The Unmade Third “Shanghai Noon” Movie: Insights from Screenwriter Alfred Gough
Introduction to the Series
The original “Shanghai Noon,” released in 2000, was an action-packed Western featuring Jackie Chan as a Chinese Imperial Guard joining forces with Owen Wilson’s outlaw to rescue a kidnapped princess. Its success led to a sequel, “Shanghai Knights,” in 2003, which saw the duo embark on a quest to recover a priceless artifact. Despite the announcement of a third installment in 2015, little information has surfaced since then.
Development and Downfall of “Shanghai Noon 3”
Alfred Gough, widely recognized now for his work with Tim Burton on “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” and “Wednesday,” reminisced about his collaboration with Miles Millar on “Shanghai Noon” during a conversation with Collider. Gough revealed that the third movie had reached the script stage and had partial involvement from both Chan and Wilson before it ultimately fizzled out. He shared:
“We came very close. COVID always makes my timeline wonky. I think it was like 2017, 2018, we had a script, and Jackie [Chan] and Owen [Wilson] had verbally kind of committed. Then, at a certain point, Jackie just decided he didn’t want to do it. That’s all I really know. There was a moment probably six or seven years ago where it looked like it was starting to come together. We weren’t writing it; we were working with some younger writers, but we helped break the story, and they were writing it. So, that’s where we are.”
In the envisioned script, Chon Wang (played by Chan) had established himself in early Hollywood’s silent movie era, having once again parted ways with Roy O’Bannon (Wilson). The plot took a turn when O’Bannon got involved with Mexican revolutionaries, prompting Wang to come to his aid. Gough added:
“I think the story was the Jackie character was now working in silent movies — it was kind of the Tom Mix era. That’s where they had gotten to. Then Owen was down in Mexico, and I think it was something about him being with revolutionaries, and Jackie had to go save him. I honestly don’t remember, but I do remember it was that kind of era, the early silent movie era of Hollywood, which we thought was a lot of fun.”
Implications of Gough’s Revelations
The Likelihood of “Shanghai Noon 3”
Despite the less enthusiastic reception of the second movie compared to the original, the series has generally received positive feedback. The dynamic between Chan and Wilson, praised for both its action and chemistry, was a significant factor in winning over critics and audiences alike. Financially, both movies were considered successes, making a third installment appear to be a viable option.
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In addition, back in 2016, the movie had secured a director, Napoleon Dynamite’s Jared Hess, and Fann Wong was expected to return as Chon Lin from “Shanghai Knights.” However, Gough’s recent comments suggest that “Shanghai Noon 3” is unlikely to happen. Chan reportedly withdrawing from the project indicates that the stall was not due to studio interference but rather the absence of a vital creative influence. Without Chan’s commitment, the continuation of the third movie seems improbable.
Reflecting on the Cancellation of “Shanghai Noon 3”
Creative Differences as a Possible Cause
Gough’s description of the third movie’s plot is reminiscent of the formula that connected the original to its sequel. “Shanghai Knights” concluded with Wang and Roy returning to America, immersing themselves in the burgeoning motion picture industry, accompanied by a young Charlie Chaplin (Aaron Taylor-Johnson). The proposed plot for the third movie seamlessly extended from the sequel, with Chan’s prowess as an action star promising to elevate any silent movie-inspired scenes.
However, the storyline involving revolutionaries might have been the tipping point for the project’s collapse. Gough’s account contradicts Chan’s earlier aspirations for a third movie. In 2016, Chan expressed a desire for the sequel to be set in China, emphasizing its culture more than the previous films. Despite the positive rapport between the cast and crew, the third installment might have been a casualty of creative differences.
Source: Collider
Shanghai Noon
- Action
- Adventure
- Comedy
Shanghai Noon is a 2000 action comedy film directed by Tom Dey. The story follows Chon Wang (Jackie Chan), an imperial guard from China who travels to the American Old West to rescue a kidnapped princess. Along the way, he partners with an outlaw named Roy O'Bannon (Owen Wilson) amidst cultural clashes and adventure. The film is noted for its blend of martial arts action and western motifs.
