A-list action star Zhang Jin announced he has founded his own studio in Beijing on Thursday and is preparing to film his directorial debut, Shou Ling Ren (The Tomb Guard), in Shanghai.

Alongside the cofounders of his company, Max World Films (Max is his English name), including his wife, Hong Kong actress Ada Choi, he also announced a lineup of films the studio will produce.

They include the sci-fi action feature Shou Ling Ren in which he'll star; Rescue Experts, directed by Hong Kong filmmaker Herman Yau Lai-To; and the online series, Xiu Luo (Hell).

The 43-year-old began to practice martial arts at age 9 and joined Sichuan's provincial team at 11. He won several national championships before entering the entertainment industry.

His first appearance was a cameo for an action film by Hong Kong director Yuen Woo-ping.

Zhang later played the lead in Hong Kong director Wong Kar-wai's award-winning classic, The Grand Master, and the SPL franchise, starring Donnie Yen.

He hopes to expand his career since becoming one of the country's most celebrated action stars.

"I've grown up as a diehard action-movie fan and have developed ideas about action films," he says.

He hopes his experience can enhance Chinese action films' influence.

Zhang also revealed he'll appear in US star Sylvester Gardenzio Stallone's Escape Plan 3: Devil's Station.