Summary
Donnie Yenis one of the most exciting action stars working today, and viewers can look forward to several of his upcoming movies. As a major figure in Hong Kong action films and Hollywood productions, Yen has built up a reputation as one of the most acclaimed martial artists currently on the scene, as he’s starred in countless action films opposite stars like Jet Li, Sammo Hung, and Jackie Chan. With his incredible screen presence and the real fighting skills to back up his performances, seeing Yen’s name on a cast list is often enough reason to check out a new movie.
Yen’s upcoming works include an acting action thriller based on true events,a spin-off focusing on hisJohn Wickcharacter Caine, and even an unexpected fifth installment in theIp Manfranchise. While the release dates of some of Yen’s announced movies are uncertain, audiences can still look forward to seeing him tackle video game adaptations and even a sequel to his beloved classicFlash Point. There’sa lot to look forward to when it comes to upcoming Yen action movies.
5The Prosecutor (2024)
Donnie Yen as TBC
The Prosecutoris an upcoming action movie starring Donnie Yen that is set for a worldwide release in 2024 (viaScreen Daily.) A first look atThe Prosecutorwas revealed at the Cannes market, where it was revealed that this action crime thriller is based on a true Hong Kong story. Yen stars as a dedicated prosecutor who risks his life and career to set free a wrongfully charged man and bring the real culprit to justice.
While details onThe Prosecutorhave been few and far between, reports indicate that it is a joint production between Mandarin Motion Pictures and China’s Huace Pictures (viaCity on Fire.)The Prosecutorhas also been written under the titleMisjudgement, and both Yen and Ho Pong Mak have been attached as directors. Mak is known for previously directing the Hong Kong action comedyBreakout Brothers, which is about three inmates banding together in a desperate plea to escape prison.
The Prosecutoralso stars Kang Yu, known forWu XiaandBig Brother, and Julian Cheung, fromAll U Need is LoveandThe Grandmaster.There has been no word on a current release date forThe Prosecutor, but some first-look photos (viaMACC) showcase Yen wielding a firearm in his pursuit of justice. Reports inThe Arty Danshave hinted at more plot details, which are said to follow a man framed for drug trafficking by a criminal syndicate whose case is taken by an older prosecutor willing to risk his career to bring out the truth.
4Untitled Caine Film (TBC)
Donnie Yen as Caine
Since the release of the first movie in 2017, theJohn Wickfranchise has expanded to include four main films, a limited series, and the upcoming spin-off featureJohn Wick Presents: Ballerina.John Wickhas been categorized by its vivid lore and expert worldbuilding, as it introduced memorable characters such as the blind assassin Caine, played by Donnie Yen.Caine was introduced inJohn Wick: Chapter 4and now looks set to become the star of his own spin-off movie.
Theend credits ofJohn Wick: Chapter 4hinted that Caine’s story with Akira was set to continue and opened the doors for the franchise to continue exploring characters outside of Wick’s main franchise installments. While rumors had swirled around about a potentialCainemovie since the character was introduced, this was not confirmed until May 2024, when it was officially announced that aCainemovie was in development and Yen was set to reprise his role. TheCainemovie will follow on from the events ofJohn Wick: Chapter 4and will be written by Robert Askins.
In a world populated with such interesting and intriguing characters, Yen’s portrayal of Caine was one of the very best, and he will make a fascinating protagonist for an upcoming movie. As a truly honorable assassin, Caine’s personality and incredible combat abilities, paired with Yen’s real-life skills as a martial artist, mean that this upcomingCainemovie has the potential to be extremely successful. While concrete details on what exactly theCainemovie will entail are sparse, the fact that Yen is on board to return means the future looks bright for theJohn Wickfranchise.
3Ip Man 5 (TBC)
Donnie Yen as Ip Man
One of Donnie Yen’s most acclaimed roles was as the title character in theIp Manfranchise, which was based on the real folk hero and Wing Chun grandmaster. Yen has played the character in four feature films and is set to reprise his role in an upcoming fifthIp Manmovie. Although many believedIp Man 4: The Finalewould be the end of the road for the series, it was confirmed at the Cannes Film Festival thatIp Man 5was in the works (viaCollider.)
