Principal photography has commenced for the historical action epic 'The Sword: A Legend of the Red Wolf,' a large-scale production centered on sword combat within the Goguryeo era. The film, helmed by director Kim Han-min, boasts a cast including popular actors Park Bo-gum and Joo Won. The project officially began filming on March 3, signaling the start of a significant undertaking blending historical narrative with intense action sequences.
Park Bo-gum takes on the role of Chil Seong, a warrior grappling with memory loss. His character is thrust into a brutal struggle for a legendary sword, a potent symbol of power during Goguryeo's history. Joo Won portrays Gyepil Haryeok (also referred to as Qibi Heli), a formidable warrior representing the Göktürks, who emerges as Chil Seong's rival. The narrative unfolds in the aftermath of Goguryeo's fall, detailing Chil Seong's journey from a slave gladiator to a central figure in a power struggle among five factions vying for the titular sword.
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Key Cast and Characters
The ensemble cast further includes Jung Jae Young as Heuk Su Gang, leader of the Goguryeo restoration army, known as the Damul Army. Lee Sun Bin plays Maya, a determined member of the restoration group, and BIBI (Kim Hyeong-seo) portrays In Jeong, Heuk Su Gang's daughter. The production also features Lee Soon Won as Jeok Geol (or Jeok In-geol), a strategist overseeing a gladiator tournament.
Several international actors are also part of the project: Vietnamese star Trấn Thành appears as Xue Rengui, chief of the Tang Dynasty's Andong Protectorate, and Kim Jae Chul plays Yayul, a Khitan strategist. Choi Gwi Hwa is cast as Khitan Chieftain Dae Ha Jin Chung, and Park Myung Hoon portrays Pung Sa, a former gatekeeper of Liaodong Fortress.
Production and Director's Vision
This film marks a potential reunion between director Kim Han-min and Park Bo-gum, who previously collaborated on 'The Admiral: Roaring Currents' in 2014, where Park Bo-gum held a supporting role. Kim Han-min is recognized for directing the box-office success 'War of the Arrows,' and 'The Sword: A Legend of the Red Wolf' is described as another grand-scale period action project.
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While reports have indicated the integration of "artificial intelligence technologies" from the R&D stage to enhance the depiction of "dynamic gladiatorial sword action," further details regarding this aspect remain sparse. The production is anticipated to capture clashes between distinct tribes, each with unique martial arts and tactical approaches.
Background
'The Sword: A Legend of the Red Wolf' is set two years after the fall of Pyongyang Castle in Goguryeo. The central plot revolves around a warrior who, having lost his memory, finds himself embroiled in a fierce competition for a legendary artifact. Park Bo-gum is currently engaged with multiple projects, including the Netflix series 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' and the upcoming JTBC drama 'Good Boy,' slated for a May release.