"Wings of Dread": Iko Uwais Returns in a High-Flying Martial Arts Action Thriller. 👊

 A New Era of Martial Arts Cinema Begins with Wings of Dread

The action movie world is buzzing with excitement as Indonesian martial arts sensation Iko Uwais prepares to take flight in his latest film, Wings of Dread. Known globally for his explosive performances in The Raid and The Raid 2, Uwais steps into a high-altitude action thriller that promises intense fights, heart-stopping stunts, and skybound suspense.

Produced in partnership with Chinese streaming powerhouse iQIYI, Wings of Dread marks the beginning of a major international collaboration. The film will be directed by Qin Pengfei—recognized for his gritty style in Fight Against Evil and Black Storm—and co-directed by martial arts veteran Ashton Chen (also known as Shi Xiaolong), best known for his role in Ip Man 2. Chen will also star alongside Uwais, setting the stage for an electrifying on-screen chemistry.

What to Expect: A Blend of Classic Action and Modern Martial Arts

While plot details remain under wraps, early promotional materials hint at a high-voltage thriller in the tradition of cult classics like The Delta Force, Passenger 57, and Executive Decision. The teaser poster features Uwais in full tactical gear aboard what appears to be a hijacked aircraft—suggesting a blend of aviation-based suspense and close-quarters combat rarely seen since the 90s heyday of airborne action films.

Comparisons have already been drawn with the recent Chinese action hit High Forces, starring Andy Lau. However, Wings of Dread stands out thanks to its international scope, combining the brutal elegance of Indonesian pencak silat with Chinese martial arts and a global production scale.

Iko Uwais: A Powerhouse of Martial Arts Cinema

For fans of action cinema, Iko Uwais needs no introduction. His background in silat and his ability to choreograph breathtaking, bone-crunching fight sequences have earned him international acclaim. Films like Headshot, Beyond Skyline, and Triple Threat have showcased his range—from gritty, grounded brutality to science fiction-infused action.

What sets Uwais apart is his dedication to practical stunts and realistic combat. In a genre often overloaded with CGI, he brings a raw physicality that resonates with purists of martial arts cinema. His presence alone is enough to raise the profile of Wings of Dread among die-hard genre fans.

Ashton Chen and Qin Pengfei Bring Their A-Game

Joining Uwais is Ashton Chen, a former Shaolin child prodigy who grew into a respected actor and martial artist in his own right. Chen’s experience in traditional kung fu films and modern action dramas makes him the perfect complement to Uwais’s intense, silat-based fighting style. The idea of these two martial arts masters sharing the screen is enough to make action fans count down the days to release.

Director Qin Pengfei brings his flair for dynamic action and dark, gripping storytelling. His previous work, especially in Black Storm, has been praised for its tight pacing and brutal realism. With Pengfei and Chen at the helm, Wings of Dread promises not only breathtaking choreography but also a compelling narrative that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

iQIYI’s Bold Move into Global Action Cinema

With Wings of Dread, iQIYI is clearly positioning itself as a major player in the global action movie market. By teaming up with Iko Uwais and combining elements of Eastern and Western martial arts cinema, the streaming giant is aiming to capture audiences beyond Asia.

The film also represents a bold step in Uwais’s career, pushing him further into the international spotlight. After years of standout roles in Asian and Hollywood productions, Wings of Dread might just be the movie that catapults him into mainstream Western recognition as the next great action icon.

Stay Tuned for More on Wings of Dread

Whether you’re a lifelong martial arts movie fan or just looking for the next adrenaline-fueled thrill ride, Wings of Dread is shaping up to be one of the must-see action films of the year. From sky-high suspense to grounded, gritty fight sequences, this movie aims to deliver it all.

Stay with us for the latest updates on Wings of Dread—from behind-the-scenes looks to release dates and exclusive interviews with the cast and crew.