Jackie Chan Sets Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan Shoot for Armour of God IV
jackie chan is taking Armour of God IV: Ultimatum into Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, his first production in Central Asia. The film is scheduled to begin shooting in July and is targeting a worldwide release in the second quarter of 2027.
That move puts the franchise back into active production after years away from the screen. It also gives the project a wider regional footprint than the earlier films, which followed Chan’s treasure hunter character Asian Hawk.
July start for Central Asia
July is the planned start for a production that will shoot across locations in both countries. Robert Kun will direct, while Salem Entertainment is producing with Esmond Ren and Igor Tsay attached as producers.
Chan said, "This is my first project with Kazakh partners, but it will not be the last." He added, "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," a useful clue that the shoot is being treated as more than a simple location swap.
Alem Fund and six projects
Alem Fund is backing the film and is registered with the Astana International Financial Centre. Armour of God IV: Ultimatum is the first production from the fund’s current portfolio of six projects, which makes this the earliest test of that slate.
Igor Tsay called it "an absolutely historic moment for Central Asian filmmaking – to host a legendary franchise starring Jackie Chan," and said, "For us, it is both a great honor and a great responsibility toward the development of the region’s creative industry." The phrasing points to a regional industry play, not just a single film deal.
Asian Hawk returns in 2027
The new film continues the story of Asian Hawk, the character at the center of the franchise Chan launched in 1986 and carried again in 1991 and 2012. In this chapter, Asian Hawk returns to action after a global hunt begins for an ancient artifact known as the Tumar, with a reward that exceeds $20 million.
That setup gives the project a built-in commercial hook: a recognizable franchise lead, a chase narrative, and a release window aimed at the second quarter of 2027. Chan also said, "We will be announcing much more soon," which means the production is still in its early public phase even as the location plan is already set.
