Hong Kong actor Edison Chen has officially returned to the silver screen after a multi-year hiatus, taking on a role in the upcoming 2027 Malaysian Lunar New Year film The God Horse Temple. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, September 24, Chen addressed his comeback to the film industry, explaining that the project serves as a personal test to see if he remains suited for acting and whether audiences still want to watch his films.
Appearing alongside director and producer Wu Peiji, actor Anthony Wong, actor Peng Jingci, actress Chen Zixuan, Taiwan Golden Horse Best Supporting Actress Hsieh Hsin-ying, and Malaysian actor Yang Zhenning, Chen sported a signature styled-stubble look, a backwards baseball cap, a blue sports jacket, and khaki trousers.
Returning to the Set and Adjusting to the Pace
Discussing his motivations for re-entering the industry, Chen stated that he genuinely wanted to try acting again. However, the actor acknowledged that stepping back onto a movie set brought initial nerves, particularly adjusting to the long waiting hours common during film shoots. Chen also reflected on his past work habits, self-deprecatingly noting that he was not serious enough during earlier stages of his career, often spending downtime playing video games or handling emails. For this production, he intends to maintain greater focus on his character.
When asked about his preparation for the role, Chen surprised attendees by stating that he had done zero preparatory work. He clarified that his comment did not indicate a lack of care for the character, but rather a deliberate choice to avoid forming rigid preconceptions at home before discussing the direction face-to-face with director Wu Peiji and Anthony Wong. Addressing potential criticism, Chen maintained his characteristic confidence, remarking that if anyone considers a lack of prior preparation to be wrong, that is merely their perspective, and audiences can judge the performance after watching the completed film.
Overcoming Language Barriers with Help
Anthony Wong stepped in to defend Chen during the press conference, praising Chen’s strong work ethic and revealing the actor faced significant challenges mastering Mandarin dialogue. Wong noted that because Chen grew up speaking English and is unfamiliar with Mandarin, his scripts were written entirely in English phonetics. Wong expressed admiration for Chen’s dedication, noting that the younger actor successfully memorized complex four-character idioms using the phonetic guide.
Responding to the praise with visible modesty, Chen joined his hands together and bowed slightly to thank Wong. He explained that after discussing the role with the director, a friend assisted him in transcribing all the Mandarin dialogue into English phonetics line by line, allowing him to memorize the lines and find a comfortable rhythm for his performance.
Cast Dynamics and Production Insights
Co-starring alongside Chen in The God Horse Temple is Anthony Wong, marking a reunion for the two actors years after their previous collaborations. Asked directly about his reason for joining the cast, Wong offered a blunt English reply: “Good money!” His straightforward answer drew laughter from the crowd before he added that the project is a major production. Wong also shared that during filming, he and Chen experienced a moment of shared intuition when they independently arrived at the exact same creative choice for their characters.
Director Wu Peiji praised the commitment of both actors, stating that their dedication exceeded expectations and expressing gratitude for assembling the cast. Meanwhile, supporting cast member Peng Jingci joked about spending over 20 years away from Malaysia and worrying that the local cuisine might cause him to gain weight during the shoot. Hsieh Hsin-ying noted that the script’s absurd tone ultimately mirrors real-world occurrences in modern society, matching her own real-life interest in divination. Newcomer Chen Zixuan described the pressure of working alongside industry veterans, highlighting the valuable lessons learned from impromptu acting moments on set. Yang Zhenning detailed the physical demands of playing the “God Horse General,” which required wearing roughly 20 kilograms of armor and wielding weapons weighing over 10 kilograms.
Outlook and Future Plans
With The God Horse Temple centering on the theme of wishing, the cast was asked what they would wish for if granted a magical request. While other cast members wished for massive box office success, Chen took a pragmatic stance in English, stating that he never makes wishes. Instead of waiting for outcomes to materialize, he emphasized relying on his own hands to turn goals into reality step by step.
Worth a look
