This year will be another busy year bustling with a variety of new Hong Kong films. Film executives and directors have their hopes up in chasing both the Hong Kong and lucrative mainland China markets.

Ip Man 3

The most highly anticipated new Hong Kong film is of course Ip Man 3 <葉問 3> in 3D. Since it was announced last April that Donnie Yen (甄子丹) has agreed to film Ip Man 3, worldwide fans were ecstatic. The third installment will focus on the relationship between Ip Man and his most famous disciple, Bruce Lee. The actor to portray the young 16-year-old Bruce Lee has still not been determined yet, and the production team may conduct open auditions for the role.

Donnie Yen said he did not know when the filming for Ip Man 3 will commence. Donnie indicated that the filming date of Ip Man 3 would depend on director Wilson Yip (葉偉信), who is the soul of the project.

Hong Kong Police Story 2013

The Hong Kong Police Story <警察故事> film franchise is one of Jackie Chan’s (成龍) best-known works. Last November, it was announced that Jackie will film Hong Kong Police Story 2013, in which he portrays a police officer in mainland China. The new film will feature a completely new story line and characters separate from the original film franchise.

Mainland actors Liu Ye (刘烨) and Huang Bo (黄渤) join Jackie in the new action-fest. Filming is currently underway.

Lost in Thailand Sequel

The film, Lost in Thailand <人再囧途之泰囧>, broke all-time box office records in mainland China by earning 1.2 billion RMB. Universe International Chairman, Daneil Lam (林小明), wants to capitalize on the financial success and quickly film a sequel. Earlier, he met up with the film’s director, Raymond Yip (葉偉民), to discuss plans of the second installment. Daneil exclaimed, “I hope to film a movie that will ingratiate Hong Kong with mainland China.”

Besides the sequel of Lost in Thailand, Daneil will also commence the filming of a horror movie, Metamorphosis <變役>, directed by Danny Pang (彭發). This movie will feature a star-studded cast with veteran actors including Louis Koo (古天樂), Sean Lau (劉青雲), and Nick Cheung (張家輝).

On the other hand, Conspirators <同謀>, a film in which Daneil and Paco Wong (黄柏高) from Sun Entertainment and Culture had invested in last year, starring Aaron Kwok (郭富城) and Nick Cheung, is set to arrive in cinemas in April 2013.

Sean Lau and Louis Koo’s fire disaster film, Inferno 3D <逃出生天 3D>, is currently in post-production, ready to premiere in August.

SPL 2

Paco Wong will also be busy working on the script of SPL 2 <殺破狼II>, in hopes of bringing it into the Hong Kong and mainland market. The first installment, starring Donnie Yen, had been a success within Hong Kong, but had unfortunately failed to enter mainland. However, the cast for SPL 2 is currently unannounced.

Young and Dangerous

Director Wong Jing’s (王晶) new movie, Young and Dangerous: Reloaded <古惑仔: 江湖新秩序>, featuring Him Law (羅仲謙) in Ekin Cheng’s (鄭伊健) well-loved triad role. He approached the film with a wait-and-see attitude. Wong Jing stated that if the film performs successfully at the box office, he will consider producing further installments.

Source: Ming Pao; Sing Tao

This article is written by Shirley for JayneStars.com.