Actor Kevin Chu marked his 37th birthday this week while immersed in the high-stakes promotional tour for his new cinematic project, an adaptation of the acclaimed television series A Step Into the Past. The celebration, a surprise organized by the production team, unfolded on November 3rd during a public event in Shenzhen, creating a heartwarming moment for the star and his on-screen family, Louis Koo and Jessica Hsuan.
Surprise Celebration Sparks Film Fan Enthusiasm
Chu, who portrays the historical figure Xiang Yu in the film titled A Step Into the Past (or Back to the Past), was greeted with an unexpected birthday cake during the official promotional stop. The event, held just two days ahead of his actual birthday, quickly became a focal point of excitement for the attending audience. The trio—Chu, alongside seasoned actors Koo and Hsuan, who play his parents, Xiang Shaolong and Wu Tingfang, respectively—posed for photographs, sharing an endearing, family-like moment that resonated strongly with fans of the original series and its stars.
During the event, the cast members offered their personal felicitations to Chu, emphasizing the tight-knit bond they formed during production. The audience joined in, delivering a robust rendition of “Happy Birthday,” contributing to the festive atmosphere as the actor blended professional duty with personal milestone.
Birthday Wish Transforms into Public Plea
When pressed on his traditional birthday wishes, Chu maintained a playful air, suggesting that voicing them aloud would undermine their potential fulfillment. Instead, he ingeniously reframed his request as a “birthday directive” aimed directly at the enthusiastic crowd.
The 37-year-old star used the unique opportunity to galvanize support for the film, urging every attendee to take an active role in its success. He specifically instructed each fan to recruit ten friends to purchase tickets and see A Step Into the Past in theaters. This personalized appeal underscored the financial and critical importance of grassroots support for major film releases in the competitive Chinese market.
The Continued Legacy of A Step Into the Past
The movie adaptation of A Step Into the Past—a story blending science fiction, historical drama, and martial arts—is highly anticipated, building on the phenomenal success of the 2001 TVB drama starring Louis Koo. The new feature film brings the original cast back, providing a nostalgic draw for long-time viewers while introducing the beloved characters and complex narrative to a new generation.
The film’s marketing campaign has heavily leveraged the star power and nostalgic appeal of its lead actors, using events like the Shenzhen promotion to connect directly with the audience. Such public interactions are crucial for creating buzz and driving pre-release ticket sales, often acting as a key barometer for box office success.
As Kevin Chu successfully navigated a happy birthday celebration while simultaneously promoting one of the season’s most anticipated blockbusters, the event demonstrates the seamless integration of celebrity life and demanding career obligations. The actor’s strategic “birthday request” served as a powerful reminder that in the film industry, audience participation is the ultimate gift. The film is expected to make a major impact on the regional box office in the coming weeks.
