Chow Yun-fat is set to play one of the most important men in Chinese culture for a new biopic. According to Variety, Chow Yun-fat will portray the Chinese philosopher Confucious in a new untitled biopic.

The film, which has received the backing of the Chinese government, has come at a time where Confucious' teachings are gaining popularity throughout the nation. Hu Mei will direct the film.

It was noted that the film will start production later this month in the Hebei province and at Hengdian Studios. The film was aiming for a release later this year, to coinicide with the 60th anniversary of the People's Republic of China and Confucious' 2,560th birthday.