Actress Zhao Wei [Photo: sohu.com]

Chinese mainland actress Zhao Wei and actor Zhang Fengyi have both been confirmed to star in Hong Kong director John Woo's movie "Battle of the Red Cliff".
 
Zhao Wei will play Sun Shangxiang, the little sister of Sun Quan, the emperor of the Wu Kingdom. Despite only playing the role of a supporting actor, Zhao Wei says hers is an interesting character, offering her great space to develop her performance.
 
Chinese mainland actor Zhang Fengyi has replaced Japanese heart throb Ken Watanabe to play the historical character of Cao Cao in the hit.

John Woo has assembled all-star cast for the big production as early as in last year. The 50-million-dollar film will star some of China's most highly acclaimed actors, including Chow Yun-Fat and Tony Leung from Hong Kong, as well as Chiling Lin from Taiwan.

The movie will begin shooting next month in Hebei and is set to premiere in Olympic year, 2008.