Hong Kong actor Ekin Cheng and Jordan Chan are slated to appear in the remake of 1983 classic TV drama Huo Yuanjia.

Ekin Cheng will play the patriotic hero Huo Yunajia while Jordan Chan will play Huo's apprentice, Chen Zhen. Both of the stars will have their heads shaved for the roles.

The remake of TV series will be based entirely on the real life of Huo Yuanjia, a legendary Chinese martial arts master who challenged foreign fighters to help the Chinese people restore their pride and nationalism while China was being invaded by the allied forces of the eight powers in 1900.

The director Ju Jueliang said he will revise the drama according to the changes required by Huo Yuanjia's descendant Huo Zizheng, to accurately portray Huo Yuanjia's life and death.

Shooting will begin on November 6 at Western China's Hukou Waterfall.

(CRI October 26, 2006)