The Weinstein Company has revealed some new details about two projects its producing with its $285 million Asian Film Fund says Variety.

"Shanghai" will be directed by Mikael Hafstrom ("1408," "Derailed") from a script by Hossein Amini ("The Wings of the Dove"). The story, set in 1941 China, will star John Cusack, Gong Li and Ken Watanabe.

Shooting will begin May 5th in London, then move to Thailand and possibly China for release on Christmas Day.

"Seven Samurai" will start shooting late in the year for release in 2009. The cast will feature American, European and Asian stars, and a director is in advanced talks.

The fund also developed the Jet Li-Jackie Chan starrer "The Forbidden Kingdom" opening this week.