Donnie Yen is 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 his John Wick character Caine, and even an unexpected fifth installment in the Ip Man franchise. 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 classic Flash Point. There’s a lot to look forward to when it comes to upcoming Yen action movies.

5

The Prosecutor (2024)

Donnie Yen as TBC

The Prosecutor is an upcoming action movie starring Donnie Yen that is set for a worldwide release in 2024 (via Screen Daily.) A first look at The Prosecutor was 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 on The Prosecutor have been few and far between, reports indicate that it is a joint production between Mandarin Motion Pictures and China’s Huace Pictures (via City on Fire.) The Prosecutor has also been written under the title Misjudgement, and both Yen and Ho Pong Mak have been attached as directors. Mak is known for previously directing the Hong Kong action comedy Breakout Brothers, which is about three inmates banding together in a desperate plea to escape prison.

The Prosecutor also stars Kang Yu, known for Wu Xia and Big Brother, and Julian Cheung, from All U Need is Love and The Grandmaster. There has been no word on a current release date for The Prosecutor, but some first-look photos (via MACC) showcase Yen wielding a firearm in his pursuit of justice. Reports in The Arty Dans have 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.

4

Untitled Caine Film (TBC)

Donnie Yen as Caine

Since the release of the first movie in 2017, the John Wick franchise has expanded to include four main films, a limited series, and the upcoming spin-off feature John Wick Presents: Ballerina. John Wick has 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 in John Wick: Chapter 4 and now looks set to become the star of his own spin-off movie.

The end credits of John Wick: Chapter 4 hinted 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 potential Caine movie since the character was introduced, this was not confirmed until May 2024, when it was officially announced that a Caine movie was in development and Yen was set to reprise his role. The Caine movie will follow on from the events of John Wick: Chapter 4 and 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 upcoming Caine movie has the potential to be extremely successful. While concrete details on what exactly the Caine movie will entail are sparse, the fact that Yen is on board to return means the future looks bright for the John Wick franchise.

3

Ip Man 5 (TBC)

Donnie Yen as Ip Man

One of Donnie Yen’s most acclaimed roles was as the title character in the Ip Man franchise, 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 fifth Ip Man movie. Although many believed Ip Man 4: The Finale would be the end of the road for the series, it was confirmed at the Cannes Film Festival that Ip Man 5 was in the works (via Collider.)

Although there is no official release date for Ip Man 5, Yen shared the movie’s poster on his Instagram account, where he tagged Mandarin Motion Pictures and Super Bullet Pictures. The Ip Man franchise 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 titled Master 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.

The Ip Man franchise 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 Finale had 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.

2

Flashpoint 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, with Flash Point from 2007 being one of his best. That’s why it was so exciting to hear that a sequel, reportedly titled Flashpoint Resurgence, was in the works and that Yen would return for another installment in the fan-favorite film. The original Flash Point reunited Yen with his SPL: Sha Po Lang director Wilson Yip, and the pair have had fruitful collaborations on movies such as Dragon Tiger Gate and Ip Man.

Yen hinted at plans to make Flashpoint Resurgence during a press tour for Ip 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 a Flash Point sequel was longer than expected, and it was not until eight years later, in 2024, that MAAC reported filming for Flashpoint Resurgence was getting ready to start production.

Details on the production of Flashpoint Resurgence have been limited, and it’s uncertain when viewers can expect its release. However, if Flashpoint Resurgence is going to be anything like its predecessor, martial arts lovers can expect plenty of expertly choreographed fights and a strong visual style. The first Flash Point was among Yen’s best movies, and once it finally hits theaters, it will have big shoes to fill, as its previous action sequences were truly legendary.

1

Sleeping Dogs (TBC)

Donnie Yen as Wei Shen

A film adaptation of the action-adventure video game Sleeping Dogs was announced in 2017, with Donnie Yen set to star (via Deadline.) 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 on Sleeping Dogs in 2018 when he confirmed the film was still in development and said, “Sometimes great things take a bit of time” (via Instagram). No release date has been confirmed for Sleeping 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 the Sleeping Dogs game, along with its martial arts associations, make it the perfect vehicle for Yen’s unique talents.

In an interview with Collider in 2021, Yen again spoke about the live-action Sleeping Dogs adaptation, 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 Yen further stated that he connected with the Sleeping Dogs project because the game itself was influenced by his image and fighting style and contained elements from his other films like Flash Point and Raging Fire.

Sources: Screen Daily, City on Fire, MACC, The Arty Dans, Collider, Instagram, MAAC, Deadline, Instagram, Collider