The newest chapter in the legendary martial arts saga, Ip Man 5 sees Donnie Yen return as the Wing Chun master in what promises to be both a thrilling action spectacle and an emotionally satisfying continuation. Although Ip Man died of cancer at the end of Ip Man 4: The Finale (2019), this film apparently revisits an untold chapter set in Hong Kong during the 1960s, a turbulent era marked by rapid modernization and cultural tension .

The setting of Ip Man 5 is gritty and evocative—1965 Hong Kong, where traditional martial arts face new threats from commercialized underground fight clubs and shadowy foreign syndicates determined to undermine Wing Chun and its ethical values. In this climate of social unrest and political intrigue, Ip Man is forced to defend his school and the very soul of martial arts against those who’d twist it into spectacle.

A major casting surprise is the inclusion of Jackie Chan, playing Master Liu—a former Chinese opera performer turned Shaolin monk with a conflicted history and exceptional skill. His character brings both physical contrast to Ip Man’s restrained Wing Chun and moments of human warmth and humor that lighten the film’s dramatic intensity. Their relationship evolves from initial tension to a bond of mutual respect and friendship, creating one of the film’s emotional cores.

Donnie Yen remains at his martial-artistic best, blending efficient Wing Chun technique with a calm yet powerful presence. He portrays an older, wiser Ip Man wrestling with the responsibilities of legacy—how to preserve the soul of his art while adapting to a changing world. Through his guidance, the younger generation of students become more than fighters—they become custodians of a tradition under threat.

Although there’s speculation about additional cast members like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson or Tony Leung and even Bruce Lee appearing via archival footage, concrete confirmation remains limited. What’s clear is the direction helmed by Wilson Yip and screenplay by Edmond Wong preserve the franchise’s tone, balancing visceral fight choreography with emotional storytelling.

The film’s fight scenes are being described as standouts—visually inventive, emotionally expressive, and sharply choreographed, likely overseen by veterans of the series including Yen himself and perhaps Yuen Woo‑ping. One sequence teased in trailers shows Ip Man and Master Liu fighting back‑to‑back against mercenary enforcers—a stylized testament to their growing partnership.

With a likely runtime around two hours and ten to fifteen minutes, Ip Man 5 is scheduled for release in late 2025 or early 2026 and is widely anticipated to be both a throwback to classic Hong Kong martial arts cinema and a fitting cultural tribute for modern audiences. The film promises to honor Wing Chun’s philosophy: discipline, respect, loyalty—and above all, fighting for legacy with dignity.

All told, Ip Man 5 is shaping up to be a deeply emotional ode to tradition and a masterful showcase of martial arts cinema. Fans of the series and newcomers alike may find in it a powerful final—or perhaps reborn—chapter in the saga of Ip Man.