KUALA LUMPUR – Hong Kong actor Wong Ka-lok is stepping into uncharted territory with his first lead role in a feature film, the supernatural thriller Spirit Realm (working title 靈幻異界), now shooting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The 40-year-old television veteran, known for supporting roles in numerous TVB dramas, described the project as a milestone that delivers three “firsts” in one: his maiden trip to Malaysia for filming, his first foray into the horror genre, and his debut as a film lead. Speaking to reporters, Wong admitted he rarely watches scary movies, making the script reading an unexpectedly unsettling experience.
“I was reading it in broad daylight, and I still got goosebumps,” Wong said. “But the story also has a lot of emotional depth, not just scares. Right now, I’m feeling both excited and nervous.”
Embracing a ‘Newcomer’ Mindset
Wong said he is approaching the role with humility despite his 15-plus years in television. “I’m grateful for this opportunity. I told myself to treat it as if I’m a newcomer,” he explained. “I’ve been in TV for a long time, but I’ve only acted in a handful of films. This is a chance to learn, to challenge myself, and to prove that I can bring something fresh to the screen.”
He added that his passion for acting is driving him to deliver a performance that redefines his image for audiences.
Dark Rituals and ‘Kuman Thong’ Killings
Wong offered a small plot teaser, revealing that the film includes a scene involving the Kuman Thong — a Southeast Asian folk spirit often associated with dark rituals, including infanticide. The actor said that while he was already spooked by the script, he approached the role with deep respect for local beliefs.
“This is the first time I’m working on a project tied to Southeast Asian supernatural lore. I did my homework beforehand — I researched the origins of the Kuman Thong — because I wanted to honor the culture,” he said.
Real-Life Paranormal Encounters on Set
When asked whether he had ever experienced strange occurrences during filming, Wong recalled a chilling incident while shooting a costume drama in Hong Kong’s New Territories.
“A female co-star whispered to me that she felt someone was swaying behind her. She gestured with her eyes. I looked at the spot behind her — I couldn’t see anything, but the atmosphere felt wrong,” Wong said. “Later, the cameraman told us he saw our eyes moving in sync, as if following something. We didn’t want to scare the crew, so we just said we were tired from the overnight shoot.”
Before departing for Malaysia, Wong said his wife urged him to bring a protective Buddhist amulet, or phra phim, for the duration of filming.
Broader Context
Wong’s leap into a lead role reflects a growing trend of Hong Kong television actors crossing over into regional cinema, particularly in Southeast Asia’s booming horror genre. Spirit Realm is being produced by a Malaysian-Hong Kong joint venture, tapping into cross-border talent and local folklore to appeal to audiences across Asia.
The film is expected to wrap principal photography within the next month. No release date has been announced.
For fans of Asian horror, this project joins a lineage of films that blend local spiritual traditions with commercial storytelling — a formula that has proven successful in markets like Thailand, Indonesia, and now Malaysia.
