Storm Riders Creator Still Pursues Third Film with Original Cast
Veteran Hong Kong comic and game producer Shi Renyi has revealed that Ma Rongcheng, creator of the iconic manhua series Storm Riders (Fung Wan), remains deeply committed to producing a third live-action film adaptation. According to Shi, Ma continues to actively manage the Storm Riders IP licensing business and has seen strong commercial results in mainland China in recent years. The revelation comes as a surprise to many who assumed the film franchise had been shelved indefinitely. Ma’s personal attachment to the property appears to drive his ongoing efforts to see a proper trilogy completed.
Shi Renyi noted that public recognition of the Storm Riders IP differs significantly between regions. Mainland Chinese audiences primarily associate the franchise with the television adaptation starring Peter Ho, which has been rerun frequently on state television over the years. In contrast, awareness of the original 1998 film starring Aaron Kwok and Ekin Cheng remains relatively low among younger mainland viewers. Shi identified the 30-to-40 age bracket as the core demographic for the IP in China, a group that was introduced to the series primarily through these repeated TV broadcasts.
In what Shi described as the most surprising revelation from their conversation, Ma Rongcheng personally expressed a strong and persistent desire to produce a third film. Ma told Shi he genuinely hopes to reunite both Aaron Kwok and Ekin Cheng to reprise their iconic roles, despite both actors now being near the age of 60. For Ma, this project represents more than a commercial venture. He views completing the film trilogy with the original leads as a deeply personal ambition and an important piece of his career legacy.
The news has sparked considerable debate among fans online. Many nostalgic supporters argue the original cast is irreplaceable and that a proper trilogy finale would honor the franchise’s legacy. However, other commenters question whether actors over 60 can convincingly perform the demanding action sequences. Some fans also point to the lukewarm reception of the 2009 sequel as a reason to leave the franchise untouched. