Best fight ever in a movie: 'They Live.' I want to do a martial arts version of that, where you think it's ended, and it just keeps on going. I love that fight. It was funny as well. Unexpected.

In this quote, Scott Adkins expresses his admiration for the famous fight scene in the movie They Live, highlighting it as the "best fight ever" due to its length, intensity, and unexpected comedic elements. The fight, which is between the characters played by Roddy Piper and Keith David, is renowned for its realism, with both characters getting exhausted and the fight continuing despite multiple attempts to end it. Adkins sees this as a model for a martial arts version of a fight scene, where the action feels never-ending, creating a sense of suspense and surprise for the audience.

Adkins appreciates how the fight in They Live is not just physically engaging but also has an element of humor. The absurdity of the situation—where two characters refuse to back down and keep fighting even when it seems over—adds a layer of unexpected comedy. This aspect of the scene stands out because it defies the typical expectations of how a fight scene should play out, with the constant continuation making the audience both amused and impressed by the endurance of the characters involved.

By mentioning that he wants to create a martial arts version of this fight, Adkins suggests that he would like to take the concept of an endlessly escalating fight and incorporate the skill and precision of martial arts. The focus on continuity in the fight would keep the audience engaged and add a new level of intensity, similar to how They Live combined realistic physicality with unexpected humor.

Ultimately, Adkins’ quote reflects his appreciation for creativity in fight choreography and his desire to push the boundaries of what a fight scene can represent. He admires how the fight in They Live isn’t just about combat—it’s about creating a moment that surprises the audience, blending action with humor and endurance, making it stand out as a memorable cinematic experience.