Before ‘Kill Bill,’ Carradine’s ‘Kung Fu’ Flipped the Western on Its Head

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Prior to his portrayal of a fierce samurai in “Kill Bill: Volume 2”, David Carradine was previously depicted as a quiet monk walking without shoes across the frontier in “Kung Fu”. Debuting in 1972, “Kung Fu” differed significantly from the typical cowboy stories of primetime television. Rather than a gun-slinging hero, the audience found themselves following a spiritual traveler who relied more on his mental prowess than physical combat.

The series lasted just three seasons, primarily due to its unique approach to the genre that didn’t resonate well with American viewers. However, it managed to build a decent fanbase, captivating both aficionados of the genre and those drawn by its contentious backstory, notably the perceived overlooked role of martial arts legend Bruce Lee in the series. Regardless, for viewers who appreciate shows that push genre boundaries, Kung Fu is a must-see.

What is Kung Fu’s Story & What Made it So Special?

Kung Fu’s First Episode Premiered on October 14, 1972

The television series titled “Kung Fu” portrays the adventures of Kwai Chang Caine, a character played by David Carradine, who is half-Chinese and half-American and trained in Shaolin martial arts. Following the murder of his master by an arrogant emperor, Caine flees China and embarks on a journey to America to find his brother. During this trek, he encounters various circumstances that challenge both his martial arts abilities and philosophical beliefs, as he endeavors to maintain justice in a chaotic frontier landscape.

Cast of Kung Fu
Actor Role
David Carradine Kwai-Chang Caine
Radames Pera Young Peter Caine
Keye Luke Master Po
Keith Carradine Middle Caine
Philip Ahn Master Kan

Each installment showcases Caine encountering diverse individuals and predicaments, frequently entailing brutality or inequalities, which he settles using his martial arts expertise and Buddhist insights. His path takes him across various social groups, such as bandits, law enforcement, and those seeking aid, as he traverses the harsh and unyielding terrain of 19th-century America.

Kung Fu was a Different Western For its Time

Kung Fu’s Final Episode Aired on April 26, 1975

In 1972, Kung Fu stood out from the usual Western hero-centric TV shows. Instead of the typical characters, it presented Kwai Chang Caine, a unique protagonist who was a Shaolin monk. Unlike other heroes armed with guns, Caine relied on martial arts skills and Buddhist teachings. The series also deviated from the traditional violence of the Old West by focusing on spiritual and physical martial arts instead.

Instead of portraying gunfights, fights, and chaos as the means to achieve justice in conventional Westerns, Kung Fu presented a captivating contrast by emphasizing inner tranquility, self-control, and profound contemplation. Despite its brief airtime, Kung Fu garnered impressive ratings. However, it was unfortunately cut short when Carradine left the series due to numerous injuries sustained on set and the demanding nature of the role. If he had remained, the series likely would have continued given its high viewership.

Indeed, if we consider today’s entertainment landscape, Kung Fu may not seem particularly revolutionary, as its blend of Eastern and Western elements has been revisited in numerous films and series since its release. Shows like The Mandalorian, Westworld, and even The Last Samurai have continued to explore the integration of martial arts or philosophical depth into traditionally action-packed genres, demonstrating that this concept is no longer novel. In 1972, Westerns such as Bonanza and Rawhide held sway over the genre, typically showcasing traditional heroes who upheld law and order through their quick-draw skills in unruly regions.

Kung Fu has a Controversial Origin Story

Warner Bros. V. Bruce Lee

There’s a lot of debate about who actually created Kung Fu, with many uncertainties surrounding its origins, especially regarding Bruce Lee’s role. According to Linda Lee Cadwell, Bruce Lee’s widow, in her memoirs, she asserted that Bruce Lee was the mastermind behind the idea for the series. She alleged that Warner Bros. utilized his ideas and transformed them into the Kung Fu series, yet failed to acknowledge the significant contribution he made.

As Linda explains, Lee had been pondering the concept of a Shaolin monk wandering through the American Old West significantly prior to when the show Kung Fu premiered on TV. In her words, “Bruce was developing the idea of a Shaolin priest, an expert in kung fu, who would traverse America and encounter numerous adventures.” This concept was then proposed to Warner Bros., who incorporated many of Lee’s ideas when creating Kung Fu, but opted not to give him the leading role.

In a 1971 interview on The Pierre Berton Show (later renamed Bruce Lee: The Lost Interview), Bruce Lee discussed his planned martial arts series, The Warrior. This series bore several resemblances to Kung Fu. During the interview, Lee revealed his idea for a show featuring a martial artist in the Old West, which was remarkably similar to Kung Fu’s concept.

Lee openly shared his disappointment over the challenges faced in launching the series, notably with Warner Bros. and Paramount. These production companies seemed hesitant to back a Chinese actor as the main character in an American TV show, expressing doubts about the audience’s readiness for a non-American lead. Lee understood the industry’s reservations and acknowledged that the acceptance of a Chinese hero was a significant barrier for studios. Reminiscing on the situation, he stated:

They believe that financially, it could be a risky move. I can understand their apprehensions. If roles were reversed, and a prominent American figure were to visit Hong Kong instead, and I were the one with the resources, I too would have reservations about the level of welcome they might receive.

1969 saw a shift in the narrative origins of the series when Ed Spielman, its character creator, penned a show idea. Originally, the story revolved around a samurai mastering kung fu in China. However, Spielman and his partner Howard Friedlander transformed this Eastern concept into a Western setting that caught the eye of Warner Bros. executive Fred Weintraub. Impressed by the fusion of East and West, he recognized its promising potential.

Although Lee initially participated in the project, Warner Bros. ultimately opted for Carradine, a more recognizable figure, to lead the series. The choice of casting a non-Asian actor and neglecting to credit Bruce Lee’s influence would spark debates for decades afterward. Despite its initial challenges and the ongoing debate about its origins, Kung Fu has become a significant milestone in TV history. Though it was perhaps too progressive for 70s audiences, its enduring effect on both television and film—particularly its blend of Eastern wisdom and Western narrative—has outlived its three-season span. Consequently, it continues to be an important watch for viewers who appreciate TV that pushes boundaries.

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2025-04-28 04:53