Hong Kong actor Edison Chen returns to the big screen after a nearly a decade away hiatus, reuniting with Anthony Wong for the Chinese New Year comedy Temple of Wishes,
now filming in Penang. The film, budgeted at RM10 million, is set for release on February 6, 2027, and includes locations in Malaysia, China, and Italy.
Edison Chen’s return to film has reignited excitement among Hong Kong cinema fans, marking the end of a nearly decade-long absence from the big screen. The 45-year-old actor, known for his roles in the Infernal Affairs franchise and the street-racing film Initial D, joined forces with Anthony Wong Chau-sang for the Chinese New Year comedy Temple of Wishes, currently in production in Penang. The project, directed by Peiji, had teased audiences with a mysterious co-lead, finally revealing Chen’s involvement at a lensing ceremony on September 17.
The Comeback That Reunites Hong Kong Icons
The partnership between Chen and Wong, who previously collaborated on the Infernal Affairs franchise and Initial D, has generated significant buzz. At the Penang filming ceremony, Chen expressed his excitement, saying, It’s really been a long time, so I’m very excited to start filming. I’ll do my best and continue to work hard. Thank you, everyone,
according to The Star. Wong, 65, also shared his enthusiasm, joking about the challenges of resisting Penang’s local cuisine: Penang is not only beautiful. The food is also irresistible. I’ve eaten so much that I’ve gained weight. I’ll have to lose weight next,
as reported by The Star. The film’s release date, February 6, 2027—the first day of Chinese New Year—positions it as a major holiday contender.
The production’s budget of RM10 million underscores its scale, with principal photography scheduled to run through September 30. Filming locations include Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Hengdian in China, and Bellagio, Italy, as noted by Penang Today. The story follows two struggling men who operate a temple centered on granting wishes, blending festive humor with a heartwarming narrative. Chen’s involvement marks a significant shift for the actor, who had largely stepped back from film and television to focus on his fashion business and family.
A Global Shoot With Local Flavor
Penang’s role as a filming destination has grown in prominence, with the state government highlighting its diverse landscapes and multilingual production capabilities. Wong Hon Wai, chairman of the Penang State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee, emphasized the state’s appeal, stating it offers beaches, rainforest, heritage locations, and colonial-era architecture
, according to Penang Today. This aligns with broader efforts to attract international productions, including Netflix’s upcoming Mark Wahlberg film The Big Fix.
The film’s multilingual environment, supporting English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien, and Malay, has also been a selling point. Meanwhile, actor Samuel Pang, making his first visit to Penang, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with Chen and Wong, saying, I’m very grateful to the director for giving me the opportunity to work with Anthony and Edison again,
as reported by The Star.
The Film’s Quest For Wishes And Box Office Success
While Temple of Wishes
is a comedic take on wish-granting, its production has already sparked comparisons to Chen and Wong’s earlier collaborations. The film’s release strategy—targeting the lucrative Chinese New Year market—suggests a focus on mass appeal. Its budget and star power position it as a contender for strong box office performance, though details about its distribution outside Hong Kong remain unclear.
The project also carries personal significance for Chen, who has spoken about balancing his career with family and business commitments. His return to film follows a period in which he largely stepped back from film and television to focus on his fashion business and family. The film’s production timeline, beginning on September 7 and wrapping by the end of the month, indicates a tight schedule to meet the holiday release window.
Penang’s Growing Appeal As A Film Destination
Penang’s selection as a filming location reflects its rising status in the global film industry. The state’s ability to accommodate large-scale productions, combined with its cultural diversity and infrastructure, has attracted attention from international studios. Wong Hon Wai of the Penang State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee described the project as an opportunity to showcase the state through film,
according to Penang Today. This aligns with broader efforts to position Penang as a hub for film and creative industries.
The state’s appeal is further bolstered by its accessibility and logistical efficiency. With filming planned across multiple countries, the production team’s ability to navigate different locations seamlessly could set a precedent for future international projects.
What’s Next For Chen, Wong, And The Temple Of Wishes?
As filming wraps in late September, the focus will shift to post-production and marketing. The film’s success will depend on its ability to resonate with audiences, particularly in Hong Kong and mainland China, where Wong and Chen maintain strong fanbases. Questions remain about its international reach and whether it will spawn sequels or spin-offs, though no official announcements have been made.
For Chen, the project marks a pivotal moment in his career, balancing personal interests with professional ambitions. Wong, meanwhile, continues to leverage his experience in both local and international cinema. As the release date approaches, the film’s reception will be closely watched by fans and industry observers alike, with Penang’s role as a filming destination likely to draw further attention in the coming years.