HONG KONG — Celebrated actor Jeffrey Wei (Jeffrey), fresh off promotional duties in Malaysia for his new starring vehicle, Assassin #4 (殺手 #4), immediately commenced a demanding weekend appreciation tour in Hong Kong alongside director Ken Leung and producer Peggy Man. The dedicated campaign, aimed at connecting directly with audiences, underscores a significant box office rebound for the suspense-thriller despite a challenging market.
The team’s post-screening efforts included robust Q&A sessions, with Wei moving throughout theaters to ensure attendees in all sections had an opportunity for close encounters and photographs. This level of engagement has been credited with galvanizing support for the film during its crucial second week.
Actor Recounts Grueling Japanese Shoot
During discussions about the film’s production, Wei shared his deepest impression: the rigorous shoot conducted in Japan. He detailed the demanding conditions, revealing that principal photography took place in sub-zero temperatures.
“I was already falling ill, but we had to push through and continue filming,” Wei explained. “After a day’s shoot, I would become sick again. This cycle lasted for over ten days.” Reflecting on the final product, the actor expressed profound gratitude for the experience and thanked Director Leung for casting him in the role. “Seeing the final version now, I am truly thankful,” he stated.
Director Fulfills Lifelong Feature Film Dream
Adding a personal touch to one of the appreciation events was actor Dominic Ho, a long-time acquaintance of the director. Ho attended the screening to offer support, noting that he had known about Leung’s directorial ambitions for years.
Director Leung, who is making his directorial debut with Assassin #4, used the forum to deliver an inspiring message about pursuing dreams at any age. “I am 50 years old this year, and this is my first feature film,” Leung shared with the audience. “This was my dream, and I want to tell everyone that middle-aged men can pursue their dreams too!”
Ho, participating as a member of the audience, posed pointed questions to Wei, inquiring about his physical training regimen for the role and playfully asking if he was satisfied with his female co-star, which drew laughter and cheers from the crowd. Wei responded with humor, stating, “As long as the director is satisfied, that’s what matters! I genuinely enjoyed working with the leading actress.”
Strong Word of Mouth Drives Box Office Surge
Despite facing initial headwinds in a difficult cinematic landscape, powerful word-of-mouth has translated directly into ticket sales, demonstrating the film’s durable appeal.
The latest figures show a significant upswing, with the film achieving its highest single-day box office total since its premiere on December 6. On a recent day, 46 screenings generated over 100,000 HKD in revenue. This performance confirms a vigorous second-week rebound, indicating that strong critical and audience reception is sustaining momentum and driving renewed interest in Assassin #4.
The commitment by the cast and crew to engage directly with the viewing public appears to be a key factor in nurturing this success, signaling that targeted promotional efforts can effectively capitalize on audience enthusiasm.
