If ain’t broke, don’t fix it! That seems to be the theory with the very popular martial arts franchiseIp Manat this point, anyway. StarDonnie Yenrecently announced that he is indeed planning on returning forIp Man 4after the very successful third entry was released earlier this year.
The modern daymartial arts legendtook to hisInstagramto make the announcement thatIP Man 4is happening. While there was a pretty significant gap of nearly five years between the release ofIp Man 2: Legend of the GrandmasterandIp Man 3, it seems likeDonnie Yenis wasting no time in gettingIp Man 4off the ground. Here is what he had to say about the movie in his Instagram post.
Just the simple fact thatDonnie YenannouncedIp Man 4is enough to make any martial arts fan excited, but he also made it clear that directorWilson Yipis returning. As he stated in his post, the director has worked on all three of the previous installments in the very popular and acclaimed franchise, so it makes perfect sense that he would return. Especially considering thatIp Man 3did quite well at the box office. While the other entries in theIp Manfranchise found an audience outside of the box office, which helped contribute to their success,Ip Man 3actually pulled in a very healthy $156 million worldwide. The success ofIp Man 3is also probably what helped the pair decide to makeIp Man 4so quickly.
TheIp Manseries is based on the true story of Ip Man, played byDonnie Yen, who lived from lived from 1893 to 1972. He was the martial arts master who created the style known as Wing Chun, whose most famous student was legendary martial artistBruce Lee. The first two movies did not featureBruce Leeas a character, instead focusing on the man’s early years in China. The producers were initially going to use CGI version ofBruce Leein order to bring the character to the franchise, because they could not find an actor they felt was right to portray him. However, the role ultimately went toKwok-Kwan Chan.
There is no word yet on how soonIp Man 4will get moving or any specific story details, but they will have to up the ante after thatMike Tysonfight inIp Man 3.Donnie Yenwill be making a serious impression on mainstream audiences this winter whenRogue One: A Star Wars Storycomes out, as he has a pretty significant role in the movie. He is also set to appear inaction-packedsequelxXx: The Return of Xander Cage. Perhaps he andWilson Yipcan use that momentum to makeIp Man 4even more of a mainstream hit. you’re able to check outDonnie Yen’s Instagram announcement for yourself below.
