Daniel Wu Cast as Lead in 'Badlands'

Daniel Wu

AMC has cast Hong Kong film star Daniel Wu as the lead of the network's martial arts drama Badlands (working title). Wu also serves as an executive producer on the series.

Badlands is a genre-bending martial arts series very loosely based on the classic Chinese tale "Journey to the West." In a land controlled by feudal barons, Badlands tells the story of a ruthless, well-trained warrior named Sunny (Wu) and a young boy who embark on a journey across a dangerous land to find enlightenment.

"After working together with such a talented team of executive producers, writers and executives at AMC, I am excited for the opportunity to bring this character to life?," said Wu.

David Dobkin Will Direct 'Badlands' For AMC

David Dobkin has signed on to be the series director and executive producer of Badlands.

Acclaimed director David Dobkin (The Judge, Wedding Crashers, The Change-Up, Shanghai Knights) had joined the AMC martial arts drama Badlands (working title) as series director and an executive producer.

Emily Beecham (28 Weeks Later, The Village), Sarah Bolger (The Tudors, In America) and Oliver Stark (The Adventurer: The Curse of the Midas Box, My Hero) have joined the cast as series regulars.

AMC Announces Straight-to-Series Order for 'Badlands'

AMC today announced a straight-to-series order for the martial arts drama "Badlands" (working title). "Badlands" joins "The Walking Dead" and the "Breaking Bad" prequel "Better Call Saul" as AMC's only straight-to-series orders.

"Badlands" is a genre-bending martial arts series very loosely based on the classic Chinese tale "Journey to the West." In a land controlled by feudal barons, "Badlands" tells the story of a great warrior and a young boy who embark on a journey across a dangerous land to find enlightenment.