Milla Jovovich reveals martial arts background at Resident Evil: Retribution footage event |

I went to an event at the 13th Street Regal Cinema today that featured Milla Jovovich, as she revealed never-before-seen footage from her upcoming sci-fi action sequel Resident Evil: Retribution, which hits theaters on September 14th, 2012. What was so interesting about the footage that was screened – other than the clip being generally badass – was that it showcased a fight between Jovovich and an attacking zombie horde, and the actress uses fighting techniques that were clearly choreographed by a martial artist. Jovovich even uses a standard link chain just like a Wushu chain whip (also known as a rope dart), right out of a Shaw Brothers movie.

Films such as Resident Evil: Retribution show how martial arts have been so successfully integrated into mainstream Hollywood movies, even if they star Western actors. Interestingly, after the footage screened and Milla Jovovich took the stage, in one of her first Q&A responses, she admits to studying martial arts for years (which was clear from the clips).

Overall, the event was lots of fun and laid back. It was the first time I had the opportunity to see Jovovich up close, and was very impressed with the dedication she showed her fans, even waiting after the Q&A had ended to take an iPhone shot at one fan’s request.

Jovovich’s husband Paul W.S. Anderson writes, produces and directs the upcoming franchise entry Resident Evil: Retribution, with a cast that includes Jovovich as Alice, Michelle Rodriguez as Rain Ocampo, Sienna Guillory as Jill Valentine, Kevin Durand as Barry Burton, Oded Fehr as Carlos Oliveira, Boris Kodjoe as Luther West, Bingbing Li as Ada Wong, Johann Urb as Leon Kennedy, Shawn Roberts as Albert Wesker, Colin Salmon as James One Shade, Chris Sullins and Mika Nakashima.

Check out some shots from today’s event below, along with video of Jovovich talking about the use of martial arts in the film, and the brand new trailer that was also screened during the event.

CLICK HERE to see more photos from the Resident Evil: Retribution event at Regal Cinema in New York City.