Louis Koo’s ‘Back to the Past’ Lands U.K., Ireland, Netherlands Release From Trinity CineAsia

Trinity CineAsia has acquired theatrical distribution rights for the U.K., Ireland and Netherlands to “Back to the Past,” the feature film adaptation of Hong Kong broadcaster TVB’s 2001 historical sci-fi series “A Step Into the Past.”

The film will open in the U.K. and Ireland on Jan. 2, 2026, two days after its Hong Kong release on Dec. 31, 2025. The Netherlands release follows on Jan. 8.

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Produced by Louis Koo‘s One Cool Film Production, with Koo serving as producer, the project reunites the principal cast from the original television series 24 years after it first aired. Koo stars alongside Raymond Lam, Jessica Hsuan, Sonija Kwok, Joyce Tang and Michelle Saram, all reprising their original roles. New cast members include Bai Baihe, Michael Miu and Louis Cheung. The film marks the final screen appearance of the late Dick Liu Kai-chi.

Action cinema veteran Sammo Hung Kam Po serves as action choreographer. The film is directed by Ng Yuen Fai and Jack Lai.

Set in the Qin Dynasty, the film follows time-traveler Hong Siu-lung (Koo), who has lived in seclusion with his family for 20 years under the watchful eye of his former disciple, now the Qin Emperor (Lam). When the emperor is ambushed by a mysterious team wielding advanced weapons from Hong’s era, the pair are forced to confront their past conflict as the future hangs in the balance.

“We love starting the new year with a release that bridges generations – something that taps into nostalgia while offering a fresh cinematic experience,” said Cedric Behrel, managing director of Trinity CineAsia. “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 U.K. and European audiences.”

The original “A Step Into the Past” series, adapted from Wong Yi’s novel “Back to the Qin Dynasty,” was the top-rated TVB drama of 2001 and is still widely regarded as a classic of Hong Kong television.