KUALA LUMPUR — A star-studded cast from Hong Kong and Malaysia has gathered in Malaysia for the launch of “Golden Joy,” a 2027 Lunar New Year comedy that blends treasure hunting, romance, family drama, and slapstick humor set entirely inside a five-star hotel.
The film, a cross-border co-production, brings together veterans and rising talents including Ruco Chan, Owen Cheung, Benjamin Yuen, Mandy Wong, Kent Cheng, Ha Yu, Kwan Bo-wai, Shirley Chan, Johnson Wong, and Malaysian actors Kim Fatt Teh and Miko Wong. At the press conference, the cast members arrived on stage carrying luggage, pretending to check into the hotel in a playful skit that set the tone for the film’s lighthearted spirit.
A Hotel Heist With Heart
“Golden Joy” follows a mismatched group of strangers who stumble upon a mysterious treasure map and form an unlikely “treasure-hunting team” to sneak into a luxury hotel. Their mission quickly spirals into a series of misunderstandings, conflicts, and comedic chaos, while also unraveling the personal stories each character carries.
During the press event, the luggage inspection gag revealed a surprise: Mandy Wong’s suitcase contained a whip. She reenacted a scene from the film where she uses it to knock a water bottle off a co-star’s head, drawing laughter from the audience.
Cast Shares Excitement and Reflections
Ruco Chan, who plays a gangster figure, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration. “I’m very happy to be part of this project between Hong Kong and Malaysian actors. We all have different work and lives, but once we’re on set, we enjoy making the film together,” he said. Chan revealed that beyond working with Benjamin Yuen and Owen Cheung, his character will have a romantic subplot with Shirley Chan, who plays a social media influencer. He noted that the shift from TV dramas to a Lunar New Year film felt refreshing and joyful.
Owen Cheung portrays a young professional who joins the treasure hunt. He emphasized that the film aims to deliver more than laughs. “Through the treasure hunt, the characters are really searching for something deeper—maybe not gold, but relationships and the things worth cherishing in life,” he said.
Benjamin Yuen plays a principled hotel manager and is reunited on screen with Mandy Wong as his wife. “We’ve been great partners before, but we don’t see each other often in Hong Kong, so I’m really happy to work together again,” Yuen said. Wong, for her part, said she is looking forward to exploring Malaysian culture during the shoot.
Kent Cheng and Kwan Bo-wai appear as a wealthy couple, while Malaysian actress Miko Wong plays their daughter. She said she studied Cantonese intensively for the role and is excited to finally communicate directly with the Hong Kong cast. Ha Yu, who plays a reclusive elderly man and hotel owner, called Malaysia his “second home,” recalling his first overseas trip there and previous film work in the country. Malaysian actor and martial artist Kim Fatt Teh, who plays a stuntman, admitted he cannot read Chinese characters and enlisted friends to help him memorize his lines in advance.
Broader Implications for Cross-Border Cinema
The film underscores a growing trend of co-productions between Hong Kong and Southeast Asian markets, leveraging local talent and locations to appeal to the Chinese diaspora and regional audiences. With Lunar New Year films holding a special place in the box office calendar, “Golden Joy” aims to balance broad comedy with heartfelt messages about gratitude and human connection.
Production is expected to continue in Malaysia over the coming weeks, with the film slated for release in early 2027.
