Shubham SawarkarAs the iconic martial arts masterpiece, “Enter the Dragon,” commemorates its 50th anniversary this month, a remarkable new venture emerges. Shannon Lee, daughter of the legendary Bruce Lee, proudly unveils a new anime series titled “House of Lee,” produced in collaboration with Bruce Lee Entertainment, alongside content platform Shibuya and its visionary co-founder, acclaimed artist Emily Yang.
The momentous “House of Lee,” a groundbreaking Bruce Lee anime endeavor, is poised to captivate audiences with its grand debut scheduled for the year 2024.
In honor of the golden jubilee of “Enter the Dragon,” an unparalleled spectacle awaits enthusiasts, with exclusive 4K UHD screenings of the movie set to grace over 650 theaters on the dates of Sunday, August 13, and Wednesday, August 16. These screenings will encompass the much-anticipated House of Lee trailer, offering a tantalizing glimpse into this innovative creation.
The dedicated team at Bruce Lee Entertainment, entrusted with stewarding the creative legacy of the Bruce Lee Family Companies, has harbored a long-held aspiration to bring the captivating essence of Bruce Lee to life in animated form. The inception of House of Lee was ignited by the profound personal experiences of Shannon Lee, resulting in a narrative that promises to resonate deeply with audiences.
Reflecting on this remarkable endeavor, Shannon Lee expressed, “Anime stands as an exquisite medium through which to convey an imaginative tale where Bruce Lee’s essence can flourish authentically. The potential for action, fantasy, history, culture, and artistic expression within this realm is truly exhilarating.“
House of Lee embarks on a riveting journey as an action-fantasy spectacle, chronicling Bruce Lee’s relentless pursuit to assemble his formidable Dragon Warriors before an encroaching abyss of darkness engulfs the world. The series draws inspiration from Bruce Lee’s iconic words, “Those who are unaware they are walking in darkness will never seek the light.“
A testament to the power of collective endeavor, a community-driven campaign, masterfully orchestrated by Shibuya, has enabled both the content platform and Bruce Lee Entertainment to independently bring this vision to fruition.
Shibuya, renowned for its prowess in fostering collaborative efforts, garnered the distinction of being the chosen partner for this transformative project. This decision was cemented by the sheer brilliance of Shibuya’s White Rabbit anime short, co-crafted by the visionary artist Pplpleasr, known for her contributions within the web3 domain.
Shannon Lee effused her admiration, stating, “I was instantly drawn to Emily and Shibuya’s unique perspective, a fusion of remarkable creativity, relentless dedication, and unparalleled artistic talent. Their exceptional brand naturally resonated with me, and I knew instinctively that they were the perfect collaborators. The harmonious convergence of our visions underscores the tremendous potential of our partnership, and it has been an absolute delight to witness.“
The serendipitous connection between Shannon Lee and Shibuya was kindled through Dennis Chang, Managing Partner of Bruce Lee, LLC, who introduced the inspiring “White Rabbit” creation to the discerning eyes of both parties.
Emily Yang, the visionary co-founder of Shibuya, mused the profound resonance with the “House of Lee” narrative, expressing, “The saga encapsulates themes of spirituality, the profound struggle against one’s inner demons, and multifaceted aspects of the AAPI experience. As a deeply personal story, Shannon’s imperative to preserve creative control and ownership resonated profoundly with us at Shibuya. Our ethos revolves around empowering creators, and this synergy was a calling we simply couldn’t ignore.“
In the cinematic gem “Enter the Dragon,” Bruce Lee’s character, drawn into a high-stakes mission by an intelligence agency, engages in a grueling tournament set upon a remote island fortress. The captivating narrative unfolds as Lee strives to amass evidence against an international drug lord, held accountable for the heinous murder of his own sister. The film’s unforgettable climax, a battle of life and death within an intricate mirrored maze, stands as a hallmark of the cinematic legacy.
Renowned film historian Leonard Maltin will enhance the anniversary screenings with his insightful commentary, delving into the enduring legacy of “Enter the Dragon” as the pioneering kung fu masterpiece crafted by a Hollywood studio. Its meticulously choreographed fight sequences continue to reverberate through the genre, shaping its evolution to the present day.
