Variety is reporting that Hong Kong producer Jason Kothari (Bloodshot) has picked up the rights to The Silent Flute, a project co-written by Bruce Lee, and is planning a TV series adaptation with John Fusco (The Highwayman).
Based on a story conceived by Lee, Oscar-winning writer Stirling Silliphant and Oscar-winning actor James Coburn, The Silent Flute “is set in a dystopian future after mankind has suffered from pandemics, fires and civil wars, and where all weapons and combat arts are banned [and] follows a raw fighter who overcomes grave obstacles and loss to reach enlightenment and become the best fighter in the world.”
Following Lee’s untimely death, the script was completed by Silliphant and Stanley Mann produced for the big screen as 1978’s Circle of Iron, with David Carradine taking on the role originally intended for Lee.
“Despite it having been untouched for half a century, The Silent Flute conveys groundbreaking themes for today, and my ambition is to do justice to the global icon’s powerful and inspiring cinematic vision,” said Kothari. “Having closely studied his life and career, I am committed to bringing together the best talent in the world to make ‘The Silent Flute’ for millions of Lee’s fans and honor him.”
“What Bruce wrote, along with Sterling Silliphant and my late friend James Coburn, was ahead of its time and transcends action drama in profound and provocative ways,” added Fusco, who himself is a black belt martial artist and has studied Lee’s Jeet Kune Do, “What we hope to do is open up the canvas of his story world and honor his vision in the exciting way that epic long-form narrative can do today.”
