Louis Koo reportedly faced serious financial trouble while filming A Step into the Past, nearly ending up sleeping under an overpass—until Charles Heung stepped in with a HK$20 million show of support for a specific reason.

(Hong Kong, Jan 6) The film adaptation of A Step Into the Past, produced and starring Louis Koo, with original cast members including Raymond Lam, Jessica Hsuan, Sonija Kwok, Joyce Tang, Power Chan, and Au Shui-wai, has recently hit theaters. Reports say the movie has surpassed HK$40 million at the Hong Kong box office and has also earned over RMB 100 million in China.

Hong Kong film mogul Charles Heung recently revealed in an online video that, in support of Hong Kong cinema and Louis Koo, he invested more than HK$20 million in the film. According to Sing Tao Headline, Heung described Koo as the “last night watchman” of Hong Kong cinema. He also said he asked his secretary how many local Hong Kong films were produced in 2025 and was told only a little over ten—far fewer than the industry’s peak years, when production volume was much higher—highlighting what he sees as the industry’s decline.

Heung further claimed Koo has poured enormous resources into keeping Hong Kong films afloat, suggesting he had nearly staked everything on the project. He recalled that around four years ago, Koo approached him for help, saying the production had been running for some time and had exhausted funds, and hoping Heung would lend support to Hong Kong cinema.

There have also been industry rumors that the film’s total budget reached about RMB 350 million. Heung said he decided to invest after seeing Koo’s passion and commitment, adding that he was willing to take the risk primarily to back Hong Kong filmmaking.

Reflecting on the industry, Heung said that since cinema once brought him substantial success, he believes it is important to “give back,” noting that much of his recognition and achievements came through Hong Kong films.