Donnie Yen on feud with Vincent Zhao on set

The drama surrounding martial arts star Donnie Yen's latest action film Special ID continues.

Last year, actor Vincent Zhao pulled out during filming. Zhao, 41, claimed that Yen was demanding and difficult to work with and changed the script without seeking his approval, leading to many of his scenes being removed. Special ID is showing here.

Yen, 50, did not comment on the issue until recently in Guangzhou, where he was promoting the cop film.

1 CAN YOU TALK ABOUT THE FEUD BETWEEN YOU AND VINCENT ZHAO ON SET?

As a producer, I approached him to film the movie, but the company wasn't agreeable because the management found him to be very difficult to work with.

Even after he left the movie, I went to beg him personally and tried to ask him to stay, but to no avail. I can't believe so much drama ensued after that. It's such a huge insult to me.

2 HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT ZHAO CALLING YOU A "SCENE HOG"?

I was sick and injured while filming this movie and only slept three hours a day. I didn't even get to see my family members for a few months. If he calls me a "scene hog" because of that, I admit it. However, if he is simply playing the victim and calling me that to gain sympathy votes, I do not agree with him.

3 WILL YOU STILL WORK WITH ZHAO?

I've never stood out to reprimand Vincent because I don't want the incident to snowball. What is most disappointing is that this issue has led to so many unnecessary rumours and dilemmas. I don't think we will work together again and I feel that he owes everyone involved an apology.

4 WILL YOU FORGIVE HIM IF HE APOLOGISES TO YOU?

It shouldn't be only an apology to me but an apology to many innocent people who were involved, such as our friends and wives. Shooting a film is a group collaboration. I have made movies for 31 years. I have never seen something like this happen.

jocelee@sph.com.sg

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