Trinity CineAsia Announces UK, Ireland and Netherlands release of film adaptation of Hong Kong’s classic TVB historical Sci-Fi series ‘Back to the Past’.

Hong Kong historical sci-fi action feature Back to the Past is set to open in the UK and Ireland on 2 January 2026, two days after its Hong Kong domestic release on 31 December 2025, with release in the Netherlands to follow on 8 January 2026. Back to the Past continues the story of the hit 2001 TVB television series A Step Into the Past, adapted from Wong Yi’s “Back to the Qin Dynasty”. The original series was the topwatched TVB drama of its year and remains widely regarded as a classic of Hong Kong television.

Produced by Louis Koo’s One Cool Film Production, with Koo serving as producer, it features action cinema icon Sammo Hung Kam Po (Ip Man, Project A, Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In) as the action choreographer. Twenty-four years after the original series, it reunites the principal cast, including Louis Koo (Twilight of the Warriors: Walled-In), Raymond Lam (Twilight of the Warriors: Walled-In), Jessica Hsuan (A Witness Out of the Blue), Sonija Kwok (The Sorcerer and the White Snake), Joyce Tang (Lost and Found), and Michelle Saram (Paradox), all reprising their original roles. Back to the Past also introduces new cast members Bai Baihe (Monster Hunt), Michael Miu (The White Storm 2) and Louis Cheung (Table for Six franchise).

It additionally marks the final screen appearance of the late Dick Liu Kai-chi (Infernal Affairs II). Cedric Behrel, Managing Director of Trinity CineAsia, commented: “We love starting the new year with a release that bridges generations — something that taps into nostalgia while offering a fresh cinematic experience. Back to the Past reunites the original cast and continues the story of a beloved TVB series more than two decades on. It’s a rare achievement in Hong Kong cinema, and we’re delighted to be working once again with One Cool Film Production to bring this enduring franchise to UK and European audiences.”

Synopsis

In the Qin Dynasty, time-traveller Hong Siu-lung (Louis Koo) has lived in seclusion with his family for twenty years. Yet every step he takes remains under the watchful eye of his former disciple, now the Qin Emperor (Raymond Lam). On the brink of ultimate power after conquering the six warring states, the emperor is suddenly ambushed by a mysterious team wielding advanced weapons clearly originating from Hong’s time. Drawn together by fate again, Hong and Qin Emperor are forced to confront the long-buried conflict between them, because the future now depends on how they settle their past.

More information: trinitycineasia.com

Production Notes

Created/Produced by: Louis Koo
Directors: Ng Yuen Fai and Jack Lai

Executive Producers
Lee Yee Man
Zhao Yifang
Karen Fu
Charles Heung
Kang Pei Feng
Shen Jingxi

Co-Executive Producers
Ong Mun Ho
Veronica Lam

Producer
Tang Wai But

Administrative Producer
Jiang Wenbo

Executive Supervisors
Xia Xincai
Jiang Guanghui

Co-Producer
Wan Juan

Associate Producer
Li Nan

Line Producer
Irene Chan Pui Sz