HONG KONG — A highly anticipated cinematic continuation of the immensely popular time-travel saga, A Step into the Past, is set to premiere on December 31, 2025, with the original ensemble cast reprising their iconic roles. The film, also known as A Step into the Past: The Movie, promises to deliver a powerful dose of nostalgia while bringing a conclusive, high-stakes narrative to the saga that first captivated audiences two decades ago.
The production company confirmed the release date following the unveiling of the official trailer and three final promotional posters today, immediately generating buzz among dedicated fans. Lead actors Louis Koo (as Hong Siu-lung), Raymond Lam (as Qin Emperor Chiu Poon), Jessica Hsuan (as Wu Ting-fong), Sonija Kwok (as Chun Ching), and Michelle Saram (as Sin Yau) are prominently featured, signaling a monumental reunion designed to tap into the collective memory of the series’ faithful following.
Ancient Feuds Resurface: A Clash of Eras
The newly released trailer establishes a dramatic premise, setting the stage years after the television series concluded. While Qin Shi Huang—the former apprentice Chiu Poon, now a ruthless emperor—has achieved the unification of China, his mentor, modern-day traveler Hong Siu-lung, is living a quiet, secluded life. The fragile peace is shattered when the unresolved conflict between master and apprentice reignites, forcing Siu-lung out of retirement to protect his family and home from the turbulent political landscape.
Adding a modern twist, the full plot synopsis reveals the introduction of a new antagonist, Ken (played by Michael Miu), a modern man consumed by the ambition to travel back in time to usurps the throne, fundamentally altering history. Ken’s arrival forces the formidable Emperor Chiu Poon to seek out his former master, Siu-lung, leading to a complex entanglement of three figures vying for control in a volatile Qin Dynasty. The central conflict revolves around Siu-lung’s struggle to resolve his destined feud with Chiu Poon and his ultimate goal: finding a way back to his own time.
New Generations and Visual Storytelling
Beyond the returning familiar faces, the film will expand the narrative with new characters, signaling a broader scope than the original series. Notably, the trailer introduces Hong Bo-yee (played by Chuck Lam), the son of Hong Siu-lung who was merely an infant in the TV series, now grown into a skilled young warrior who is historically identified as the future Hegemon-King of Western Chu, Xiang Yu. This development suggests the film aims to connect the personal fate of the protagonist to significant historical events.
The three final posters released today utilize striking visuals to symbolize the core themes of the film. The Duo Poster centers on the confrontation between Siu-lung and Chiu Poon, placing them against a backdrop of Terracotta Army sculptures and historical dust, emphasizing the “master-apprentice enmity” and “power struggle” that defines their relationship.
The Hong Siu-lung Poster highlights his role as a temporal anomaly, depicting Koo in contemporary tactical gear against an ancient setting, underscoring his isolation as a time traveler thrust into a challenging era. Conversely, the Qin Emperor Poster portrays Lam regal and imposing, seated with a sword, illustrating his transformation from a young ruler to an oppressive emperor commanding absolute power.
The return of the iconic soundtrack and this compelling visual campaign are clearly aimed at engaging long-time “Step into the Past” aficionados. Based on the widely successful Wuxia novel by the late writer Huang Yi, this film serves as a long-awaited sequel, striving to honor the original character development while progressing the classic narrative toward a conclusive resolution nearly twenty years in the making.
