcends traditional action films to probe the coexistence of humans and technology. With Stars’ extensive cinematic and peripheral industry resources combined with Jang’s innovative vision, this film is set to become a globally influential IP.”
Nancy Xu, co-CEO of Stars Collective, added: “Working with Jang Hyuk to craft this visionary action IP is thrilling. We are fully dedicated to supporting his creative endeavors, collaborating with leading Hollywood production teams and leveraging cutting-edge film technology to redefine the Asian action film genre and deliver an unmatched cinematic experience globally.”
Stars Collective founder Peter Luo said: “Collaborating with Jang Hyuk is a privilege. His exceptional talents and innovative approach have already made significant impacts during the project’s early stages.”
