Four generations of Chinese kung fu stars join together for 'Blades of the Guardians'

Four generations of Chinese kung fu actors, including Wu Jing, Nicholas Tse and Jet Li, have joined legendary martial arts filmmaker Yuen Woo-ping for "Blades of the Guardians," set to release during China's Spring Festival in February.

A poster for "Blades of the Guardians." [Photo courtesy of Woo Ping Pictures]

Distributors announced the release date and details on Monday for what is set to be the only major wuxia action blockbuster of the 2026 Spring Festival film season. Promising a visually and audibly breathtaking experience, the film blends the timeless spirit of kung fu heroism with an intense action aesthetic.

Adapted from Xu Xianzhe's comic books, the film follows Daoma, the "second most-wanted fugitive," who accepts a mission to escort the "most-wanted fugitive," Zhi Shilang, to Chang'an, capital of the Sui dynasty, which is now Xi'an, Shaanxi province. This perilous journey draws multiple factions into conflict across the desert. Daoma, with his adoptive son Xiaoqi and allies A-Yuya and A-Ni, joins forces with the enigmatic Shu and Yanzi Niang. Together, this unlikely band must outrun relentless pursuers and overcome their own divisions on a mission that could shatter the empire's foundations. 

The director is Yuen Woo-ping, a foundational figure in Chinese action cinema for half a century, hailed as the "world's premier martial arts choreographer." Over a career spanning more than six decades, he has served as action director on over fifty films including "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," "Kung Fu Hustle," "The Grandmaster," and "The Matrix" trilogy. His craftsmanship has defined the aesthetic of Chinese martial arts cinema.

The film features a huge gathering of Chinese martial artists and action stars, from Wu Jing, Nicholas Tse, Tony Leung, Yu Shi, Max Zhang, Ci Sha, and Yu Rongguang to the legendary Jet Li.

To capture the purest wuxia essence, the creators insisted on practical filming for all major action scenes. Actors performed horseback chases, close combat, and weapon fights themselves after months of rigorous training. To capture the rugged texture of the Western Regions, the crew filmed on location in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. Actors endured harsh conditions like intense sun and sandstorms with full dedication. The setting resulted in immersive visuals of rolling sand dunes and the backdrop of the vast Gobi landscape.

"Blades of the Guardians" will hit Chinese screens nationwide on Feb. 17, the first day of the lucrative Spring Festival holiday.