Ip Man 2 is an upcoming 2010 semi-biographical martial arts film, a sequel to the 2008 film Ip Man. It is also the second film, following its predecessor, to be based on the life of Ip Man, a grandmaster of Wing Chun martial arts. The film was directed by Wilson Yip, and stars Donnie Yen, who reprises the leading role. Continuing after the events of Ip Man, the sequel centers on Ip's movements in Hong Kong, which is under British colonial rule. He attempts to propagate his discipline of Wing Chun, but faces rivalry from other practitioners, including the local master of Hung Ga martial arts. Ip Man 2 will also focus on a young Bruce Lee, who would later become one of Ip's most famed disciples.
Producer Raymond Wong first announced a sequel prior to Ip Man's theatrical release in December 2008. The film was intended to focus on the relationship between Ip Man and Bruce Lee, but the filmmakers were unable to finalize negotiations with Lee's descendants and decided to portray Lee as a child. Among the hundreds of young actors auditioning for the role, 10-year-old Jiang Dai Yan was cast in the supporting role. Principal photography for Ip Man 2 began in August 2009 and ended in November; filming took place inside a studio located in Shanghai. Wilson Yip aimed to create a more dramatic martial arts film in terms of story and characterization, while Wong's son, screenwriter Edmond Wong, wanted the film to portray how Chinese people were treated when Hong Kong was a British colony, as well as the Western perceptions towards Chinese martial arts. Apart from appearing in a supporting role, Sammo Hung returned as the film's martial arts choreographer.
Ip Man 2 is scheduled for a theatrical release on 29 April 2010 in Malaysia.
