Adrien Brody, John Cusack to star in Jackie Chan’s “Dragon Blade”

Adrien Brody (left), Jackie Chan (centre) and John Cusack (right) in a series of publicity photos for "Dragon Blade".

SHANGHAI: Hong Kong actor Jackie Chan recently revealed that Hollywood actor Adrien Brody has joined the cast of his new blockbuster film “Dragon Blade”, at a media conference for the film during the Shanghai International Film Festival.

Brody, who is best known for his performance in 2002 film “The Pianist”, will play Tiberius, an ambitious Roman general who is willing to kill to succeed.

Helmed by Hong Kong director Daniel Lee, “Dragon Blade” also stars Hollywood actor John Cusack, who plays the Roman general Lucius in the film.

"Dragon Blade" cast members  (from left) John Cusack, Wang Ruoxin, Jackie Chan, Lin Peng and director Daniel Lee.

Set in 48BC, “Dragon Blade” revolves around Huo An (Chan), a Chinese commander who is tasked with protecting China’s Western borders during the Han dynasty.

Huo is accused of treason and winds up as a slave labourer, but he still manages to rally the Chinese forces to repel a small invading Roman army led by Lucius.

However, an even great challenge looms for Huo - he must find a way to stop the ambitious Tiberius, who marches towards the Chinese border gate with a vast army.

“Dragon Blade” also stars K-pop boy band Super Junior’s Choi Si-won, along with Chinese actresses Lin Peng and Wang Ruoxin.

The film has a budget of US$65 million (S$81.4 million), reportedly making it the most expensive Chinese-language film ever made.

Chan said the cast and crew will soon leave for the deserts of Dunhuang and Aksai to shoot scenes for the film.

“Dragon Blade” is expected to be released on February 19 during the Lunar New Year period next year.