Taiwan star Chou inks for Zhang pic

Pic inspired by modern Chinese stageplay 'Thunderstorm'

By CLIFFORD COONAN

BEIJING -- Taiwanese pop and acting superstar Jay Chou has joined Chow Yun-fat and Gong Li in the cast of "The City of Golden Armor," (aka "Autumn Remembrance") being prepped by Zhang Yimou.

The $45 million pic is being produced by Bill Kong's Edko Films and Zhang Weiping of Beijing New Picture Company.

Set in the Tang dynasty, film is inspired by the modern Chinese stageplay "Thunderstorm," by Cao Yu and features a power struggle between the emperor, the empress, and a general.