Lionsgate is taking their lucrativeStep Up franchiseoverseas, with a new Chinese sequelStep Up 6. This new movie will bring in an all new Chinese cast, although no cast members have been announced at this time. Production is already set to begin December 9, with filming taking place in both Beijing, China and Los Angeles. This new sequel will add another twist to the franchise as well, incorporating martial arts into the story. Lionsgate has also released the first poster, which you can check out below.
Deadlinebroke the news about thisdance sequel, which “celebrates the underdog, bringing characters from different worlds together through dance.” No details were given about how martial arts will fit into the story, but the film will be directed byRon Yuan, a longtime stuntman, actor and fight choreographer. Here’s what Lionsgate Motion Picture Group ChairmanPatrick Wachsbergerand Motion Picture Group Co-PresidentErik Feigsaid in a joint statement.
“The Step Up franchise is celebrating its 10th anniversary stronger than ever. We’re proud to partner with Infinity and Yue Hua Entertainment on the next exciting chapter of adance phenomenonthat continues to grow in popularity around the world.”
Dede Nickerson(Kill Bill,Shaolin Soccer) is producing alongsideDu Hua, an influencer who has deep ties to talent in the Chinese film, music and dance communities.Li Weiwrote the screenplay, with Lionsgate planning to release the film at some point next year in Greater China. It remains to be seen if the studio will give this dance sequel adomestic release date. Here’s whatDede Nickersonhad to say in a brief statement.
“We are excited to be a partner in this celebrated franchise and believeStep Up 6will wow the Chinese audience.”
The franchise kicked off with 2006’sStep Up, starringChanning TatumandJenna Dewan, who went onto get married in 2009. The 2008 sequelStep Up 2 The Streetsfollowed, along with 2010’sStep Up 3D, 2012’sStep Up: Revolutionand 2014’sStep Up All In, which brought together stars from various sequels such asRyan Guzman,Briana Evigan,Adam Sevani,Stephen Bossand more. Since it seems this sequel will have an all-Chinese cast, it may be the last we’ve seen of the characters that have been established thus far, but that hasn’t been confirmed.
TheStep Upmovies were never box office juggernauts, but they usually performed much better overseas than they did in the United States. 2010’sStep Up 3Dearned an impressive $20 million in Asian territories, withStep Up Revolutiongrossing $30 million in the same regions. Lionsgate is also teaming with YouTube Red for a drama TV series based on the franchise, and a television series and a live stage event for the Motiongate theme park, opening next year from Dubai Parks & Resorts. Take a look at the first poster forStep Up 6below. With production starting in just a few weeks, there should be casting news arriving soon, so stay tuned.
