Jackie Chan to Film 'Armour of God: Ultimatum' in Kazakhstan, Marking Historic Film Collaboration

Jackie Chan is bringing his legendary Armour of God franchise to the rugged landscapes of Kazakhstan for its fourth chapter — and the country’s film industry has never seen anything like it. On October 6, 2025, Sālem Entertainment confirmed via Instagram that Jackie Chan will direct and star in Armour of God: Ultimatum, with principal photography centered in Almaty. The announcement came just weeks after Chan personally toured the city in late September, scouting locations alongside local crews — a rare move for a global superstar who’s spent six decades dodging bullets, leaping from buildings, and doing his own stunts. This isn’t just another movie. It’s a cultural milestone for Kazakhstan.

Why Kazakhstan? The Hidden Gem of Global Cinema

Kazakhstan isn’t the first place you’d think of for an action blockbuster. But that’s exactly why it works. The country’s sweeping steppes, snow-capped mountains, and Soviet-era architecture offer a visual palette no Hollywood backlot can replicate. Almaty, once the capital, has already doubled as a South Korean marketplace in an Indian film and will now become the backdrop for Chan’s high-octane treasure hunt. The capital, Astana, previously stood in for a cyberpunk metropolis in the film Alter. These aren’t coincidences. They’re proof that Kazakhstan’s government has been quietly building infrastructure — tax incentives, skilled crews, and streamlined permits — to attract international productions.

The timing couldn’t be better. At the Digital Bridge 2025 forum in Astana, Igor Tsai, CEO of Sālem Entertainment, made the official announcement directly to the President of Kazakhstan. That kind of high-level engagement signals more than just a film shoot — it’s a national investment in cultural visibility. "We can now officially reveal details of Jackie Chan’s visit to Almaty," read Sālem’s October 6 statement. "Most of the production will take place in Kazakhstan. It’s going to be something truly spectacular."

The Legacy Behind the Camera

The Armour of God series began in 1986 with a low-budget Hong Kong adventure that became a global sensation. Chan wrote, directed, and starred — all while performing death-defying stunts that still inspire today. The sequel, Operation Condor (1991), expanded the franchise’s appeal. Then came Chinese Zodiac (2012), which raked in $171.3 million worldwide on a $26 million budget. That’s a 6.6x return — the kind of numbers studios dream of.

Now, at 71, Chan shows no signs of slowing down. In a recent interview with Haute Living, he was blunt: "I always do my own stunts. It’s part of who I am. That won’t change until I retire. And retirement doesn’t interest me." That commitment is why fans are already buzzing. No CGI stands in for his physicality. When he falls from a cliff in Ultimatum, it’ll be real. And if the rumors are true, he’s already rehearsing in Almaty’s mountain trails.

What’s at Stake for Kazakhstan

This isn’t just about a movie. It’s about perception. For decades, Kazakhstan was seen as a quiet post-Soviet state — rich in oil, but culturally invisible on the global stage. Now, it’s becoming a cinematic destination. Sālem Entertainment called the production "one of the largest film collaborations in the country’s history," a claim echoed by The Caspian Post and Times CA. The economic ripple effects will be tangible: hundreds of local crew members hired, hotels booked, restaurants bustling, and equipment rentals soaring.

But the cultural impact may be even bigger. Imagine a young girl in Shymkent watching Jackie Chan swing from a minaret in Almaty — and realizing that her country can be the star, not just the backdrop. The government has already signaled its support. The fact that Tsai briefed the President personally suggests this is part of a broader strategy to position Kazakhstan as a creative hub, not just a resource exporter.

What We Don’t Know — And Why It Matters

Plot details? Still locked down. Budget? Not disclosed. But insiders say it’s likely north of $80 million, making it one of the most expensive films ever shot in Central Asia. Chan is expected to return to Kazakhstan in early 2026 for a multi-month shoot, with locations spanning the Tian Shan mountains, the Charyn Canyon, and possibly even the abandoned Soviet missile silos near Baikonur.

And while rumors swirled that Chan’s September trip was to attend a Real Madrid vs. FC Kairat football match, Sālem Entertainment quickly shut that down. "His visit was strictly professional," the company said. "He was here to build a film — not to watch one."

What’s Next?

The next 12 months will be critical. Sālem Entertainment has promised "updates" soon, and industry watchers expect the first teaser trailer to drop by late 2026 — likely timed to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the original Armour of God. If the film delivers on its promise, Kazakhstan could become a regular stop for Hollywood blockbusters. Already, teams from India, Turkey, and Germany have inquired about using local locations.

For Jackie Chan, it’s another chapter in a career defined by pushing boundaries. For Kazakhstan, it’s a chance to rewrite its global narrative — one stunt, one location, one frame at a time.