Legendary actor Jackie Chan is set to film “Armour of God IV: Ultimatum” in Kazakhstan, marking his inaugural production venture into the dynamic Central Asian region. This highly anticipated film, directed by Robert Kun and produced by Salem Entertainment, is scheduled to commence principal photography in July, with a worldwide release targeted for the second quarter of 2027.

The project boasts a strong production team including Esmond Ren and Igor Tsay. Crucially, it is backed by the Alem Fund, an entity registered with the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC). The Alem Fund was established with the specific aim of supporting and elevating the international profile of film and media projects linked to Kazakhstan. “Armour of God IV: Ultimatum” is the first title from the fund’s current portfolio of six projects to move into active production.

The film continues the narrative arc of Jackie Chan’s beloved recurring character, the Asian Hawk. In this installment, the Asian Hawk is drawn back into an international quest for an ancient artifact known as the Tumar, which is associated with a substantial reward exceeding $20 million. Filming locations are slated to span across both Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, promising diverse and visually rich backdrops.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the project and the region, Jackie Chan stated, “This is my first project with Kazakh partners, but it will not be the last. We will be announcing much more soon. I have never filmed there before, and it opens up many new visual and creative ideas that we will be able to bring to audiences.”

The “Armour of God” franchise has a storied history, having launched with the original “Armour of God” in 1986, which Chan both starred in and directed. This was followed by “Armour of God II: Operation Condor” in 1991. The third installment, “Chinese Zodiac,” premiered in 2012, with Chan once again taking on both directorial and starring roles. All three previous films revolved around the globetrotting adventures of the iconic Asian Hawk character.

Director Robert Kun brings a wealth of experience to the project, known for his work as an action director and actor on over 40 films, including notable titles such as “Day Watch,” “Wanted,” and “Major Grom.” Salem Entertainment, the Kazakh production company, is a prominent regional player with a diverse slate encompassing films, series, and digital-first projects tailored for both regional and international audiences.

Producer Igor Tsay underscored the historical significance of the venture, remarking, “Having worked on productions around the world, I can say that this is an absolutely historic moment for Central Asian filmmaking — to host a legendary franchise starring Jackie Chan. For us, it is both a great honor and a great responsibility toward the development of the region’s creative industry.”