Jackie Chan will captivate the hearts of his fans anew in his new blockbuster film "Dragon Blade," China's latest period action epic, claimed to be one of the most expensive Chinese financed films ever produced.

Chan revealed that Hollywood actor Adrien Brody, best known for his performance in the 2002 film "The Pianist," has joined the cast of Dragon Blade, at a media conference held during the recent Shanghai International Film Festival.

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Chan plays the role of commander of the Protection Squad of the Western Regions during the Han Dynasty. Brody plays Tiberius, an ambitious Roman general who is willing to kill to succeed.

Directed by Hong Kong filmmaker Daniel Lee, "Dragon Blade" also stars Hollywood actor John Cusack, who plays the Roman general Lucius in the movie.

"Dragon Blade" is based on the mysterious history behind the City of Liqian in the northern province of Gansu, and its connection with Roman legionaries.  

Theories claim that inhabitants of Liqian may be Roman descendants, and the setting of "Dragon Blade" is inspired by this discovery.

Set in 48 BC, the film is shot in Dunhuang and the Gobi Desert, which serve as a dramatic natural backdrop as the plot revolves around Huo An (Chan), a Chinese commander tasked to protect China's Western borders during the Han dynasty.

"Dragon Blade" also stars K-pop boy band Super Junior's Choi Si-won,  Chinese actresses Lin Peng and Wang Ruoxin.

The film has a starting budget of US$65 million, reportedly the most expensive Chinese-financed film ever made.

The fund is reportedly funded by some of the biggest players in the Chinese entertainment sector which include the China Film Foundation; Cultural Assets Supervision and Administration Office of the People's Government of Beijing Municipality; CITIC Asset Management Corporation; Sparkle Roll Group; and Beijing All Media and Culture Group.

Chan's latest movie is also backed by Sparkle Roll Cultural Media; Huayi Brothers Media Corporation; Shanghai Film Group and new film investment group Beijing Cultural Assets Chinese Film & Television Fund.

"Dragon Blade" is set to be released in 3D IMAX in China, and in international markets on Feb. 19, 2015, the date of next year's Chinese New Year.

TagsDragon Blade, most, expensive, movie, Adrien Brody