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| Former TVB Best Actress Ali Lee Signs HK$800 Million Film Deal, Begins Big-Screen Chapter. (Credits: TVB) |
Hong Kong actress Ali Lee has secured one of the most talked-about career moves of the year after signing a three-film contract reportedly worth about HK$800 million, marking her official step into the film industry following her departure from TVB. The deal, backed by businessman Kenny Wee, signals a major push to build a new film slate under New Asia Movie Co. Ltd., with Lee positioned as one of its leading faces.
Production on her first project, bro2keep (哥哥可以跟我打勾勾嗎), quietly began on 22 January in Taiwan and has already attracted attention among industry watchers. The film centres on a complicated marriage, with Ali Lee taking the female lead opposite French-Taiwanese actor Fabio Grangeon, who plays her husband.
According to the production team, both actors spent weeks in intensive preparation before cameras rolled.
The pair reportedly took part in extended character workshops and physical training sessions designed to build emotional and physical chemistry for the screen.
The effort reflects the studio’s ambition to launch its new film slate with a strong first title.
The opening ceremony for the production was held in Taichung, where filming is underway.
The project is expected to wrap ahead of the Lunar New Year schedule, with producers targeting a theatrical release toward the end of 2026.
The film will serve as the debut title of the newly established New Asia Movie Co. Ltd., which is backed by significant private investment and aims to develop a series of high-profile productions.
For Ali Lee, the move marks a notable shift after years as one of television’s most recognised leading actresses.
Her transition to cinema arrives at a moment when the Hong Kong entertainment industry is navigating a changing market, with many performers seeking broader opportunities beyond traditional television platforms.
Adding to the momentum, Ali Lee has also received a nomination for “Best New Performer” at the upcoming Hong Kong Film Awards for her role in the film Golden Boy (金童).
The recognition surprised the actress, who acknowledged the nomination during a recent charity promotional event.
Actor Lai Lok-yi, Lee’s longtime friend and former co-star, publicly welcomed the news of her new career chapter.
Speaking at a charity gala in Wan Chai, he said he was pleased to see colleagues finding fresh opportunities during a difficult period for the industry.
“I’m really happy for her,” Lai Lok-yi said.
“Everyone knows the industry is going through a challenging time right now. So when friends around me get work or discover new paths for development, it’s genuinely good news. I hope these three films will bring her even greater breakthroughs.”
He also extended his congratulations regarding Ali Lee’s award nomination, expressing hope she would achieve further success as she expands into film.
Online reaction to the announcement has been mixed but lively. Many fans praised Ali Lee for finally securing a major film opportunity after leaving television, with some calling the deal “long overdue” for an actress of her experience. Others expressed curiosity about the ambitious investment behind the new studio, questioning whether the planned projects can match the scale suggested by the funding.
Still, interest in bro2keep has grown quickly since production began, particularly because it pairs Ali Lee with Fabio Grangeon in a drama focused on the complexities of married life.
Early discussion on entertainment forums suggests audiences are keen to see how the former TVB star adapts to a cinematic role.
What do you think about Ali Lee’s move from television to the big screen? Will this new film partnership deliver the breakthrough fans are hoping for, or is the industry watching with cautious interest?