HONG KONG filmmaker Stephen Chow will help Hollywood studio 20th Century Fox produce a movie based on the popular Japanese cartoon series “Dragonball,” Shanghai’s Oriental Morning Post reported Thursday.

Chinese-American director James Wong, whose credits include “Final Destination” and the TV series “The X Files,” will direct the movie. Filming is scheduled to start within a year.

“War of the Worlds” actor Justin Chatwin, who played the son of Tom Cruise’s character, will portray the lead character Goku. Chatwin is now receiving rigorous physical training under the guidance of a stunt company.

“I have been a ‘Dragonball’ fan for a long time,” Chow said. “The airy and unrestrained story leaves much room for creation.”

Chow also explained why he would not take the job of directing the movie. “I only direct original movies composed by myself. That is my principle.” Chow is recommending Zhang Yuqi, leading actress in his new sci-fi film “CJ7,” play the role of Goku’s girlfriend in the film.

“Dragonball,” created by Akiry Toriyama, is one of Japan’s most successful cartoons of all time. It first appeared in a magazine in 1985 and lasted for seven years. A TV series adaptation of the work has been popular in many countries and regions around the world, including China.

(SD-Agencies)