HONG KONG — As the Lunar New Year blockbuster The Night King continues its meteoric rise at the box office—surpassing the HK$30 million milestone—the spotlight has unexpectedly shifted to a fresh face among its star-studded cast. Despite sharing the screen with industry heavyweights Dayo Wong and Sammi Cheng, it is Kay Choi, a seasoned stage actress making her cinematic debut, who has emerged as the film’s “breakout MVP.”
Choi portrays “Kwai Fong,” a nightclub hostess whose eccentric charm has captivated audiences. Though she appears in only four scenes, Choi’s performance has become a viral sensation. Her character is a unique stylistic fusion, blending the flirtatious vocal mannerisms of Malaysian star Lin Min-chen with the vintage aesthetic of 1980s singer Cally Kwong. This bold creative choice so impressed director Jack Ng during auditions that he tailored the role specifically to showcase her comedic range.
From the Theater to the Big Screen
The transition to film was not without its hurdles for the 30-year-old actress. A graduate of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and a former member of the prestigious Chung Ying Theatre Company, Choi is well-regarded in the theatrical world. However, the pressure of performing alongside her lifelong idol, Dayo Wong, proved overwhelming.
During pre-production, Choi’s commitment to perfection led to intense anxiety, resulting in an emotional breakdown during rehearsals. “I was terrified of slowing down the production or failing to meet the standards of the veterans,” she admitted. Sources close to the production noted that Wong stepped in as a mentor, providing steady encouragement and a “reassuring gaze” that allowed Choi to shed her inhibitions and fully lean into the absurdity of her character.
A Star is Born Through Improvisation
The name “Kwai Fong” itself is an inside joke within the crew, referencing Choi’s frequent performances at the Kwai Tsing Theatre. This authenticity translates into her performance, where she utilized her theatrical training to deliver high-energy comedy.
One standout sequence involves Choi interacting with a “special guest,” a moment where she drew inspiration from Cecilia Cheung’s iconic performance in Stephen Chow’s King of Comedy. Her ability to improvise and maintain a distinct presence in crowded ensemble scenes has earned high praise from Wong himself, who publicly lauded her ability to “steal every scene she is in.”
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Performers:
- Leverage Your Roots: Choi’s “Kwai Fong” was born from her theater background and local cultural references.
- Preparation Meets Opportunity: Despite her nerves, Choi’s proactive request for extra rehearsals ensured she was ready when the cameras rolled.
- Versatility is Key: Blending disparate influences (modern pop culture and retro fashion) can create a memorable, unique “brand” for a character.
As The Night King continues its dominant run in theaters, Choi has officially transitioned from a theater-world secret to a mainstream rising star. Now working as a freelance actress, her successful pivot suggests a bright future in Hong Kong’s film industry, proving that talent and a willingness to “go all out” can resonate far beyond the stage lights.
