'Back to the Past' Sequel Brings Sci-Fi Action to Aussie Screens
After 25 years, the much-loved action sci-fi series returns with a star-studded cast and top-notch martial arts, hitting North American cinemas in January 2026.
After a quarter of a century, fans of the cult action sci-fi series are in for a treat as the long-awaited sequel, Back to the Past, is set to hit cinemas across North America early next year. The film promises a hefty dose of martial arts, time-bending chaos, and a line-up of action legends, all under the expert eye of Sammo Hung, a bloke well-known for his work in the genre.
Well Go USA Entertainment, a major player in the international and indie film scene, has secured the rights to bring Back to the Past to North American punters. The film, a joint directorial effort from Ng Yuen-fai and Jack Lai, continues the story from the 2001 Hong Kong series, A Step into the Past. Returning to their original roles are Louis Koo, Raymond Lam, Jessica Hsuan, Sonija Kwok, and Joyce Tang. New faces joining the cast include Michael Miu, Bai Baihe, and Louis Cheung, all bringing their own flair to the much-hyped sequel.
Time-Travel Trouble and Martial Arts Mayhem
The story picks up nearly two decades after the events of the original series. Hong Siu-lung, played by Koo, has been enjoying a quiet life, but is pulled back into the thick of things in the Qin Dynasty. The peace is shattered when a vengeful time-traveller, wrongfully locked up in the past, threatens the stability of the empire. With the fate of both past and future hanging in the balance, Hong Siu-lung and Emperor Ying Ching, portrayed by Lam, must face off against old and new enemies alike.
The official synopsis sums it up:
“BACK TO THE PAST picks up nineteen years after the end of ‘A Step into the Past.’ After two decades of peaceful solitude, Hong Siu-lung (Koo) is drawn back to the Qin Dynasty when the six states—long united under Emperor Ying Ching (Lam)—are threatened by a time-travelling adversary, fuelled by revenge over his wrongful imprisonment. The past and present collide as Hong Siu-lung and the Emperor battle threats, both new and familiar, to protect the empire and the future itself.”
Box Office Success and Local Buzz
Produced by Louis Koo and Wai-Bat Tang, with a story by Xin He and action scenes choreographed by Sammo Hung (famous for the Ip Man series), the film has already made waves in China and Hong Kong. On its first day in Hong Kong, it pulled in $1.48 million (HK$11.54 million), setting a new record for a local film’s opening day. Over its debut weekend, it raked in $5.4 million (HK$42.36 million), while in China, it managed a tidy $24 million (RMB 78.6 million).
Well Go USA has described the film as an “enthralling epic” that’s sure to spark nostalgia for long-time fans and win over new ones. Doris Pfardrescher, the company’s president and CEO, had this to say:
“BACK TO THE PAST offers something for everyone, deftly weaving together expertly choreographed action with rich historical elements and innovative science fiction. The film is an enthralling epic that is sure to rekindle nostalgia for devoted fans and will become a fast favourite for those discovering the universe for the first time.”
What to Expect When It Lands
With its blend of high-energy fight scenes, clever time-travel twists, and a cast packed with familiar faces, Back to the Past is shaping up to be a must-see for action and sci-fi fans alike. The film is set to open in North American cinemas on 30 January 2026, and if its performance overseas is anything to go by, local audiences are in for a wild ride.