By Blades of the Guardians, the sole major wuxia action blockbuster of the Spring Festival film season will released on February 17, 2026.
Adapted from Xu Xianzhe’s acclaimed comic series, the film promises a large-scale return to classical kung fu heroism, paired with a modern, hard-edged action style designed for premium theatrical presentation.
Set during the Sui dynasty, the story follows Daoma, the empire’s “second most-wanted fugitive,” who accepts a dangerous assignment to escort the top fugitive, Zhi Shilang, to Chang’an. The journey across the desert ignites clashes with multiple factions, forcing Daoma, his adoptive son Xiaoqi, and a group of uneasy allies to unite against relentless pursuit and internal mistrust.
The film is directed by Yuen Woo-ping, a defining force in martial arts cinema whose choreography has shaped classics from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon to The Matrix. His involvement signals a commitment to authentic, physically driven action. That approach extends to production, with practical stunts, real combat, and extensive actor training prioritized over digital shortcuts.
Filmed on location in Xinjiang, the production captures sweeping Gobi landscapes and brutal terrain. The cast brings together Wu Jing, Nicholas Tse, Tony Leung, Max Zhang, Yu Rongguang, and Jet Li, marking a rare convergence of Chinese action icons on one screen.
