Actor Daniel Wu makes waves in US with 2nd season of martial arts TV series Into The Badlands
He has been making waves in the US recently, thanks to a television series, Into The Badlands.
The martial arts series has been renewed for a second season.
US actor Daniel Wu, 42, is now in Dublinfilming the second season of Into The Badlands, which revolves around his character Sunny and a young boy as they journey through a dangerous feudal land seeking enlightenment.
Wu may be a seasoned actor in Hong Kong with his martial arts background, but he still finds the gruelling expectations of the show a little hard to handle.
He told TNP over the telephone on Tuesday that filming 11 or 12 fight scenes in the 10-episode series was “physically demanding” as they were shot at a “relentless pace”.
“In the first season, we shot in New Orleans during the summer so it was very hot. The temperature felt like 42 deg C and the humidity level was at 90 per cent, something like Singapore,” he said.
“We were wearing our leather jackets and fought in it every single day. I think I shot six days a week for three months straight and the heat was unbearable.
“I think that (dealing with the weather) was one of the most demanding parts of the role. And then in Ireland, it is extremely cold.”
He has a daughter, Raven, three, with his wife, actress Lisa Selesner, and filming in Ireland, with its shorter working hours, means he can see her more often.
Finding time to spend with his family has been difficult for Wu, because he has had only one day off each week.
ASIAN ROOTS
Said Wu: “Ireland requires people to work only 10 hours a day, so at least I can get home at 6pm for family time, unlike in Hong Kong where you have to work about 17 hours.
“Luckily my wife is at home in Ireland with Raven as she isn’t working much now.”
Wu is enjoying a good run in Hollywood.
He had a meaty role in the blockbuster action flick Warcraft, and is also a voicing role in Skylanders Academy, an animated Netflix show that has been renewed for a second season next year.
Wu is also not forgotten in Asia. His latest Hong Kong film Sky On Fire opens here today.
The Ringo Lam actioner sees Wu playing a security guard protecting a drug that can extend a person’s life. The movie also stars Zhang Jingchu, Simon Yam and Leon Lai.
Said Wu: “Lam asked me to act in his film, Wild City, last year but my mother fell ill then so I couldn’t do it. I felt bad.
“I grew up watching his movies and I loved them so much. I was afraid that I wouldn’t have the chance to work with him again.”
Wu added: “Thankfully we met again and he told me that he wanted to work with me again for Sky On Fire, and I agreed straightaway.”
As for whether he would choose Hollywood over Asia, Wu said he has no preferences.
“But I must see which side has a better working environment, or whether the storyline or character I’m playing is intriguing.
“I don’t care whether the project is Asian or Hollywood. As long as I’m interested, I’ll go.”
I don’t care whether the project is Asian or Hollywood. As long as I’m interested, I’ll go.
– Actor Daniel Wu
