Louis Koo’s ‘Back to the Past’ Sets North American Release With Well Go USA
Well Go USA Entertainment has acquired North American distribution rights to “Back to the Past,” the continuation of Hong Kong’s 2001 television series “A Step Into the Past,” from Louis Koo‘s One Cool Film Production.
Directed by Ng Yuen-fai and Jack Lai, the action epic reunites the original cast from the TV series, with Koo starring alongside Raymond Lam, Jessica Hsuan, Sonija Kwok and Joyce Tang, all reprising their roles. New cast additions include Michael Miu, Bai Baihe and Louis Cheung.
Set 19 years after the events of “A Step Into the Past,” the film follows Hong Siu-lung (Koo) as he emerges from two decades of peaceful seclusion when the six states united under Emperor Ying Ching (Lam) face a threat from a time-traveling adversary seeking revenge for wrongful imprisonment. Hong Siu-lung and the Emperor must battle both new and familiar threats to protect the empire and the future.
“‘Back to the Past’ offers something for everyone, deftly weaving together expertly choreographed action with rich historical elements and innovative science fiction,” said Doris Pfardrescher, president and CEO at Well Go USA Entertainment. “The film is an enthralling epic that is sure to rekindle nostalgia for devoted fans and will become a fast favorite for those discovering the universe for the first time.”
Koo and Wai-Bat Tang produced the film, with a story by Xin He and action choreography by Sammo Hung.
The film has already broken multiple box office records in Hong Kong, grossing $1.4 million on its opening day Dec. 31 to become the biggest opening day of all time for a Hong Kong film and the biggest opening day for a Chinese-language film. It went on to earn $5.8 million at the box office in Hong Kong and Macau in its first week, breaking past records to become the all-time opening week box office champion for both Hong Kong and Chinese-language films.
Trinity CineAsia previously acquired U.K., Ireland and Netherlands distribution rights to the film.
The film will open in North American theaters on Jan. 30.
