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| Back to the Past Movie May Get Extended Version as Louis Koo Hints at Hidden Ending (Photo: HK01) |
Just when fans thought the Back to the Past (尋秦記) movie had played all its cards, Louis Koo casually dropped a revelation that’s sent Hong Kong film circles buzzing. During a recent show appearance, the actor and executive producer confirmed that the film wasn’t just trimmed for pacing — it was holding back far more than viewers realised, including a full extended cut and a completely unseen third ending.
Back to the Past has quickly become one of the most talked-about Hong Kong releases in recent months, especially among long-time fans of the original 2001 drama A Step into the Past. While the theatrical version already includes two endings, Louis revealed that a significant amount of footage was left on the cutting-room floor.
These deleted scenes reportedly focus on deeper character moments, including family interactions and expanded arcs for supporting characters like Sin Yau, areas some viewers felt were slightly rushed or underdeveloped.
According to Louis Koo, an extended cut is being discussed internally, but it’s far from a guaranteed release.
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The deciding factor is simple and very industry-realistic: box office performance. If the numbers hit a specific target, the longer version could finally see the light of day. If not, the extra footage may remain locked away indefinitely.
The biggest surprise, however, is the confirmation of a third ending. Beyond the main ending and the mid-credits continuation already shown in cinemas, Louis revealed that another conclusion was fully filmed.
This hidden ending goes further than closure, functioning as a continuation that quietly expands the story world. Sharp-eyed viewers may have already noticed subtle groundwork laid in the film, including a plot point involving Michael Miu’s character secretly hiding a receiver inside Hong Siu-lung’s home — a detail that suddenly feels far more important in hindsight.
Despite the excitement, Louis made it clear that this third ending will not be included even if the extended cut is released. Instead, it appears to be something reserved for a bigger plan.
He hinted that Back to the Past may not exist in isolation and could eventually intersect with other projects, even teasing the possibility of a crossover with larger-scale films, including his own sci-fi hit Warriors of Future.
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For context, Back to the Past serves as a sequel to the original TV drama. The film’s first ending sees Hong Siu-lung spared by the Emperor and retreating into quiet family life, while the Emperor continues his fruitless search for immortality.
The second ending, revealed mid-credits, takes a bold turn by transporting Hong, his family, and the Emperor into modern-day Hong Kong in 2025. While the Emperor embraces modern life with curiosity, Hong ultimately chooses the past, deciding that the life he built there is the one he belongs to.
As for whether fans will ever see the extended version, insiders suggest the release hinges on meeting a specific KPI, with reports indicating a box office target of HK100 million. The film has already shown strong momentum overseas, including Malaysia, where it became the fastest Hong Kong title since 2020 to pass a major earnings milestone in just 11 days.
Fan and netizen reactions online are split but passionate. Some are calling for the extended cut to fix emotional gaps they felt in the theatrical release, while others are more intrigued by the idea of a shared cinematic universe.
A portion of fans remain sceptical, questioning whether the third ending is a genuine future plan or a clever way to keep the conversation going.
One thing’s certain: Louis Koo knows exactly how to keep audiences talking long after the credits roll. Now it’s over to viewers. Do you think Back to the Past needs an extended cut, or should the third ending stay a mystery for something bigger?