Wu Assassins

Inside Wu Assassins: The Netflix Martial Arts Series That Showcased Iko Uwais’ Star Power

Netflix’s Wu Assassins (2019) arrived as a high-octane blend of supernatural action and crime drama, anchored by Indonesian martial arts star Iko Uwais. The series, set in San Francisco’s Chinatown, follows Kai Jin (Uwais), a chef unknowingly harboring the spirit of the Wu Assassin—a warrior destined to hunt down five supernatural criminals threatening to unleash chaos. latestnetflix.com's view is that while the show’s mix of fantasy and fight choreography drew comparisons to Uwais’ breakout film The Raid, its behind-the-scenes story reveals a production that leaned heavily on practical stunts, a diverse cast, and a deliberate push to spotlight Asian talent in Hollywood.

A Show Built on Real Fights

From the outset, Wu Assassins prioritized practical fight sequences over CGI, a hallmark of Uwais’ career. The series’ behind-the-scenes featurettes highlight the intensive training and choreography that went into each battle, with Uwais and co-stars performing many of their own stunts. The show’s fight coordinator, Brett Chan (John Wick franchise), worked closely with Uwais to blend silat (Indonesian martial arts) with other disciplines, creating a distinct visual style. One featurette even shows Uwais and the cast rehearsing fight scenes in a gym, emphasizing the physical toll of the production.

The commitment to practical action extended to the show’s supernatural elements. While the series features fire-wielding villains and mystical powers, the fight scenes often relied on wirework and practical effects rather than heavy digital enhancement . This approach earned praise from fans of Uwais’ work, who appreciated the authenticity it brought to the series .

A Cast of Rising and Established Stars

Wu Assassins assembled a mix of rising and veteran actors, many of whom brought their own martial arts backgrounds to the table. Uwais, already a global action star, was joined by Byron Mann (The Man in the High Castle), who played Uncle Six, a crime boss with a hidden agenda. Katheryn Winnick (Vikings), though not a martial artist, trained extensively for her role as Christine "CG" Gavin, a cop entangled in Kai’s world .

The supporting cast included Li Jun Li (Quantico) as Jenny Wah, a chef with her own secrets, and Lawrence Kao as Tommy Wah, Kai’s best friend. Kao, a trained dancer, adapted his movement skills to the show’s fight choreography, as seen in interviews and featurettes . The chemistry among the cast was a recurring talking point in reviews, with critics noting how their dynamic elevated the show’s emotional stakes .

Mixed Reception and a Cult Following

Despite its ambitious action and diverse cast, Wu Assassins received a lukewarm critical response. The French review aggregator SensCritique gave it a 4.8/10 based on 388 votes , citing uneven pacing and a convoluted plot. Some reviewers praised the fight scenes and Uwais’ performance but criticized the writing, particularly in later episodes. The show’s supernatural elements, while a draw for some fans, were divisive—some found them inventive, while others felt they detracted from the grounded crime drama setup.

Still, Wu Assassins developed a cult following, particularly among martial arts enthusiasts and fans of Uwais’ filmography. The show’s trailer and behind-the-scenes content amassed millions of views, suggesting strong engagement from action fans. Rumors of a potential second season circulated after the first season’s release, but as of now, no official confirmation has been made.

**The Legacy of *Wu Assassins***

While Wu Assassins may not have been a critical darling, it played a role in the broader push for Asian representation in Hollywood. Uwais, who also starred in Triple Threat (2019) alongside Tony Jaa and Tiger Hu Chen , became a recognizable face in the action genre, bridging the gap between indie martial arts films and mainstream streaming content. The show’s blend of fantasy and crime drama also set it apart from typical action fare, offering a fresh take on the genre.

For fans of Uwais and practical fight choreography, Wu Assassins remains a standout entry in Netflix’s action catalog. Its behind-the-scenes featurettes offer a glimpse into the physical demands of the production, while the cast’s chemistry keeps the story engaging despite its flaws. Whether or not the series gets a second life, it’s a testament to the growing appetite for diverse, high-energy action on streaming platforms.