The blockbuster Hong Kong action franchise Twilight of the Warriors is moving ahead with its next instalment, and Daniel Wu has now been confirmed as part of the cast for the upcoming sequel Twilight of the Warriors: The Final Chapter. The development comes as production prepares to begin filming this year under director Soi Cheang, following the runaway success of the first film.
Released on 1 May 2024, Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In — adapted from Yu Yi’s novel Kowloon Walled City and the manga by Andy Seto — quickly became one of Hong Kong cinema’s biggest modern hits. The film crossed the HK$100 million mark at the box office and dominated the 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards, taking home nine trophies including Best Film and Best Director.
With the franchise expanding into a planned trilogy, the production team previously confirmed both a prequel titled Dragon Throne and a sequel, The Final Chapter.
Director Soi Cheang revealed earlier that the sequel would be filmed first, continuing the story before the prequel enters production.
Focus on the “Kowloon Four”
According to early production details, The Final Chapter will centre on the core group known as the “Kowloon Four” — Raymond Lam, Terrance Lau, German Cheung, and Tony Wu. Their characters, already key figures in Walled In, are expected to take on a larger narrative role as the saga moves into its concluding arc.
The original film also performed strongly outside Hong Kong, particularly in Japan.
The release surpassed 500 million yen at the Japanese box office, while Raymond Lam and Terrance Lau saw their popularity surge among Japanese audiences.
That momentum reportedly encouraged director Soi Cheang to explore adding Japanese elements into the sequel.
Daniel Wu Replaces Takuya Kimura
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| Twilight of the Warriors Sequel Confirms Daniel Wu as Production Prepares to Film This Year. (Credits: Yahoo!) |
Industry reports previously suggested that Japanese icon Takuya Kimura had been approached for a major role in the sequel.
Sources claimed he had already received the script last year and had even begun preparation, raising the possibility of his return to Hong Kong cinema for the first time since the 2004 film 2046.
However, the production ultimately shifted direction. The role has now gone to Daniel Wu, who will join the project as filming preparations begin.
Daniel Wu’s casting also marks another return to the Hong Kong film industry.
The actor, who has spent recent years working internationally and residing in the United States, came back to Hong Kong productions in 2024 when he filmed Cold War 1994.
Reaction from fans across Asian film communities has been mixed but energetic. Some viewers expressed disappointment that Takuya Kimura will not appear in the sequel, noting that his involvement would have created a rare Hong Kong–Japan cinematic collaboration.
Others welcomed the announcement of Daniel Wu, pointing to his long-standing reputation in Hong Kong action cinema and his ability to bring international appeal to the project. On film forums and social media discussions, many fans argued that Daniel Wu’s experience could add a different intensity to the storyline involving the “Kowloon Four”.
A number of viewers also said the casting shift may ultimately help maintain the franchise’s distinctly Hong Kong identity while still appealing to overseas markets.
With Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In already cemented as one of the most celebrated Hong Kong films of recent years, expectations for The Final Chapter are running high.
The combination of returning stars Raymond Lam, Terrance Lau, German Cheung, Tony Wu, and the addition of Daniel Wu signals that the production is aiming to build on the first film’s commercial and critical success.
Filming is expected to begin later this year as the creative team pushes forward with the sequel before turning attention to the planned prequel Dragon Throne.
Anticipation for the next chapter of Twilight of the Warriors is already building. What do you think about the casting change — and will Daniel Wu’s role elevate the sequel even further?