HONG KONG — Legendary Hong Kong filmmaker and comedian Stephen Chow made a rare public appearance Tuesday night on the TVB talk show “One Week Stars,” offering fans a glimpse into his creative process and dropping hints about a potential reunion with former co-star Tony Leung.
Chow, 62, joined actress Carina Lau, co-director Lam Tze-chung, and actors Tse Siu-kei and Louis Cheung for an interview with host Lai Chi-shan. The appearance marked a nostalgic reunion between Chow and Lai, who once co-hosted the children’s program “430 Space Shuttle” together in the 1980s.
The conversation centered on Chow’s upcoming comedy Kung Fu Women’s Football, a departure from his male-dominated films of the past. When asked why he chose an all-female cast, Chow responded with characteristic humor: “I want to see beautiful women.”
Lau, who stars as the “Emei Master” in the film, revealed she had long hoped to work with Chow again after their 1996 collaboration Forbidden City Cop. When Lai asked whether Chow personally invited Lau, he interrupted, “Invite? I knelt down!” leaving Lau torn between laughter and exasperation.
Describing Chow’s enduring personality, Lau noted he remains unchanged after three decades. “When I ask how he’s doing, he always says, ‘Same old, same old,’” she said. But what she admires most, she added, is his childlike innocence. “Only a child can imagine things that seem impossible,” she said.
Chow, who began his career in children’s television, acknowledged the influence. “I have children’s program DNA—I can’t shake it off,” he said, admitting he still reads comic books and draws. Co-director Lam revealed that Chow has created extensive storyboards for the film, some of which crew members have been collecting as keepsakes.
Will He Return to Acting?
When pressed by Lai about returning to the screen before the camera, Chow deflected repeatedly. “Forget it,” he said. “Do I even know how to act? I’m already in my 60s.”
Lau suggested he take on an older character, to which Chow quipped, “The only role would be the master. If Carina hadn’t taken it, I would have cross-dressed.” Lau shot back, “If I’d known, I would have refused!”
She then accused Chow of tricking her into the film by promising to appear in scenes alongside her. “But he backed out,” she lamented.
A Dream Reunion?
When the panel brainstormed roles that might tempt Chow back, Lau proposed an improbable but tantalizing idea: bringing together her husband, Tony Leung, and Chow to co-host “430 Space Shuttle” once more.
“Nothing is impossible,” Chow declared. He insisted on reuniting the original cast, naming former co-hosts Tam Yuk-ying and Lai Chi-shan, as well as first-generation host Cheung Kwok-keung.
Lai promptly urged Lau to convince her husband.
The discussion took an unexpected turn when Lau revealed that Leung and Chow had secretly filmed a short video together years ago. She demanded to know where the footage had gone. Chow feigned ignorance, scratching his head before countering, “In that video, I won the fight. Now the film is missing. Who do you think hid it?”
The studio erupted in laughter as Lau exclaimed, “The film is with me! I’m going to be rich!”
The revelation has sparked renewed speculation among fans about a possible on-screen reunion between Chow and Leung, two of Hong Kong cinema’s most iconic figures. Kung Fu Women’s Football is expected to hit theaters later this year.
