[2025.11.25] DONNIE YEN PLANS TO TALK WITH SHANNON LEE ABOUT ADDING BRUCE LEE IN THE NEW IP MAN FILM

Donnie Yen talks about his work plans, as he will direct and star in the JOHN WICK spin off next year

Cissy Wang and Donnie Yen earlier attended a wedding in Italy

Bruce Lee's daughter Shannon has nothing but praise for Donnie Yen
courtesy of on.cc

Bruce Lee's daughter Shannon hopes to have the chance to work with Donnie Yen
courtesy of mingpao.com

Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan Mei-po, Donnie Yen Chi Tan and the daughter of the late superstar Bruce Lee, Shannon Lee Heung Ying, attended the opening ceremony of the "THE FORMLESS WAY: MEMORIALIZING 85 YEARS SINCE BRUCE LEE'S BIRTH " yesterday and visited the exhibition together. Chi Tan admitted that he has been deeply influenced by Bruce Lee since he was a child, and revealed that he planned to discuss with Lee Heung Ying the possibility of adding the role of Bruce Lee in the new "IP MAN" film. He expected that the project would be promoted as soon as next year. Lee Heung Ying smiled and said that she was happy to see the collaboration and hoped that everyone would look forward to it.

The exhibition is divided into two exhibition areas: the "MTR Art Stage" at Hong Kong Station will be held from November 25 to December 8, focusing on dynamic installations and interactive experiences and leading the audience to immerse themselves in Bruce Lee's life journey; and the "MTR Art" gallery at Central Station will displays a large number of precious photographs and art installations, allowing everyone to savor Bruce Lee's martial arts philosophy and his journey of self-exploration, as well as trace Bruce Lee's life trajectory in Hong Kong.

The Secretary for Transport and Logistics Ms. Mable Chan Mei- po said, "Bruce Lee's spirit of integrating Chinese and Western strengths is the embodiment of the spirit of Hong Kong. He continued to break through and improve himself at his peak, which coincides with the MTR's operating principles and our expectations for the MTR."

Chi Tan admitted that he was deeply influenced by Bruce Lee since he was a child. "In the 70s of the last century, when I was eleven or twelve years old in the United States I often used a broom stick to imitate nunchaku to play Bruce Lee. The passers-by all called me Bruce Lee." Chi Tan said that he returned to Hong Kong to make films because he was intoxicated with Bruce Lee's martial arts, said that Bruce Lee's philosophy and style could be seen everywhere in his movies, and emphasized that his portrayal of Chen Zhen in FIST OF FURY was not an imitation, but a tribute to Bruce Lee. He humbly said that in front of Bruce Lee, a giant who "has never been seen before, no one has come since then", he was just a primary school student. He felt very honored to be on the same stage with his daughter.

Chi Tan praised Bruce Lee not only as a philosopher, but also as a great martial artist and innovator. "He made kung fu films realistic and changed the language of movies." Chi Tan revealed that he has known Lee Heung Ying for more than 25 years, and this was the third time they have met in person. He also revealed that he would discuss with Lee Heung Ying the possibility of adding the role of Bruce Lee in the new "IP MAN" film. The soonest the project could be promoted would be next year. Lee Heung Ying smiled and said that she would gladly meet again. "I admire Donnie Yen's performance and sincerity, and I look forward to new collaboration in the future. I hope everyone will look forward to it."

Chi Tan was focusing on preparing for the spin-off of "JOHN WICK", which he would direct and act in. He planned to start filming after the Lunar New Year. He actively strives to film in Hong Kong, hoping to show the world the beauty of Hong Kong. The film will also shoot in Budapest. He also revealed that the film will include Hong Kong actors, suggesting that actors who are fluent in English will have more points. Agility instead would not the most important, but whether they are suitable for the role. Would it be enough for him to "fight" alone? He laughed and said, "Everyone in the film will be fighting, let's see if they would be the one hitting or the one getting hit!" Would Keanu Reeves participate? Chi Tan said: "There are many possibilities, and you will know which actors will perform when the film starts production."

Lee Heung Ying said that she felt very intimate when she returned to Hong Kong. "This is where my father grew up, trained, and created his legend." She admired her father's vision and wisdom the most, and followed his philosophy of self-expression and unity. "Even though I lost him at a young age, he continued to teach and inspire me through his writings." As she grew up, she continued to gain new insights into her father's writings, and these wisdoms helped her a lot in life.

She said emotionally, "He will always live in my heart and continue his spirit through his words, movies and those who love him." She was grateful that everyone still remembered her father, "I think my father's thinking was ahead of his time. 52 years later we have only begun to truly understand his teachings." She emphasized that her father's thoughts not only belonged to the martial arts world, but also a philosophy of life that every ordinary person could relate to. She thanked the MTR for bringing the exhibition into the MTR space, so that more citizens could encounter Bruce Lee's spirit in their daily journeys.