Hong Kong acting legend Tony Leung says he wants to play a serial killer, star in K-dramas

Iconic Hong Kong actor Tony Leung Chiu-wai shows no sign of stopping in his decades-long career, as he told attendees at the 27th Busan International Film Festival that he would like to star in Korean dramas.

Leung, 60, was presented the Asian Cineaste of the Year award during the South Korean festival on Thursday following his years working with renowned Hong Kong film director Wong Kar-wai on films such as “In the Mood for Love” and “Happy Together.”

Six of his films, including “The Longest Nite” and “2046,” will be screened at the largest festival in Asia until Oct. 14.

Leung got his start in the entertainment industry on television in 1981, but he didn’t star in a Hollywood film until he took on the role of supervillain antagonist in Marvel’s “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” in 2021.

During a press conference at the festival, which screened 243 films from 71 countries, the actor said he still has years to show fans what he has learned in his career.

“I think the first 20 years were about learning, and the second 20 years were about showing what you have learned,” Leung said in Cantonese. “[I am] at a point where I can enjoy being an actor without being stressed. It’s a lot of fun as I can now play more diverse roles, and characters I can act as I get older.”

The “Lust, Caution” star also expressed his desire to appear in a K-drama.

“If there are roles for which I can overcome the language barrier, I would like to star in Korean drama,” Leung said, according to The Korea Herald. “I recently watched the film ‘CODA.’ If there is a role that does not require me to speak like the characters in that film, maybe I can also be in Korean dramas.”

Leung said he wants to diversify the roles he takes on by working with actors such as Song Kang-ho and Jeon Do-yeon as well as playing a serial killer.

“After watching ‘The House That Jack Built’ I want to play a serial killer character in the future,” he continued, citing Philip Yung as one of the directors he would love to work with in the future. “But I am also a little afraid.”

Leung went on to praise content coming out of Korea, referring to award-winning films and shows such as Bong Joon-ho’s “Parasite” and Netflix’s “Squid Game.”

“I am happy to see Korean content doing well,” he said. “I have a long history with Korea. I first came to Korea around 20 years ago for a movie promotion. Also, I first took part in the 2nd BIFF and this is my fourth time being invited to this fest.”

Featured Image via Meniscus Magazine

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