In the forthcoming Asian horror movie “Painted Skin”, Donnie Yen has to fight off a vampire-like woman who eats the skins and hearts of her lovers. Charming!

The last time we heard anything about the project, regular Donnie director Wilson Yip (SPL, Dragon Tiger Gate, Flash Point) had been replaced on the $15 million dollar picture by Gordon Chan (Thunderbolt, Fist of Legend, Beast Cops) , but other than that, not a whole lot more.

The story is about the relationship between humans and a girl from the world of spirits and was adapted from the classic Chinese legends titled “STRANGE TALES OF LIAOZHAI”, which previously inspired the 1993 Hong Kong film also titled “PAINTED SKIN”, directed by veteran King Hu and starring Adam Cheng, Sammo Hung, Lam Ching-ying, Joey Wong and Wu Ma.

Yen’s new movie has now seen three directors, two action choreographers, and other changes in the cast, including the coming, and then going, of Daniel Wu. The film is now scheduled for a September 28, 2008 Hong Kong release and stars alongside the Yenster, Zhao Wei and Zhou Xun.

More news and a full review of “PAINTED SKIN” in the next issue of Jade Screen Magazine.