An adaptation of Richard H. Dillon’s 2012 novel, Hatchet Men: The Story of the Tong Wars, is in the works. Will Yun Lee (Four Assassins, Wolverine) will headline the film, which will be based on screenplay by Michael Thomas (Backbeat) and Morgan Duncan (Parfum Fatale).

According to Deadline, Hatchet Men will follow the conflicts between rival gangs in San Francisco’s Chinatown in 1890s. The story will center on Little Pete (Lee), the prominent leader of the Som Yop Tong gang, who built a criminal empire.

In addition to hatchet-wielding gangsters, we can also expect some martial arts action: “Finding a world where you can bring the kinetic energy of The Raid and the texture of Boardwalk Empire is an exciting project to be a part of,” Lee told Deadline.

Lee is also working on Ron Yuan’s Unspoken: Diary of an Assassin, an action/thriller that also stars Zoë Bell (Death Proof) and Brian Tee (No Tears for the Dead).

We’ll keep you updated on this project as we learn more. Until then, here’s a look at what Lee is capable of in 2012’s Four Assassins: