What’s Going On With Donnie Yen’s Ip Man 5? Let’s Speculate!

Just when you thought it was truly over, they’re pulling Ip Man back in! A teaser poster for Ip Man 5 was quietly revealed at Cannes 2023/2024 to gauge buyer interest, hinting at Donnie Yen’s return as the legendary Wing Chun master for Mandarin Motion Pictures.

The Ip Man franchise has been a cornerstone of modern martial arts cinema since the first film landed as a critical and commercial hit, followed by Ip Man 2 (2010), Ip Man 3 (2015), and Ip Man 4: The Finale (2019). We even got a spin-off, Master Z: The Ip Man Legacy (2018), with Yen serving as producer.

Now, with Ip Man 5 in the early stages of development, many are wondering what to expect. Yen is currently balancing several projects, including Flash Point Resurgence, Sleeping Dogs, and an untitled John Wick spinoff, so realistically, we may not see Ip Man 5 until 2025 or 2026.

But that doesn’t stop us from speculating!

Who Will Direct Ip Man 5?

While no director has been officially confirmed, Wilson Yip, who helmed all four Ip Man films, is the most likely candidate to return. His consistency and understanding of the franchise’s tone make him the safe and logical choice.

Who Will Handle the Fight Choreography?

Sammo Hung choreographed Ip Man 1–2, while Yuen Woo Ping took over for Ip Man 3–4. With both legends advancing in age, it’s possible that Donnie Yen may step in to direct some action sequences himself or collaborate with trusted partners like Tanigaki Kenji (Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In). Yen has a history of crafting kinetic, emotionally resonant fight scenes, so fans can expect the action to remain top-tier.

Who Will Ip Man Fight?

The Ip Man films are known for their high-profile fight matchups: Yen vs. Louis Fan, Sammo Hung, Max Zhang, Mike Tyson, and Scott Adkins, among others. For Ip Man 5, we could see another headline fight to draw in audiences. Potential matchups include:

• Iko Uwais (The Raid) for an Indonesian martial arts crossover.

• Don Lee/Ma Dong-Seok (The Roundup) for a powerhouse brawl.

• Tak Sakaguchi (One-Percent Warrior) for a sword-heavy duel.

• Andy On (Blind War) for a gritty, grounded fight.

• Xie Miao (Eye for an Eye: The Blind Swordsman) for a weapons-heavy clash.

• Conor McGregor (from the Road House remake) for a wild East-meets-West marketing play.

Producers know that memorable fights sell tickets, so expect something big.

What Could Be the Story of Ip Man 5?

Historical accuracy has never been the priority in Ip Man films, and that’s part of the fun. Since Ip Man 4 was set in the late 1960s, the fifth installment will likely take place in the 1970s, setting the stage for Bruce Lee’s rise in Hong Kong. Danny Chan, who portrayed Lee in Ip Man 3 and Ip Man 4, would likely return, possibly in a larger role.

The 1970s were also a time when the triads had heavy influence over the Hong Kong film industry, and Bruce Lee was the most bankable star in Asia. A plot involving Ip Man and Bruce Lee battling triad gangsters could be both entertaining and culturally resonant, especially if fights take place in the Kowloon Walled City, capitalizing on the popularity of Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In.

While Ip Man passed away in 1972, and Bruce Lee died seven months later, creative license could allow us to see Ip Man avenge Lee’s death or protect him in a fictionalized final mission, delivering a satisfying emotional closure for fans.

Ip Man 5 has the potential to be a worthy continuation of the beloved franchise, especially if it leans into a 70s Hong Kong setting, a larger Bruce Lee arc, and another legendary fight lineup.

What would you like to see in Ip Man 5? Who do you want Donnie Yen’s Ip Man to fight next? Let us know your dream matchups and storylines below!