Jet Li’s Fist of Legend Found a Surprise Sequel 16 Years Later
Jet Li’s 1994 period piece Fist of Legend is renowned for its intense martial arts sequences and has developed a reputation as one of the best movies in the genre. Despite its ending leaving room for a follow-up, Jet Li never reprised his role as Chen Zhen, leaving it a standalone entry in his career. However, a sequel did arrive 16 years later, courtesy of a different martial arts icon.
Released in 2010, Legend of the Fist: Return of Chen Zhen brought the Chen Zhen character back to the big screen, making it his third major movie appearance. The character was originally played by Bruce Lee in the 1971 film Fist of Fury, and was remade with Jet Li in Fist of Legend. Donnie Yen portrays Chen Zhen in the 2010 film, which continues the story that was left open in Fist of Legend.
Fist of Fury ended on a tragic note, killing off Bruce Lee’s Chen Zhen in a wave of gunfire. Fist of Legend, on the other hand, saw Chen Zhen fake his death and successfully escape from Shanghai. Return of Chen Zhen takes place a few years later and follows Chen Zhen as he discreetly returns to Shanghai under a false identity. In the movie, Donnie Yen’s character is on a mission to help the Chinese underground rebels battle Japanese invaders.
Donnie Yen’s 2010 film, Return of Chen Zhen, offers a unique take on the character, who goes about his mission by donning a mask and operating as a vigilante. The film provides a new and exciting perspective on the character, and fans of martial arts films will be treated to stunning fight sequences and intricate choreography.