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Bruce Lee's Lost Film: A Cult Classic Emerges
30 Nov
Summary
- Bruce Lee's unfinished film project became "Circle of Iron".
- David Carradine played roles originally meant for Bruce Lee.
- The film evolved into an oddball cult classic due to its history.
A film project that Bruce Lee began workshopping in 1969, "The Silent Flute," eventually saw the light of day as "Circle of Iron" after his death. This project, which Lee intended as a comedy, was significantly reworked by screenwriters Stirling Silliphant and Stanley Mann.
The reworked script de-emphasized violence, leaning into a lighter, more comedic tone than Lee's initial concept. "Circle of Iron" finally filmed in 1977 and was released the following year, starring David Carradine in several roles that Bruce Lee himself was slated to play.
Despite initial perceptions of it being a lesser film, "Circle of Iron" has garnered a cult following. Its enduring appeal stems from its strange nature and its fascinating history as a final, albeit altered, creative endeavor for the iconic Bruce Lee.
