(SCMP) Hong Kong martial arts superstar Donnie Yen has confirmed Ip Man 4: The Finale will be his final kung fu film.
The highly anticipated fourth instalment of the hugely popular franchise will be released in cinemas on December 20, just over 10 years on from the release of the first Ip Man film.
“As an actor and filmmaker, I have made so many movies, some that people love and some that people don’t love. On this challenging road, I filmed a number of kung fu films that are about the same,” Yen said.
“As an actor, you must keep going forward,” he added. “This is something that I must do in life; I must keep exploring to grow.”
“This is the meaning of life, so I am very grateful Ip Man 4: The Finale is my final kung fu movie. I hope it can be written on a valuable page in Chinese film history, and I will continue my journey as an actor.”
The 56-year-old was speaking in Beijing this week at a press conference to promote the film with co-stars Wu Yue, Chris Collins, and Danny Chan, and producer Raymond Wong.
Yen said he was immensely proud of the Ip Man franchise for maintaining its quality and popularity.
“A movie series typically doesn’t have more than two sequels because it tends to go downhill by the third film,” he said. “But the first three Ip Man movies were loved by everyone. I believe people won’t be disappointed this time either.”
Yen has clearly left an impression on the next generation of kung fu actors, too. “As soon as Donnie arrives on set, everyone will quiet down to show their respect as an apprentice would,” said Chan, who portrays Bruce Lee – an apprentice of Ip Man – in the film.
Source: South China Morning Post by Nick Atkin