Hong Kong actors Selena Lee, Kenny Kwan and Adam Pak have been cast in the Asian remake of Richard Linklater’s TapeThe filming of the movie is scheduled to begin in Hong Kong on September 1.
Stephen Belber, the writer of the original film and the stage play, co-wrote the remake along with Selena Lee, Bonnie Lo, and Bizhan Tong. Tong and Lee are also producers, with Belber directing. The film is a co-production between Hong Kong’s Phoenix Waters Productions and Agog Films and Singapore-based Marvion.
In the original film, Robert Sean Leonard, Uma Thurman, and Ethan Hawke starred in the story about three friends who reunite 15 years later after a life-changing incident and are forced to face painful past secrets.
Belber stated: “I’m excited to be part of a project that Bizhan has pursued with integrity, passion, intelligence and care, which the subject matter obviously requires. Bringing on Selena and Bonnie as co-writers, to adapt the piece for the world today, has been invaluable.”
Lee, Kwan, and Pak will portray the older versions of the main characters while Mason Fung Summer Chan, Angus Yeung and Summer Chan will play their younger counterparts.
Lee is best known for romantic dramas set in Hong Kong Barrack O’KarmaCanadian Series Blood & Water. Kwan’s credits include historical drama series The Twin Flower Legend and Herman Yau’s upcoming War CustomizedWhile Pak was a star in a recent Hong Kong hit, Breakout Brothers 3.
Fung won best supporting actor at this year’s Hong Kong Film Awards for Zero To Hero. Yeung’s credits include Emperor Motion Pictures’ Social Distancing, which premiered at Korea’s Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival last month.
The crew includes Colleen Kwok, cinematographer, Sarona Lo, production designer, and Cheung Kwan Wah. Guy Orlebar is an associate producer.
Tong directed previously a film about lockdowns Audition (aka Lockdown), scheduled for release in North America and the UK in October, and series Forensic psychologistEndeavor Content purchased the rights to reprint and distribute the book. His zombie thriller was previously announced. Chungking MansionsThe film starring Anson L has been postponed until next year.