Although there is no official release date forIp Man 5, Yen shared the movie’s poster onhis Instagram account, where he tagged Mandarin Motion Pictures and Super Bullet Pictures. TheIp Manfranchise has seen consistent success since the release of the first film in 2008. The franchise has even seen the release of a spin-off film titledMaster Z: Ip Man Legacy, which focused on Ip Man’s rival Cheung Tin Chi, which highlighted the series' potential to be expanded upon with releases that focused on other characters.
TheIp Manfranchise takes inspiration from the real Chinese martial artist Ip Man, who mentored many notable fighters, including Bruce Lee. The real Ip Man lived from 1893 to 1972 and the film series took many liberties with his life story and exaggerated certain aspects for dramatic effect.Ip Man 4: The Finalehad originally been announced as the final entry in the series, but as new details emerge about the upcoming film, audiences look forward to seeing Yen portray the famous grandmaster once again.
Ip Man 5
Cast
Ip Man 5 is the sixth film in the Ip Man franchise and the fifth mainline installment, starring Donnie Yen. The announcement came at the Cannes Market in Hong Kong in 2023, with Yen attached to the project. The movie is expected to follow the story of Ip Man, a real-life Wing Chun martial arts master.
2Flashpoint Resurgence (TBC)
Donnie Yen as Detective Sergeant Ma Jun
Over the course of his acclaimed career, Donnie Yen has been involved in plenty of incredible Hong Kong action movies, withFlash Pointfrom 2007 being one of his best. That’s why it was so exciting to hear that a sequel, reportedly titledFlashpoint Resurgence, was in the works and that Yen would return for another installment in the fan-favorite film. The originalFlash Pointreunited Yen with hisSPL: Sha Po Langdirector Wilson Yip, and the pair have had fruitful collaborations on movies such asDragon Tiger GateandIp Man.
Yen hinted at plans to makeFlashpoint Resurgenceduring a press tour forIp Man 3(via MAAC) when he was asked if he would consider doing any follow-ups to his popular contemporary action movies. To answer this question, Yen replied, “Yes, I will be producing Flashpoint 2.” The gestation period for aFlash Pointsequel was longer than expected, and it was not until eight years later, in 2024, thatMAACreported filming forFlashpoint Resurgencewas getting ready to start production.
Details on the production ofFlashpoint Resurgencehave been limited, and it’s uncertain when viewers can expect its release. However, ifFlashpoint Resurgenceis going to be anything like its predecessor, martial arts lovers can expect plenty of expertly choreographed fights and a strong visual style. The firstFlash Pointwas amongYen’s best movies, and once it finally hits theaters, it will have big shoes to fill, as its previous action sequences were truly legendary.
1Sleeping Dogs (TBC)
Donnie Yen as Wei Shen
A film adaptation of the action-adventure video gameSleeping Dogswas announced in 2017, with Donnie Yen set to star (viaDeadline.) Yen is posed to play Wei Shen in the highly anticipated film version of the game by Square Enix where he will be an undercover police officer on a mission to take down a dangerous criminal syndicate. Both the game and movie are set in Hong Kong and, in classic Yen style, focus on martial arts fighting, racing, boat chases, and shooting.
Yen gave an update onSleeping Dogsin 2018 when he confirmed the film was still in development and said, “Sometimes great things take a bit of time” (viaInstagram).No release date has been confirmed forSleeping Dogs, and even though word has been quiet on the film for the past number of years, there has been no official indication that it’s been shelved. The open-world style of theSleeping Dogsgame, along with its martial arts associations, make it the perfect vehicle for Yen’s unique talents.
In an interview withColliderin 2021, Yen again spoke about the live-actionSleeping Dogsadaptation, saying he’s still “hopeful” that it will happen and that “every day they tell me it’s going to happen.” Yen said he’s co-producing the film with Neil Moritz and Toby Ascher.Donnie Yenfurther stated that he connected with theSleeping Dogsproject because the game itself was influenced by his image and fighting style and contained elements from his other films likeFlash PointandRaging Fire.
