Steven He stars in ‘Kung Fu Deadly’ premiere at Fantastic Fest

The film ‘Kung Fu Deadly’, directed by Fergal Costello, held its world premiere at the 21st Fantastic Fest. The movie features Steven He, known for his social media presence, in his feature film debut as Danny, a man running a pest control business alongside his friend Frank.

The plot serves as a modern retelling of classic Hong Kong horror tropes, specifically the Jiangshi or ‘hopping vampire’ legend. The story follows Danny and Frank as they become entangled in a conflict involving a power-hungry gangster, a reawakened Jiangshi seeking to reunite with its queen, and a guardian attempting to prevent a global crisis.

Reviews highlight the chemistry between the leads and the film’s blend of practical effects, CGI, and martial arts action. While some critiques noted issues with character motivation in the writing, the film is noted for its successful use of genre elements and the presence of action director Lee Huang.