The iconic Japanese manga that immortalized the Toyota AE86 and thrilled enthusiasts worldwide, "Initial D," is blazing a trail onto the silver screen. Steering this high-octane venture is none other than Sung Kang, renowned for his role as Han Lue in the "Fast and Furious" franchise. The live-action adaptation of Shuichi Shigeno's beloved manga "Initial D" is officially in the works, and Kang confirmed this exciting news in an exclusive interview with Hong Kong's "South China Morning Post." This transition, from the world of high-octane blockbusters to independent cinema, offers a unique perspective on Kang's cinematic journey, as he helms projects that differ in both scale and budget

"Initial D" originally graced the pages of "Weekly Young Magazine" from 1995 to 2013, chronicling the lives of young street racers, with the central character, Takumi Fujiwara, racing his father's iconic AE86 Sprinter Trueno, affectionately known as Hachiroku. The story encapsulates the spirit of youth, and it previously made its way to the small screen as an anime series in 1998.

In his interview, Kang shared his enthusiasm for the project: "It's packed with thrilling elements like high-speed cars and intense drifting. It's going to be a movie in the spirit of 'Rocky' or 'The Karate Kid.' This is a high-budget production, and it's my way of expressing my deep passion for cars."

Sung Kang is known for his genuine love for automobiles, and this project seems tailor-made for his unique set of skills. While details about the film's production company and release date remain undisclosed, Kang's involvement as both a director and an actor promises an action-packed and heartfelt rendition of the classic tale.

Sung Kang stepped into the director's chair in 2012 with the miniseries "Acting for Action with Sung Kang." Last year, he ventured into the realm of horror with "Shaky Shivers." Kang's journey into filmmaking is undoubtedly an exciting one, and his dedication to both directing and acting bodes well for the "Initial D" adaptation.

As fans eagerly await further developments, one thing is clear: Sung Kang is ready to shift gears and steer the "Initial D" adaptation to new heights.