Jackie Chan returns to the "Armour of God" franchise for a fourth installment, with production moving to Kazakhstan for the first time in the action star's career. "Armour of God IV: Ultimatum," directed by Robert Kun and produced by Salem Entertainment, will begin filming in July with a planned worldwide release in the second quarter of 2027.
The franchise, which debuted in 1986 with the original "Armour of God," has become a cornerstone of Chan's action cinema legacy. The series established his signature blend of martial arts choreography, stunt work, and comedic timing across three previous films. The decision to shoot in Kazakhstan marks an expansion of Chan's international production footprint beyond his traditional Hong Kong and Chinese mainland bases.
At 70 years old, Chan continues to pursue physically demanding action roles despite a career marked by numerous injuries from his trademark on-set stunts. This fourth entry represents his commitment to the franchise that helped define his global stardom during the 1980s and 1990s.
The timing of the July shoot places production midway through Chan's current slate of projects. The 2027 release window suggests a typical post-production timeline for an action spectacle of this scale, allowing for extensive editing, visual effects work, and international distribution coordination.
The franchise's longevity speaks to Chan's enduring appeal in action cinema, even as streaming platforms and younger action stars have fragmented the theatrical landscape. "Armour of God IV" competes for attention in a crowded market where legacy action franchises attempt periodic revivals, from "Fast X" to "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny." The Kazakhstan location provides fresh geography for the series while potentially offering production incentives that have made Central Asia increasingly attractive to international filmmakers.