Hong Kong’s entertainment elite gathered in Tsim Sha Tsui last night for the highly anticipated premiere of the martial arts epic A Step into the Past, setting the stage for its simultaneous New Year’s Eve debut across Asia. Producer and lead actor Louis Koo, alongside co-stars Raymond Lam and Jessica Hsuan, walked the red carpet at the Avenue of Stars, drawing massive crowds eager to catch a glimpse of the revival of the iconic franchise.
The event crackled with energy, notably when a group of Raymond Lam’s supporters, wearing Qin dynasty terracotta warrior masks, loudly hailed their favorite star as “The Great King,” highlighting the deep cultural relevance of the time-travel narrative.
Record Screenings Fuel High Box Office Hopes
The film, which opens today across Hong Kong, mainland China, and Malaysia, is generating immense commercial buzz. Speaking to reporters, Louis Koo expressed optimism regarding the box office performance, noting that the opening day schedule is remarkably packed, a testament to distributor confidence.
Koo revealed the film is scheduled for an unprecedented 1,460 screenings on its first day of release.
“We are hopeful for satisfactory results with the public’s support,” Koo stated, cautiously optimistic about the film’s prospects against existing records. When pressed on whether the film could surpass the single-day box office record held by a recent horror film, Koo acknowledged the ambition, stating that it remains a key target.
Jessica Hsuan playfully commented on the tight schedule, suggesting the number of screenings felt “more frequent than buses.”
Nostalgia Drives Revival and Fan Theories
A Step Into the Past is benefiting significantly from the collective nostalgia surrounding the original television series. Hsuan noted the film’s buzz has unearthed “archaeological footage” of her earlier career, including forgotten singing and dancing clips, which she now views as a pleasant retrospective find.
The long-standing on-screen chemistry between Koo and Hsuan was also a hot topic. Koo clarified their status as a “screen couple” following media queries about their promotion efforts. Hsuan noted the widespread fan consensus that she is the only person who can “manage” Koo, a sentiment the actor embraced.
“Being able to conquer him is quite an achievement,” Koo joked, while Hsuan expressed that she found the public’s sentiment “flattering.”
The co-stars also addressed the possibility of a celebratory dance should the film achieve monumental success. While Koo and Lam have already contributed to multiple versions of the film’s theme song, including an “amazing” English version of “Destiny Above All,” Hsuan was resolute on not performing a dance routine.
“Absolutely no chance,” Hsuan laughed, suggesting such a collaboration would have to wait for “the next lifetime.”
Extending the Promotional Push
In a significant move to maximize audience reach during the holiday period, Louis Koo revealed plans to spend New Year’s Eve away from Hong Kong for the first time in years. Koo confirmed he will participate in a series of promotional visits, starting with a post-screening fan meeting in Guangzhou on New Year’s Eve. Subsequent stops are anticipated across other key territories.
Beyond the theatrical circuit, Koo welcomed the news of external support campaigns, noting that some dining establishments were offering special promotions to capitalize on the film’s release, a clear sign of the broad cultural foothold the franchise maintains.
The success of A Step into the Past will not only gauge the enduring appeal of classic intellectual property but also serve as a test case for simultaneous regional releases during peak holiday seasons, potentially influencing future distribution strategies across Asian markets. Ticket sales and initial audience reception figures are expected to be closely monitored throughout the weekend.
