China to make 40-part Bruce Lee special

BEIJING, April 11 (UPI) -- China Central Television, the country's national broadcaster, has begun shooting a 40-part television series on the late kung fu master Bruce Lee.

"The Legend of Bruce Lee," with a $6.4 million budget, began production last weekend in Shunde, the hometown of the martial arts superstar, China's official Xinhua news agency said.

Chen Guokun, who plays Lee, said he has mixed feelings about playing the role.

"I'm nervous and also excited," Goukun said, "but I will do my best."

Lee, who made 46 martial arts films, died in 1973 at the age of 32 while starring and directing "Game of Death" in Hong Kong.

The television series is scheduled to air in 2008.