As of late, there has been some news in the world of Asian action cinema, including U.S. releases of new films from Well Go USA. However, we are starting with news of thoughts and prayers for an action icon.

Ong-Bak star Tony Jaa (above) has been diagnosed with gallbladder cancer. According to a close source, Jaa had been diagnosed with stage 3 and it may have been upgraded to stage 4. The Thai-born action star, along with his late mentor Panna Rittikrai redefined the action film with the 2003 film where he showcased his skills with no CGI, no wires, just pure skill. At this time, please keep Jaa in your thoughts and prayers as the fandom hopes he will overcome the disease. (Thairath Entertainment)

On the other hand, Well Go USA has been on a roll as they announced release dates for Blades of the Guardians, the new Yuen Woo-Ping-directed wuxia film starring Jet Li and Nicholas Tse (February 17, Chinese New Year); and Panda Plan 2: The Magical Tribe; starring Jackie Chan (March 13)

Well Go USA also announced a Digital release date for March 31 for Takashi Miike‘s MMA drama Blue Fight, which is getting the new title of Blazing Fists under their HI-YAH label!