Kung Fury: The Movie – A Dream Deferred?

The concept is mind-boggling. Imagine a cinematic concoction so utterly bonkers, so unapologetically over-the-top, that it features Arnold Schwarzenegger riding a dinosaur, colossal mechs clashing in titanic battles, time travel shenanigans, David Hasselhoff as a sentient, talking Lamborghini, Michael Fassbender sporting a mullet, and an all-out war against none other than Adolf Hitler himself. This isn’t a fever dream; it’s the premise of Kung Fury: The Movie.

The more difficult concept to grasp? The fact that this cinematic masterpiece (potential or otherwise) remains unreleased, trapped in a legal quagmire for five agonizing years.

Kung Fury: The Movie, also known as Kung Fury 2, is the feature-length evolution of David Sandberg’s cult classic 2015 short film. The original, a loving and hilariously absurd homage to 1980s sci-fi action cinema, found viral fame on YouTube, captivating audiences with its low-budget charm and unrestrained creativity. Sandberg, the writer, director, and star of the short, successfully captured the essence of the era – the neon-drenched aesthetic, the cheesy dialogue, the ludicrous plot twists – and amplified it to an almost unbearable degree.

Riding the wave of the short film’s success, Sandberg embarked on the ambitious journey of crafting a feature-length sequel. He enlisted the comedic talents of Jorma Taccone and brought back David Hasselhoff, a figure synonymous with the 80s. But the ante was upped significantly. The sequel boasted an impressive cast, including action icon Arnold Schwarzenegger, the versatile Michael Fassbender, and the rising star Alexandra Shipp. This was not just an expansion of the original; it was a full-blown cinematic assault on the senses.

However, the road to cinematic glory has been paved with legal woes. A protracted legal battle over the film’s visual effects has kept Kung Fury: The Movie locked away, a prisoner of legal red tape. The film’s release, once a highly anticipated event, has been indefinitely delayed, leaving fans in a state of perpetual anticipation and frustration.

Adding fuel to the fire, a leaked 10-minute promo for the film surfaced online. The promo, a glimpse behind the curtain, offered a tantalizing taste of the madness that awaits. Variety confirmed the clip’s authenticity with Sandberg himself, who expressed mixed feelings about the leak.

"This was an internal promo video that was never supposed to be seen by the public," Sandberg stated. "I feel bad because it contains a bunch of plot points and temp VFX. I hope at least people can see the passion that we poured into the movie, the world deserves to see it as it was meant to be seen. This movie has been held hostage for the past five years but I promise to keep fighting for it and make sure this film gets the chance it truly deserves."

The leaked clip is, to put it mildly, insane. It delivers on the promise of its premise, showcasing Schwarzenegger astride a dinosaur, Fassbender using gunfire to type on a typewriter, and a plethora of other bizarre and captivating visuals. The clip also hints at major narrative developments, including character deaths and plot twists, which likely contributed to Sandberg’s conflicted feelings about its unauthorized release.

The leak, despite its potential downsides, may inadvertently serve as a catalyst for the film’s eventual release. The overwhelming response to the promo has been overwhelmingly positive, with viewers expressing a renewed desire to see the full movie. It’s the kind of reaction that evokes memories of the Deadpool situation, where leaked test footage generated so much buzz that the studio was compelled to greenlight the project.

The 10-minute clip is irresistible. It’s a concentrated dose of pure, unadulterated cinematic absurdity that leaves you craving more. It showcases the film’s unique blend of action, comedy, and self-aware satire, confirming its potential to be a truly special and memorable cinematic experience.

Perhaps the increased awareness generated by the leak will provide the necessary leverage to resolve the legal issues and finally bring Kung Fury: The Movie to the masses. Maybe, just maybe, the public outcry will force the involved parties to find a solution and allow Sandberg’s vision to be realized.

The fate of Kung Fury: The Movie remains uncertain. It’s a film that has captured the imagination of audiences worldwide, a film that promises to be unlike anything else ever seen. It’s a film that deserves to be released, not just for the fans who have been eagerly awaiting it, but for the filmmakers who poured their heart and soul into its creation.

Until then, we can only hope and wait, clinging to the leaked promo and the original short film as a reminder of what could be. The short film serves as a testament to Sandberg’s talent and vision, a proof of concept that demonstrates the potential of the Kung Fury universe. It’s a reminder that even with limited resources, creativity and passion can triumph, and that sometimes, the most outlandish ideas can be the most captivating. The dream of seeing Kung Fury: The Movie on the big screen is still alive, fueled by the unwavering support of its fans and the determination of its creator. The fight continues.