"Infernal Affairs" star Tony Leung Chiu-wai joins the cast of China's fantasy-adventure sequel "Monster Hunt 2." DreamWorks Animation veteran Raman Hui will be directing it.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, details on Leung's part in "Monster Hunt 2" are being kept under wraps. However, the Hong Kong star is expected to play one of the lead characters who changes the course of monster king Wuba's journey.
The story of "Monster Hunt 2" takes place in an ancient Chinese world, where humans and monsters exist side by side. It is again backed by Bill Kong's Edko Films and other mainland Chinese partners.
Alongside Leung, "Bodyguards and Assassins" Chinese pop star-turned actress Li Yuchun and "Cold War 2" Taiwanese actor Yo Yang are also joining the new cast of "Monster Hunt 2," Variety reported. The original cast Bai Baihe and Jing Boran will also be returning.
"Monster Hunt 2" is the sequel to Hui's 2015 breakout blockbuster "Monster Hunt," which remains the second most successful Chinese film of all time. The original film was released in summer 2015, grossing a historic RMB 2.43 billion ($352 million at current rates of exchange) at the Chinese box office.
"Monster Hunt" was the highest of all time and has been overtaken by Stephen Chow's "The Mermaid." It went on to win best new director, best costume and makeup design, and best art direction at the Hong Kong Film Awards.
Tony Leung came to international prominence after his performance in Won Kar Wai's "In the Mood for Love" in 2000, which won him the Cannes Film Festival's best actor award. He was also seen in Ang Lee's Venice Golden Lion winner "Lust, Caution."
Principal shooting of "Monster Hunt 2" is currently underway this fall in Beijing, China. The completed film is already set for a theater release in 2018, and a third picture is being planned.
Watch the video about Tony Leung joining the special edition of "Monster Hunt 2":