HONG KONG – TVB management yesterday announced plans for a highly anticipated spin-off focusing on one of its most popular characters from the flagship drama “The Queen of News,” igniting excitement among cast and viewers alike. The announcement came during a promotional event for the upcoming sequel, The Queen of News 2, attended by leading stars including Gao Haining, Venus Wong, Hera Chan, Matthew Ho, and Hubert Wu.

Executive Producer Chung Shu-Kai confirmed that while a third installment of the main series is still under consideration, planning is underway for a standalone drama centered on Gao Haining’s compelling character, Xu Shiqing. Gao Haining, who learned the news during the event, expressed shock and delight, noting the announcement immediately dispelled her lingering fatigue from a recent trip to Macau.

“I had seen fan-written prequels—like fan fiction—about Xu Shiqing’s past online, but never imagined it would genuinely become a reality,” Gao shared, voicing her surprise. When pressed on whether she preferred the spin-off or The Queen of News 3 to film first, the actress leaned toward the prequel. She suggested that filming the character’s backstory would allow the producers more time to develop an even richer and more engaging plot for the third season of the main drama. Gao Haining further elaborated that the journey of Xu Shiqing—a constantly evolving character involved in intricate political maneuvering within the information department—is ripe for deeper exploration and extension.

Analyzing Character Development and Fan Impact

The decision to focus on Xu Shiqing underscores the significant influence of fan engagement on modern television production. The character’s journey from ambitious newcomer to powerful operator has resonated deeply with audiences globally.

Her co-stars warmly welcomed the news. Venus Wong expressed genuine happiness for Gao Haining and excitement for what she believes will be a “spectacular story.” Hera Chan, who portrays the villainous Tang Zhiyao in the series, looks forward to understanding Xu Shiqing’s complex beginnings.

Reflecting on her own antagonistic role, Chan discussed the challenging experience of playing a character who faces intense online hatred. “I’ve seen comments saying people want to slap my character,” Chan said, emphasizing her desire for viewers to look beyond the character’s actions and understand her underlying struggles and motivations. Wong, whose character Liu Yan experiences constant criticism but uses it as a catalyst for growth, highlighted the relatable nature of imperfect characters. “Not everyone is a genius,” Wong stated, “it’s the continuous process of learning and growing that makes a character interesting.”

Reflecting on Live Performance Challenges

The promotion event also served as an opportunity for the cast to address recent attention surrounding their high-profile live performance of “The Youngsters” during the TVB Anniversary Gala, an event widely described online as disorganized.

Gao Haining acknowledged the inherent difficulty of live broadcasts, especially for actors who are not professional singers. She pointed to nervousness, technical challenges—including slight auditory delays in monitoring the music—and limited rehearsal time as contributing factors.

“The most crucial element was communicating the internal emotional conflicts of our characters,” Gao explained, revealing that she was moved to tears during her own part. When asked about comments suggesting she effectively “saved” the performance, the actress demurred, humbly attributing any perceived success to the intensity of her genuine emotion rather than rehearsal.

Meanwhile, regarding the absence of veteran host Mayanne Mak from the recent Gala, Gao Haining felt the atmosphere would have been elevated had Mak been present, but complimented the newcomers who capably stepped in to host the annual event.

The planned Xu Shiqing spin-off marks an ambitious expansion of The Queen of News universe, committing to the detailed character development and quality storytelling that built the franchise’s initial success. Fans can expect further details on both the standalone series and plans for The Queen of News 3 in the coming months as production schedules solidify.

The gritty Hong Kong boxing film, Golden Boy, celebrated a major milestone this week, shattering the HK$1 million box office mark, culminating in a series of star-studded fan appreciation events that delighted cinephiles across the city. The momentum was capped by a surprise appearance from a veteran superstar, lending considerable weight to the film’s growing reputation.

The film’s lead actor, Louis Cheung, has been central to the outreach efforts, dedicating his time to engage directly with audiences following key screenings. The most significant event occurred today, where Cheung hosted a special fan session alongside fellow acting heavyweight Nick Cheung. The appearance of the two acclaimed stars in the cinema hall was a massive draw, generating significant buzz and rewarding attendees of the “specials screening.”

Star Power Drives Fan Engagement

The celebrated reunion of the two notable actors holds particular resonance for dedicated filmgoers. Nick Cheung is highly regarded for his BAFTA-nominated role as “Scumbag Fai” in the critically acclaimed 2013 boxing movie, Unbeatable (Ji Zhan), a performance that cemented his status in the genre. His decision to join Louis Cheung on stage provided a significant boost to the already successful campaign for Golden Boy.

