HONG KONG – Filmmaker and actor Stephen Fung made a splash at the 27th Hong Kong Animation and Comic Convention on Thursday, unveiling his own original animated intellectual property, “Bucket Man.” The appearance drew a crowd of fans and industry peers, including legendary local comic artist Wong Yuk-long, who visited Fung’s booth to exchange creative insights.
Fung, a self-professed comic book enthusiast since childhood, said his new project is deeply rooted in the distinctive culture of Hong Kong. He credited classic local comics such as “Teddy Boy” and “Drunken Fist” as major inspirations, shaping the aesthetic and storytelling of “Bucket Man.” Speaking at the convention, Fung recalled his early days as a fan, scouring comic fairs for collectibles—including model swords and knives from the hit series “Fung Wan” and movie posters from Wong Kar-wai films. Those items, he noted, have likely appreciated in value over the years. He admitted he has never tried cosplay and does not rent storage for his collection, though he did reveal his most prized possession: a signed copy of a “Harry Potter” book.
Fung revealed that “Bucket Man” is already in development for a first animated episode, with production nearly complete. The project is currently in talks with streaming platforms for distribution. To appeal to a global audience, the initial release will be in English, with a Cantonese-dubbed version to follow later. When asked if he would voice the lead character, Fung demurred, explaining that the protagonist is only about 10 years old. “My voice isn’t suitable,” he said. “It’s better to find a professional voice actor with recognition.” Responding to a question about whether his wife, actress Shu Qi, might lend her voice, he smiled: “She’s certainly very famous, but she’s extremely busy.”
Fung also took time to congratulate actress Angela Yuen, his co-star from the upcoming film “The Fourth Act,” for winning the “Asia Star Award” at the 25th New York Asian Film Festival. He added that he still has promotional duties at other festivals in the coming weeks.
Remembering a Screen Legend
When asked about the recent passing of veteran actor Patrick Tse, Fung said he had sent a message of condolence to Tse’s son, Nicholas Tse, and received a brief reply: “OK.” Fung admitted he was not fully aware of Tse’s recent health condition but expressed deep regret over the loss. “He lived a very rich life,” Fung said. “His spirit and wisdom are truly worthy of our respect. I’m fortunate to own the rights to his 1967 film ‘The Story of a Discharged Prisoner’ and have even had it restored in 4K. That’s a small connection I share with him.”
Fung reflected on the broader loss felt by the film community, recalling how on social media, he recently saw tributes to both Tse and the late comedian Ng Man-tat, with whom Tse starred in the classic “Shaolin Soccer.” “To have such talented actors leave us one after another—it’s truly sad,” he said.
Fung’s appearance at the convention underscores a growing trend of Hong Kong celebrities leveraging their cultural heritage to create original intellectual property, aiming to bridge local nostalgia with global streaming markets. With “Bucket Man” poised for release, Fung is betting that a quintessentially Hong Kong story, told in English, can find a home on international platforms.
