Yuen Woo-ping on Casting Jet Li, Wu Jing in 'Blades of Guardians'
Variety
by Naman RamachandranFebruary 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Yuen Woo-ping, renowned action director behind iconic films like *The Matrix* and *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon*, has returned to his roots with *Blades of the Guardians*. Known for his commitment to practical filmmaking, Yuen chose real horses, desert landscapes, and a cast of wushu champions, including Wu Jing and Jet Li, to bring authenticity to the film. This approach reflects his philosophy that fight scenes should be clear, impactful, and integral to storytelling, avoiding reliance on visual effects. Drawing from Xu Xianzhe’s graphic novels, the historical action film follows Biao Ren, a mercenary navigating dangerous schemes during the Sui Dynasty.
Yuen emphasized clarity, weight, and consequence in choreography, treating fight scenes as character dialogues where every move advances the narrative. The film’s road movie structure allows for dynamic encounters and locations, culminating in emotional depth. A standout storyline features Dao Ma and Di Ting, former allies turned adversaries, whose final confrontation evolves into a heartfelt moment of understanding. Yuen’s casting process focused on finding actors who could combine physical skill with strong acting, making it rare to assemble such a talented ensemble.
The film marks a departure from modern Hollywood trends, reviving the practical wuxia techniques synonymous with Hong Kong cinema. By prioritizing real stunts and authentic storytelling, *Blades of the Guardians* offers a fresh perspective on martial arts films. Yuen’s return to these roots not only honors his heritage but also appeals to fans seeking a return to the genre’s original spirit of innovation and authenticity. This blend of tradition and practicality makes the film a standout in the action genre, resonating with both martial arts enthusiasts and casual moviegoers alike.
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Originally published on Variety on 2/19/2026