Production has commenced in Dublin and County Meath for “Kung Fu Deadly,” a supernatural action-comedy featuring social media personality Steven He in the lead role. 

The Irish-Australian co-production, backed by Screen Ireland and Screen Queensland, marks a significant move into feature films for He, who commands an audience of over 13 million YouTube subscribers.

International Cast and Production Team

According to Deadline, the film follows two pest control workers who inadvertently interfere with a Taoist hunter’s pursuit of Chinese undead, known as “Jiangshi,” forcing them to collaborate to eliminate the supernatural threat. 

The production brings together an international ensemble cast including Michael Tient, Gemma Chua-Tran, Jason Tobin, and Max Huang, with Lee Huang serving as action director.

Paddy McDonald, who produced through Spellmaker Productions, co-wrote the screenplay with Nicholas Cooper of Parc Entertainment Capital. BAFTA winner Fergal Costello is directing the project, with Essential Film Group managing worldwide sales. 

Post-production will take place at Brisbane’s Chop Shop Post, while Radioactive Pictures will handle distribution in Australia and New Zealand.

The Chinese-born, Irish social media creator He, known for his comedy sketches, represents a strategic casting choice that bridges traditional film markets with digital audience demographics.

“An artist starts from what he wants to tell, whereas a professional starts with you, what you are watching, and what interests you,” Steven explained the distinction between artists and professionals in an interview with Net Influencer last year.

Financial support comes from Screen Ireland, Coimisiún na Meán, and Screen Queensland, with executive producers Zane O’Donahoo and Chris Dirckze overseeing the project. Essential Film Group positions the film as an action comedy drawing inspiration from classic genre films.