The strategy of direct engagement with audiences has proven highly effective. Yesterday, Louis Cheung undertook a rigorous schedule, traveling across multiple cinema locations for meet-and-greet sessions, but with a unique partner: his celebrity wife, singer and actress Kay Tse. The appearance of the popular celebrity couple amplified media attention and allowed the film team to connect personally with the community that supported the release.

The success of Golden Boy reflects a continuing appetite among audiences for compelling local cinema, particularly dramas leveraging intense physical and emotional performances. While official box office tallies are still being finalized, reaching the seven-figure threshold in a competitive market like Hong Kong is a vital marker of popular acceptance.

Film distributor representatives noted that these appreciation events are crucial not just for short-term sales, but for building long-term loyalty and word-of-mouth momentum necessary for sustained success in regional territories. The direct interaction provides filmmakers invaluable insights into audience reactions and ensures the cast is recognized for their effort beyond the curtain call.

As Golden Boy continues its run, industry observers suggest that the sustained engagement, coupled with positive critical reception, positions the film well for future awards consideration and international distribution opportunities, reflecting the enduring strength of Hong Kong’s cinematic storytelling tradition.

The prestigious 62nd Golden Horse Awards ceremony illuminated the Taipei Music Center on November 22nd, drawing cinema’s elite to a vibrant red carpet spectacle. Amidst dazzling fashion statements and focused career-best nominations, attendees shared touching personal anecdotes, revealing the human stories behind the cinematic glitz. Notably, perennial nominee Joseph Chang, vying for his third Best Actor title, offered a glimpse of his paternal side, while other nominees detailed their unique pre-ceremony rituals.

Joseph Chang, attending with his team for the film Quiet Depths, cut a sharp figure in sophisticated attire and glasses alongside co-star Ariel Lin, whose eye-catching gown highlighted her physique. When red carpet host Yang Chien-Pei inquired about any lucky charms, Chang surprisingly revealed a token prepared by his daughter. With genuine paternal warmth, he carefully produced a small toy, explaining that it was his child’s chosen talisman—a touching moment that transcended the formal setting.

The frontrunning film of the evening, The Great Mong, which commanded 11 nominations, saw its director Chen Yu-hsun lead his nominated cast down the carpet. The group included Best Actor nominee Will Or, Best Actress nominee Chloe Xiang, and singer 9m88. Or, known for his humorous candor, joked about giving his parents a hug for good luck, then revealed his unconventional attire choice. Dispelling the common superstition of wearing red underwear for fortune, Or declared his choice was “completely black.”

Or also addressed concerns regarding his health, having been diagnosed with stage four lung adenocarcinoma. Despite the challenge, he maintained a lighthearted demeanor, stating that his doctor assured him adequate sleep was the key to managing his condition. When asked about his sleep regimen, Or responded, “I usually sleep eight hours.” This prompted a humorous interjection from Director Chen Yu-hsun, who quipped that Or enjoyed more rest than he did. Or confirmed his intention to attend the post-ceremony celebration later that evening.

Looking ahead, the Great Mong team has a special fan screening scheduled. Or cleverly suggested how he might attend: “If I win, I’ll bring the Golden Horse award itself to see them. Otherwise, I can still bring the piggy bank that the Golden Horse team gave out.”

Fellow nominee Chloe Xiang, who garnered recognition for her role in American Girl, prepared for a significant moment later in the evening: co-presenting an award alongside her on-screen mother and sister from that film, actresses Karena Lam and Gingle Wang. Xiang confirmed that the trio had rehearsed their segment the night prior.

The red carpet event served as more than just a fashion parade; it was a testament to the dedication, vulnerability, and humor that define Taiwan’s film community. From a father’s treasured toy charm to an actor’s honest approach to health challenges, these personal narratives highlighted the profound connection between the creators and their craft, setting a warm and deeply human tone for the night’s cinematic celebration.

Key Takeaways from the Red Carpet:

• Personal Connection: Attendees often carried personal or family items for luck, emphasizing shared human experiences beneath the spotlight.
• Humor and Resilience: Nominees like Will Or demonstrated grace and humor in addressing serious health topics.
• Team Spirit: The presence of nominated directors and ensemble casts underscored the collaborative nature of filmmaking.

The 62nd Golden Horse Awards continues to be a cornerstone event recognizing excellence in Chinese-language cinema, blending professional prestige with moments of relatable sincerity.