Kung Fu Deadly world premieres at Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas on Friday, September 18, 2026, screening at 5:15 p.m. CDT in Theater 4 at Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar. The Ireland–Australia co-production marks the leading-man debut of sketch comedy creator Steven He.
Set on the streets of Dublin, the film follows two hapless rat catchers who cross paths with a kung-fu Taoist Guardian pursuing an undead Chinese jiangshi. He and newcomer Michael Tient star as the pair of bumbling exterminators, who have to put down the poison spray, uncover a few family secrets, and rid the city of a supernatural menace the only way they know how: extermination.
Fergal Costello directs, best known for his BAFTA-winning short Brain in Gear. Paddy McDonald (Predestination) wrote the screenplay and produced alongside Nicholas Cooper (Zombie Plane). Stunt coordinator Lee Huang (Dune: Prophecy, Warrior Nun) served as action director. The supporting cast includes Gemma Chua-Tran (Heartbreak High), Jason Tobin (Warrior), Max Huang (Mortal Kombat), and Steve Wall (Dune: Part Two).
The 96-minute film was made under the co-production agreement between the governments of Australia and Ireland, financed by Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland in association with Parc Entertainment Capital, Screen Queensland, Coimisiún na Meán, and Chop Shop Post.
“Directing Kung Fu Deadly with this cast and this crew and this script has been the highlight of my career and I can’t wait for audiences at Fantastic Fest to get in on the high-kicking, high-adventure ACTION!” said director Fergal Costello.
Costello, He, Chua-Tran, and McDonald are all attending the festival. Reviews are embargoed until the premiere. Screening details and passes are available at fantasticfest.com.
