Bruce Lee wasn’t just a movie star. He was a cinematic meteor—fast, explosive, unforgettable—and gone far too soon. When he died in 1973 at the age of 32, the world lost a legend… and the film industry saw dollar signs. What followed was one of the wildest chapters in martial arts movie history: Brucesploitation—an era where movie studios cranked out a parade of Bruce Lee look-alikes with names like Bruce Le, Bruce Li, and Dragon Lee, hoping audiences wouldn’t notice the difference.
Spoiler: Sometimes, they didn’t.
Bruce Lee: The Real Deal
Before we wade into the weird world of Bruce clones, let’s take a quick high-kick down memory lane.
Kato on Primetime
Bruce Lee first kicked open America’s doors as Kato in The Green Hornet (1966–67), stealing every scene with his blistering moves. He even crossed over into Adam West’s Batman, proving that superheroes were no match for kung fu.
Marlowe Mayhem
In Marlowe (1969), a then-unknown Lee played Winslow Wong, a karate assassin who absolutely obliterates James Garner’s office with balletic fury. One scene. Total domination.
Enter the Icon
With Enter the Dragon (1973), Lee fused philosophy, athleticism, and raw charisma into a global explosion. The movie dropped just days after his death and catapulted martial arts cinema into the mainstream. Bruce wasn’t just an action hero—he was a cultural reset for how Asian actors were portrayed in film.
Enter the Knock-Offs
Bruce’s death left fans desperate for more—and some filmmakers were more than happy to cash in. They didn’t just make movies “inspired by” Bruce Lee. No, they pretended Bruce was still alive, cranking out flicks that starred budget clones with names like Bruce Le and Bruce Lei. Posters shouted “Starring Bruce Lee!” in bold letters. Only when the lights went down did audiences realize: this wasn’t the Dragon they were looking for.
Meet the Bruce-alikes
These weren’t parodies. These were full-on impersonations designed to confuse and cash in. Here’s your rogue’s gallery:
- Bruce Le – The most prolific clone, starring in The Clones of Bruce Lee (1977) and Enter the Game of Death (1978). Often serious. Occasionally surreal.
- Dragon Lee – The wild card from South Korea. In The Dragon Lives Again (1977), Bruce’s spirit fights Dracula, Clint Eastwood, and Popeye. No, really.
- Bruce Li – Perhaps the most convincing actor of the bunch, he led Bruce Lee: A Dragon Story (1974) and Exit the Dragon, Enter the Tiger (1976).
- Bruce Lei – Known for exaggerated mannerisms and titles like Bruce Against the Iron Hand (1979).
- Bruce Lai – Another frequent flyer in the exploitation circuit, appearing in The Image of Bruce Lee (1978).
The strategy? Slap together some nunchucks, film in a backlot, and hope the audience doesn’t blink too hard.
The Must-Watch Madness
If you’re ready to enter the Brucesploitation multiverse, start here:
- The Clones of Bruce Lee (1977) – A fever dream where a shadowy agency clones Bruce Lee for covert missions. Peak nonsense. Peak entertainment.
- Game of Death II (1981) – Marketed as a true sequel, it stitched together old footage and body doubles like some sort of martial arts Frankenstein.
- The Dragon Lives Again (1977) – Bruce dies and wakes up in the afterlife… where he fights James Bond, Dracula, and Emmanuel. Cinema. Art. Chaos.
How They Fooled Audiences
These weren’t subtle. Posters screamed “BRUCE IS BACK!” and featured photos of the real Bruce… even when he wasn’t in the film at all. In the pre-internet days, moviegoers couldn’t easily fact-check—so the deception often worked. Ticket bought. Popcorn in hand. Lights down. Too late.
Why Brucesploitation Still Matters
Sure, they were cash grabs—but they also mattered. Here’s why:
- Global Reach – They brought martial arts to corners of the world that hadn’t yet seen Enter the Dragon.
- Keeping the Flame Alive – These films extended Bruce Lee’s cultural presence, even in bizarre ways.
- Cult Cinema Gold – With their absurd dubbing, weird editing, and over-the-top plots, these movies are catnip for fans of exploitation cinema.
Watch This: The Clones of Bruce Lee Documentary
Severin Films’ The Clones of Bruce Lee documentary is an essential watch for anyone fascinated by this bizarre cinematic chapter. It interviews the people who were there, showcases the wild marketing tactics, and peels back the kung fu curtain on this exploitation goldmine. It’s both loving tribute and hilarious autopsy.
Beyond the Clones: Bruce’s Enduring Power
Bruce Lee didn’t just change action movies—he changed who could be the hero. His legacy paved the way for Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Donnie Yen, and even inspired characters like Liu Kang in Mortal Kombat. While the clones cashed in, Bruce’s true impact has only grown more legendary with time.
And let’s face it—no one kicks like the real thing.
Final Thoughts: Tribute or Travesty?
Is Brucesploitation shameless? Yep.
Is it fascinating? Absolutely.
Is it worth watching? If you love weird cinema, exploitation history, or just want to see Bruce Lee fight Dracula in heaven, the answer is a flying-kick YES.
So… which Bruce will you watch first? The real one? Or one of his cinematic clones? Just don’t confuse your Le from your Li from your Lei. Things get weird fast in the Dragonverse.
