Japanese actor Ken Watanabe has controversially been selected to play the historical character of Cao Cao in John Woo's next big production War of Red Cliff.(Photo: CRIENGLISH.com) Photo Gallery >>>

    BEIJING, Dec. 26 -- The actors who will play the main characters in John Woo's next big production War of Red Cliff or Chi Bi, have recently been decided. ¡¡

    Tianjin Daily reports some of China's most highly acclaimed actors will star the 50-million-dollar film, including Chow Yun-Fat and Tony Leung from Hong Kong, and Chiling Lin from Taiwan.     

    Japanese heart throb Ken Watanabe has controversially been selected to play the historical character of Cao Cao. His appearance is expected to ensure good box office ratings in Japan. ¡¡

    The movie is based the Chinese classic Romance of Three Kingdoms.     

    The newspaper reports that a number of Chinese film enthusiasts have expressed their concern over casting a Japanese actor for the role. One commentator said it will be strange to watch a foreigner playing a historic character like Cao Cao, no matter how experienced Ken Watanabe is.     

    War of Red Cliff is slated to premiere in 2008.