Chinese martial arts icon Xie Miao, best known for his visceral, high-octane performances in the "Eye for an Eye" franchise and the recent action sensation "The Furious," is officially set to transition to the global stage. The Beijing-born star will lead an upcoming English-language action crime thriller currently in development by Los Angeles-based production house Stars Collective. The project, announced on the sidelines of the Busan International Film Festival’s Asian Contents & Film Market, marks a strategic move to cement Xie’s status as a formidable international action lead.
The film is designed to capture the gritty, uncompromising, and realistic style of martial arts choreography that has become a hallmark of Xie’s career. By blending these traditional, bruising combat aesthetics with a narrative structure geared toward a global audience, the production aims to resonate with both die-hard genre enthusiasts and mainstream viewers who appreciate authentic, high-stakes physical performance.
A Powerhouse Creative Team
The ambitious project is being helmed by a team of experienced producers with deep roots in both Asian and Hollywood cinema. Peter Luo, whose diverse portfolio includes such varied titles as "Malignant," "Umma," and "The Garfield Movie," is spearheading the production alongside Wayne Wei Jiang, known for his work on the international blockbuster "The Meg." Also joining the production team is Wei Junzi, a key collaborator on Xie’s previous successes, including "Eye for an Eye" and "The Furious."
Representing Stars Collective, co-CEO Nancy Xu—whose recent production credits include "The Rip," "The Monkey," and "The Garfield Movie"—is playing a central role in the film’s development. For the producers, the choice of lead actor was a matter of necessity rather than preference.
"Xie Miao is the perfect artist to lead this fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled movie," said Xu. "The project calls for real, high-level physical requirements that only a professional of his specific caliber can perform. He brings a level of authenticity that is rare in today’s landscape of digital-heavy action."
From Child Star to International Icon
Xie Miao’s journey to becoming a global action lead is rooted in a lifetime of rigorous training and industry experience. Born in Beijing, he began his career as a child actor, quickly distinguishing himself through his mastery of wushu. His early years were defined by the acquisition of multiple wushu championship titles, which provided the foundation for a seamless transition into film.
His breakout moment came early, when he was cast alongside legendary martial arts superstar Jet Li. Playing father and son in iconic films such as "The New Legend of Shaolin" and "My Father Is a Hero," Xie was effectively mentored by one of the greatest performers in the history of the genre. These formative experiences not only sharpened his acting abilities but also instilled in him the discipline and technical precision required to sustain a long-term career in action cinema.
Over the decades, Xie’s career has remained remarkably consistent. Beyond his film work, he holds a degree in ethnic sports—a credential that highlights the intellectual and academic rigor he brings to his craft. He has frequently balanced his film work with demanding television roles, further refining his screen presence before securing the lead in the critically acclaimed "Eye for an Eye" franchise. Most recently, his work in the hard-hitting action hit "The Furious" solidified his reputation as an actor who can carry a film through sheer physical intensity and charismatic screen presence.
Expanding the Scope of Action
For the producers involved, this new project represents an opportunity to take Xie’s established brand of action and elevate it to a global scale. "Xie Miao is a powerful and distinctive action star," noted Wei. "’The Furious’ showcased his immense appeal in hard-hitting action, and this new project will broaden the scope of the story. It gives his character more room to breathe and evolve, letting audiences around the world see even more of what he is truly capable of."
Wayne Wei Jiang echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that while the film will utilize the classic elements of martial arts cinema, it will eschew regional limitations. "We are committed to holding onto the strongest elements of classic martial arts cinema while taking a more global approach to our storytelling and production," Jiang said. "Our goal is to create an action film that transcends language and geography, crafting something that resonates with audiences everywhere, regardless of their cultural background."
Stars Collective’s Global Ambitions
The announcement of this project follows a period of intense growth and acquisition for Stars Collective. Since its launch in 2020, the company has operated with a dual-focus strategy: building an internal slate of original content while aggressively pursuing rights deals to fill out its global library.
The company has been particularly active in identifying properties with international potential. For instance, it recently acquired the Mandarin-language remake rights to "Thelma," the 2024 Sundance breakout film that became the highest-grossing release in the history of Magnolia Pictures. Following that acquisition, the company began developing a new feature currently working under the title "Grandma, Please."
Furthermore, Stars Collective is leaning into prestige adaptations. It has optioned the rights to the nonfiction book "Fortunate Sons: The 120 Chinese Boys Who Came to America, Went to School, and Revolutionized an Ancient Civilization." The company is currently developing this material for the screen in collaboration with Academy Award-winning producer Donna Gigliotti, whose storied career includes acclaimed films such as "Silver Linings Playbook," "Hidden Figures," and "Shakespeare in Love."
A Global Infrastructure
Headquartered in Los Angeles with significant operations in China and Japan, Stars Collective has cultivated a massive development pipeline. Its current slate includes more than 60 original properties spanning a wide array of formats, including live-action film, animation, interactive gaming, merchandise, and immersive experiences.
The company’s growth is underpinned by a unique incubator program, which serves as a bridge between established industry titans and emerging creative talent. This incubator is guided by a cohort of 15 industry mentors, including directors Sam Raimi, Jon M. Chu, Alan Taylor, and Lu Chuan. The mentor pool also features screenwriter Anthony McCarten, actor-producer Huang Xiaoming, and a cadre of high-profile producers such as Gigliotti, Paula Wagner, Patrick Wachsberger, and Rob Minkoff.
With a network that counts over 320 filmmakers and artists from 45 different countries, Stars Collective is positioning itself as a central hub for cross-cultural cinematic projects. By tapping into this diverse pool of talent, the company aims to move beyond traditional film development, fostering a collaborative environment that allows for the creation of content capable of bridging the gap between Eastern and Western markets.
For Xie Miao, this project represents the next natural step in a career that has been defined by consistency, technical mastery, and a deep respect for the art of combat on screen. As development continues, the production aims to leverage the collective expertise of its producers and the star power of its lead to deliver an action experience that stands out in an increasingly crowded global market. Whether the film will replicate the success of Xie’s previous domestic hits remains to be seen, but the intent—to marry the raw intensity of classic martial arts with a sophisticated, global narrative—is clear.
