The 49th Hong Kong Film Awards took place on April 27, 2025, celebrating the best in local cinema. Among the standout films was Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In, which received an impressive 14 nominations and is set to expand its universe with planned prequels and sequels. At the forefront of the film’s success is actor and producer Louis Koo, who has been actively involved in discussions about the future of the franchise.
On April 24, just days before the awards, Koo attended the premiere of his new film Vital Signs. When asked about the possibility of inviting renowned actor Tony Leung to join the cast of the upcoming sequel, Twilight of the Warriors: Dragon Head, Koo's response was cryptic, suggesting that there were still many details to finalize. He stated, "The Dragon Head is still in the works; we’ll know more soon." This statement has left fans buzzing with anticipation about the potential casting of Leung, who is rumored to play the formidable villain, Lei Zhen Dong.
The character of Lei Zhen Dong, the head of the Kowloon City’s notorious Qing Tian Hui, is pivotal to the storyline, which pits him against Koo’s character, the heroic Tornado, and the murderous Chen Zhan, portrayed by Aaron Kwok. The film’s narrative, set against the backdrop of the 1980s Kowloon Walled City, showcases a gripping tale of survival and conflict among various factions.
Koo's comments during the awards ceremony hinted at the ongoing discussions regarding the sequel. He remarked, "We need to wait for the script to come out and then discuss budget issues with the director." This indicates that while the excitement for the sequel is palpable, the production team is still in the early stages of development.
Adding to the speculation, Koo also addressed a suggestion made by Kwok that Chow Yun-fat would be a suitable choice for the role of Lei Zhen Dong. Koo humorously remarked, "It might be a double Dragon Head!" This playful comment has sparked further interest among fans regarding the potential for multiple high-profile actors joining the cast.
Despite the challenges faced by the film industry, particularly due to the pandemic and the rise of streaming platforms, Koo remains optimistic. He expressed a desire for a significant transformation in the industry by 2028, which he believes will be a turning point. "The audience needs to adapt, and I think we need to change too," he said, highlighting the need for innovation in storytelling and production.
The success of Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In has been remarkable, grossing approximately $110 million globally since its release on May 1, 2024. The film has not only captivated audiences but has also set a record with nearly 1.7 million admissions, signaling a resurgence of Hong Kong cinema. The film’s narrative, based on a popular novel and manga, has resonated with viewers, showcasing the gritty realities of life in the Walled City.
During the awards ceremony, Koo was joined by fellow actors, including Chu Pak-Hong, who expressed his desire to be part of the Walled City franchise. "I hope to become the fifth member of the Walled City series," he said, indicating the strong interest from younger actors to be involved in such iconic projects.
As the awards unfolded, Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In secured four awards, including Best Costume & Makeup Design, Best Visual Effects, Best Art Direction, and Best Action Choreography. These accolades not only celebrate the film's artistic achievements but also underscore the collaborative efforts of the entire cast and crew.
Furthermore, Koo’s attendance at the 70th birthday party for veteran director To Sir, where he mingled with Leung and Chow Yun-fat, added fuel to the rumors of potential collaborations. However, Koo clarified that the gathering was purely celebratory, with no discussions regarding future film projects taking place.
Looking ahead, Koo and his team are eager to bring more stories from the Kowloon Walled City to life, with the sequel Dragon Head promising to deliver high-stakes drama and action. The anticipation surrounding the casting choices, especially regarding Leung and Chow, continues to build as fans await further announcements.
As the Hong Kong Film Awards concluded, the excitement for the future of the Walled City saga remains high. With Koo at the helm, fans can expect innovative storytelling and thrilling action sequences that pay homage to the rich history and culture of Hong Kong cinema.
