HONG KONG — Actor Louis Cheung, a prominent figure in Hong Kong cinema, is facing dual setbacks to his professional life after a devastating fire derailed the filming of his new television series, closely following the acclaimed but costly debut of his passion project film.
Cheung, 39, known locally as Louis Cheung Kai-chung, was forced to halt shooting for the upcoming ViuTV drama The Battle of the Small Owners after a massive five-alarm blaze on Feb. 26 destroyed sections of the Wang Fuk Court building in Tai Po. The building was the planned primary location for key scenes in the series, which also stars actress Chrissie Chau. The incident has compounded a challenging period for Cheung, who recently served as star and self-funded producer for the film Golden Boy, a project on which he reportedly poured significant personal resources over eight years of development.
Location Crisis Forces Production Shift
Sources close to the production of The Battle of the Small Owners confirmed that the fire rendered the previously secured filming locations unusable, necessitating an immediate and costly pivot. The series, which focuses on community struggles and property disputes—a sensitive theme in Hong Kong—is now undergoing significant logistical and script adjustments.
Despite the disruption, cast and crew have attempted to maintain momentum. Recently, Cheung and Chau were spotted by local media continuing work on the series at a traditional cha chaan teng (cafe) in Tai Hang. While the on-screen chemistry reportedly remained strong, with the pair filming a spirited argument scene, Cheung was briefly observed looking pensive and distracted while checking his phone between takes.
The Double-Edged Sword of Golden Boy
The drama’s production crisis follows the strenuous rollout of Cheung’s film Golden Boy. Although the movie has garnered critical praise, it required a substantial personal investment, reportedly a six-figure sum, just to complete post-production. Insiders suggest that Cheung hopes the performance in the film will secure him a Best Actor nomination at the Hong Kong Film Awards before he turns 40, capping a long-held ambition to be recognized as a leading dramatic talent.
“He performed all the stunts himself, without using any body doubles,” sources familiar with the production revealed. “He invested heavily to ensure the quality was top-notch, driven by a clear goal of achieving his acting dream.”
Resilience Amid Setbacks
The series of unfortunate events has led some online commentators to jokingly label Cheung a “jinx” or “King of Bad Luck” (黑仔王). However, the actor has adopted a publicly resilient posture, emphasizing professionalism and positive thinking despite the setbacks that have simultaneously impacted his cinematic and television ventures.
Addressing the difficult period, Cheung stated he always strives to approach unexpected hurdles with a positive mindset. He acknowledged the production delays but quickly put the challenge into a broader perspective.
“Life inevitably throws curveballs,” Cheung commented recently. “The key is how you confront them. Yes, the film work has been affected, but compared to what Hong Kong is facing generally, it is quite insignificant. I know everyone is struggling. We face challenges hand in hand, side by side, and we move forward together.”
As the production team for The Battle of the Small Owners scouts replacement locations and adapts the storyline, Cheung’s commitment to self-financed, high-quality projects and his measured response to adversity are casting a spotlight on the demanding realities of independent film and television production within Hong Kong’s competitive entertainment landscape.
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