Bruce Lee, the legendary martial arts master, is set to have his own anime series titled House of Lee. Created by Lee’s daughter, Shannon, in collaboration with Beijing-based anime studio Shockunit Studio, the action fantasy series follows Bruce Lee as he assembles a team of warriors to protect the world from descending into darkness and shadow. The premise of the anime is inspired by a famous Bruce Lee quote that emphasizes the importance of seeking the light.
The exciting news was announced by Deadline, who also revealed that a trailer for House of Lee will be shown during special 50th anniversary screenings of Bruce Lee’s iconic film Enter the Dragon. The screenings will take place in select theaters from August 13 to August 16. It’s a fitting tribute to a man who revolutionized martial arts on the big screen.
In an interview with Deadline, Shannon Lee expressed her enthusiasm for the project and her belief that anime is the perfect medium to tell Bruce Lee’s story. She mentioned her excitement about the possibilities for action, fantasy, history, culture, and creativity within the anime format. Shannon decided to partner with Shibuya, a content platform that supports artists in funding their films, after being impressed by their anime short film, White Rabbit.
House of Lee is being produced independently through support from a community campaign, with Shibuya and Bruce Lee Entertainment at the helm. Shannon Lee wanted to retain creative control and ownership of the series, which aligns with Shibuya’s mission to empower creators. Emily Yang, co-founder of Shibuya and the artist behind White Rabbit, resonated with the narrative of House of Lee, which explores themes of spirituality, battling inner demons, and aspects of the AAPI (Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders) experience. She knew that joining forces with Shannon was an opportunity they couldn’t pass up.
Bruce Lee’s impact on popular culture has been immense since his untimely passing in 1973. His influence can be seen in various fighting games and anime, where characters bear his likeness and fighting techniques. The announcement of House of Lee serves as a poetic tribute, as Bruce Lee himself inspired many beloved anime characters, like Rock Lee from Naruto. Now, fans eagerly await the release of House of Lee in 2024, hoping it captures the essence of Lee’s lightning-fast kicks and powerful spirit.
