Taiwan actor Eddie Peng stars a rebellious warrior in the upcoming action film Call of Heroes. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Taiwan actor Eddie Peng regards his new role in the upcoming action thriller Call of Heroes as a salute to the late American star Marlon Brando.

Followed by 21 million fans on Sina Weibo, China's answer to Twitter, the 34-year-old actor is hailed as a heartthrob by many female fans.

But in Call of Heroes, he stars as a rebellious warrior with a thick beard and a long scar on his face, sparking complaints about looking "ugly" from some of his fans.

But the handsome actor seems to cherish his new role, and describes it as "a coincidence to have a similar look" as his idol Brando in an old American movie.

"I take it as a salute to Brando and hope I could one day perform as well as the Hollywood legend," Peng says.

Taiwan rocker A-Shin has tailored two theme songs, respectively titled Steal Heart and Call of Heroes, for the $32-million title.

The celebrity-studded movie, directed by the award-winning Benny Chan, will open in Chinese theaters on Aug 12.

Set in 1914 following the collapse of China's last feudal dynasty, the tale follows a group of people set against a cruel young warlord in the turbulent era.

In addition to Peng, the cast also includes A-list actors Louis Koo and Sean Lau, and actresses Yuan Quan and Jiang Shuying.