From Hong Kong Apple Daily. Thanks go to Orlando Love for the transcription of the article.

Chow Yun Fat and Johnny To have spoken of cooperating for many years, but so far it has only been talk. Now they truly are collaborating, to make the film The Red Circle, and it has been decided that Chow Yun Fat, Hollywood leading man Orlando Bloom, and star of Schindler’s List Liam Neeson will star in this film about three robbers/vagabonds/jewel thieves (take your pick) who turn Hong Kong and Macao upside down.

To’s films have been in the international spotlight during recent years, and for the last two years, many international producers have continuously tried to persuade him to direct an international film. After much consideration, To finally decided to cooperate with a French Studio to film the remake of Jean-Pierre Melville’s Le Cercle Rouge. Not only will filming be funded by international studios, but Lin Jian Yue (rich Chinese guy) and his studio are also involved. The film is estimated to cost 4 million U.S. dollars.

At first, Chow was undecided, and Orlando had to personally phone him to persuade him.

During the rewrite of the script, To not only employed American script writers, but also invited Wei Jia Hui (Chinese screenwriter?) to help. Orlando loved the script when he read it, and very quickly signed on. Chow, because of a scheduling clash, was a bit unsure about this, but while he was in Mexico filming Dragonball Z, Orlando phoned Mrs. Chow to ask her to help him persuade Chow to take part in The Red Circle, and To also helped to persuade him. Due to their sincerity, Chow finally agreed.

Yesterday, To told reporters that “filming will commence in June. Most outdoor scenes will take place in Macau. Only one-third will take place in Hong Kong. Concerning the actors, only Orlando’s participation has been confirmed. The others have not yet signed contracts. After the film passes through producers next week, the cast will be confirmed. I really hope that Chow Yun Fat can take part in this because it’s a gun-wielding movie, and his best type of movie. Also, he and Orlando have already worked together on Pirates of the Caribbean. I really hope they can work together again.”

The original Red Circle was set in France. In the remake, the setting will be changed to Hong Kong and Macau. Instead of being jewel thieves, the three main characters will now rob jewellery stores (what’s the difference?) and casinos. The three criminals will be hunted by the International Police, or InterPol, and while fleeing, the three will show their friendship and loyalty to each other. Since it is a rather masculine movie, the female character is not too important, so To does not intend to cast a very famous actress for the part.

Thanks for the news Libra.

Its great to hear that Orlando will be working with Liam Neeson and Chow Yun Fat again.

Thanks a lot, libra :D
Cannot agree to you more, Jesse... They will make a wonderfull bunch of thieves... :wub: :yahoo: :flirt:

Another update on the Red Circle

Orlando Bloom is set to play the Alain Delon's character Corey in the remake to be directed by Johnnie To.

The film is already in pre-production with Bloom learning different martial art techniques to be used in the film.

The Red Circle is set to start filming in Hong Kong this August. Chow Yun-Fat, Liam Neeson, and Alain Delon are tentative co-stars.

From Chow Yun Fat Of Hong Kong Fan Site

Earlier reportedly To Kei Fung (Johnnie To) would work with PLANET OF THE APES and THE INCREDIBLE HULK's Tim Roth. He has also been rumored to work on RED CIRCLE with Chow Yun Fat and Hollywood star Orlando Bloom. RED would also be To Kei Fung's first Hollywood film. Tim Roth expressed that he appreciated To Kei Fung as a director. To Sir honestly said that he too appreciated the actor, but only said that the collaboration would be left to the producer and the film company. To Sir said that the screenplay has taken 18 months to write because he and the producer have not received one that everyone liked. When asked whether Fat Gor would be in Tim Roth's film, he jokingly wished that they would be stir fried onto one dish with Chow Yun Fat, Tim Roth and Orlando Bloom. He honestly said that he has always wanted to work with Fat Gor. If the film would be a foreign language film that would be made in Hong Kong, he would not mind at all. Has Fat Gor agreed to make the film? To Sir pointed out that was beyond him and revealed that he would like to start production this year. He also said that the screenplay has been in negotiation for 18 months, normally he would have left after eight months. He said, "Since I have longevity, I can wait a little." Where would To Sir shoot? He said that originally he would like to go to London or Paris, but he did not like foreign food. Now he would plan to shoot in Hong Kong and Macau, ultimately his own place would be easier to control.

Thanks for this article Libra.

Had to giggle at Johnny To not wanting to shoot in London or Paris because he doesn't like the food! :giggle:

Thanks for the updates!

From Dissidenz.com
Now much news other than confirmation that Orlando is part of the film.

In Johnnie To’s extensive filmography, the majority of works are clearly mob films – in fact, he’ll soon be shooting a remake of Le Cercle Rouge (The Red Circle) starring Orlando Bloom and Alain Delon. But the Hong Kong filmmaker has proven over and over his talent for romance, science fiction, martial arts and even cartoons. Sparrow belongs to this broader tendency, which has included the charming Yesterday Once More and the lighthearted Running on Karma.