MUMBAI: Martial arts superstars Jackie Chan and Jet Li will for the first time come together on-screen with Lionsgate’s action epic The Forbidden Kingdom.

The principal photography on the movie will begin on 2 May in China. The film will be directed by Rob Minkoff. The original screenplay by John Fusco is based on the traditional Chinese legend of the Monkey King.

The film is produced by Casey Silver Productions. Overseeing the production for Lionsgate will be president of theatrical films Tom Ortenberg, president of film production Mike Paseornek, and president of acquisitions and co-productions Peter Block. The announcement was made today by Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer.

Lionsgate plans a US theatrical release in summer 2008 and will co-release the film with The Weinstein Company. Lionsgate UK will self-distribute the film in the United Kingdom. The Weinstein Company will handle distribution in Spain, France and Latin America. Relativity Media will be handling foreign sales on the picture.