Jet Li Returns to the Screen with Kung Fu, Comes Out of Retirement After 15 Years for Wu Jing

The “Kung Fu Emperor” Jet Li, who rose to fame across Asia with classics like 'Once Upon a Time in China' and 'Fearless', has faded from the entertainment industry in recent years and rarely appears in public. Since participating in 'Mulan' in 2020, he virtually retired from acting. Unexpectedly, in 2025, he was involved in the 'organ swap controversy', sparking heated discussion and drawing intense attention to his every move. Until this year, the reason for Jet Li's return to the big screen was finally revealed: it turned out he and Wu Jing were once under the same tutelage and forged a deep brotherhood. Upon seeing his junior Wu Jing's continued passion for wuxia culture, Jet Li supported him with determination: “Whatever you want to do, I will do it with you.” He insisted on personally performing high-intensity action scenes, challenged extremely contrasting roles by switching between a prestigious official and a mysterious sabre-wielding vigilante, and even faced off directly with his junior Wu Jing.

As the film's behind-the-scenes footage was released, after completing an action scene Jet Li candidly admitted: “I can’t even stand steady anymore.” Wu Jing joked: “The three of us together are 160 years old, and we’re still limping and fighting.” The trailer also gave an early glimpse of “iconic scenes”—Jet Li recreating the classic swordwork from 'Hero', displaying lightning-speed blade techniques and regaining his prime. The “live action” desert battle presents the actors fighting directly in the treacherous sands, dodging arrows at high speed and dueling in hand-to-hand combat—an extremely thrilling and stunning spectacle. Yet in an era where wuxia films have waned in popularity, several martial arts superstars are once again reviving legendary moments, prompting fans to sigh: “This may be their final work—every chance to see them is precious.” “The last grand feast of martial arts.”