LayarHijau– The wuxia action film Blades of the Guardians has officially announced its release for the 2026 Lunar New Year, immediately sparking intense discussion across Chinese social media. The film draws major attention not only for its scale, but also for its rare ensemble cast, leading many to call it a possible “final grand feast of wuxia cinema.”
Blades of the Guardians brings together more than 30 actors from different generations. The cast includes Tony Leung Ka-fai (66), Kara Wai (64), Jet Li (61), Nicholas Tse (44), Max Zhang (50), and Wu Jing (50). Wu Jing has openly described the project as potentially the last wuxia film capable of uniting so many legendary martial arts stars on one screen.
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According to a report by Yangtze Evening Post, behind-the-scenes footage released by the production team shows how physically demanding the shoot has been, especially for the senior actors. After completing a fight scene, Jet Li was seen staggering and remarking that he could no longer stand steadily. Max Zhang appeared visibly exhausted following intense action sequences, while Wu Jing joked, “The three of us add up to 160 years old, limping on our legs, yet still fighting.”
Jet Li’s appearance has become the biggest highlight of the film. The legendary actor last starred in a wuxia film in 2011 with Flying Swords of Dragon Gate. This means Blades of the Guardians marks his return to the costume martial arts genre after a gap of around 15 years, a comeback that many fans have long hoped for.
Jet Li later revealed that his decision to return to wuxia was entirely because of Wu Jing. The two have known each other for decades, with Wu Jing regarded as Jet Li’s junior in the martial arts world. Blades of the Guardians is also their first wuxia film collaboration. Jet Li shared that seeing Wu Jing enter his 50s while still holding deep passion and enthusiasm for wuxia deeply moved him. He told Wu Jing, “Whatever you want to do, I’ll do it with you.”
Online reactions have been filled with emotion. Many viewers believe this film could be a farewell work for the golden generation of martial arts cinema, saying it may be impossible to see such a cast again in the future. Others admitted they felt close to tears, as these actors were the heroes of their childhood. Some netizens also pointed out that even the actors themselves are unsure whether wuxia films still have an audience today, but precisely because of that uncertainty, they feel the film must be made now. If not now, then when?
In addition to the cast, legendary action choreographer Yuen Woo-ping has also drawn attention. Max Zhang shared that whenever Yuen Woo-ping calls him, he comes without asking questions. He recalled being recommended by Yuen Woo-ping at the age of 39 to play Ma San in The Grandmaster, a role that earned him the Hong Kong Film Award for Best Supporting Actor. During his acceptance speech, the first person he thanked was Yuen Woo-ping. Now reunited for Blades of the Guardians, their long-standing chemistry is said to remain as strong as ever.
With its cross-generational cast, strong bonds behind the scenes, and a palpable sense of farewell, Blades of the Guardians is not just another action film, but a symbolic closing chapter for a defining era in wuxia cinema.
