Warrior Season 4: Cast and Crew Rally for the Final Chapter

Since its debut in 2019, Warrior has captivated audiences with its unique blend of historical fiction and martial arts. Set during the Tong Wars of the 1870s in San Francisco, the show follows the intense rivalry between Chinese and Irish gangs vying for control of the city. Olivia Cheng, who plays Ah Toy, a respected madam and business owner, leads the talented cast.

Challenges and Setbacks

Season 3 of Warrior faced setbacks right from the start. The season premiered on June 29, only to be followed by a strike announced by SAG-AFTRA on July 13. As a result, the cast had to step away from promoting the show, leaving fans to eagerly anticipate the new season without their involvement. Reflecting on these challenges, Olivia Cheng humorously remarks, “We’ve gone through two corporate mergers, two losses of contracts, a global pandemic, a historic strike. It’s one of those things that you kind of have to laugh about it otherwise you’re going to cry.”

Returning to the Characters

Returning to their characters after years of absence proved to be a unique experience for the cast. Cheng explains that coming back to a character they had laid to rest was uncharted territory. Additionally, the aftermath of a global pandemic and the rise in violence against Asian Americans left Cheng feeling numb, making it difficult to find an anchor for her performance.

While fans rejoiced as Ah Toy took on her role as the avenging angel once again, Cheng struggled to find closure personally. She had hoped that Season 3 would be cathartic for her as an actor, but like Ah Toy, she still felt a sense of emptiness after the final battle. However, with the move to Netflix, the cast of Warrior has united once more, launching a social media campaign and media blitz in the hopes of securing a Season 4 renewal.

The Fight for Season 4

The cast’s determination to fight for another season stems from their artistic desire for a second chance. Cheng explains that the hardships they have faced over the years have left them feeling unsatisfied with Season 3. As “ferocious guardians” of their characters, they are keenly aware of the show’s place in Bruce Lee’s legacy and want to bid farewell on their own terms.

Ideas for a potential Season 4 are already swirling among the cast. Cheng envisions exploring alliances formed or fractured, particularly the consequences faced by Ah Sahm (played by Andrew Koji) as he chooses blood over loyalty. She also expresses a desire to see the return of Joanna Vanderham’s Penelope Blake, a character whose storyline was disrupted by a corporate merger. The cast believes there is still much to explore and hopes for the stars to align for a possible return.

Continuing the Legacy

Beyond the storyline possibilities, another season of Warrior offers the chance for the cast and crew to continue working together, a group that deeply cares for one another. Cheng sees this as an opportunity to honor Bruce Lee and emphasizes the fortuitous timing of the show’s move to Netflix during the Year of the Dragon.

While diehard fans of Warrior may have endured the show’s ups and downs, Cheng is excited about the fresh start on Netflix. She hopes that audiences will be swept up in the world they have painstakingly created, falling in love with the flawed and contradictory characters. If Warrior stays true to its message of resilience, it may be premature to count the series out just yet.

The Final Battle

As the cast and crew rally for a Season 4 renewal, they remain determined to give Warrior the ending it deserves. With their unwavering passion and dedication, they hope to continue the legacy of the show and leave a lasting impact on audiences.