Big-screen return of nostalgic Hong Kong TV series makes record debut

A familiar title from early-2000s television has emerged as an unexpected standout in China's New Year film season. "A Step into the Past," a big-screen continuation of the iconic Hong Kong TV series, has drawn strong audience interest by tapping into nostalgia. At the same time, it aims to introduce a once-groundbreaking story to a new generation.

Released on December 31, 2025, the film reunites original cast members including Louis Koo, Raymond Lam and Jessica Hsuan. It continues the story that first captivated viewers more than two decades ago.

Blending historical drama, time travel and sci-fi elements, the television series has long held a special place in popular culture across the Chinese-speaking world.

The box office response was swift. According to Hong Kong media outlet Headline Daily, the film set multiple local records on its opening day, including the highest number of screenings ever for a first-day release. Within four days, its local earnings had surpassed HK$30 million (around $3.86 million). On the Chinese mainland, the film crossed the 100-million-yuan ($14.29 million) mark in just three days.

Online, many viewers described the film as "pure nostalgia," sharing memories of growing up with the original series. First aired in 2001, the TV drama follows a modern-day agent sent back to China's Warring States period (475-221 BC). There, he becomes caught up in royal power struggles and events that could change history.

At the time, its bold use of time travel and fast-paced storytelling helped define the genre, making it a cultural touchstone for many viewers.

That legacy now carries into the film adaptation, which continues the hero's journey while blending familiar elements with new twists. By revisiting a story that has long held a place in viewers' memories, the film appeals to both longtime fans and a new generation.

For now, "A Step into the Past" shows that emotional attachment can drive strong box-office results. Whether nostalgia alone can sustain Hong Kong cinema in the long term, however, remains a question that only time – and the market – can answer.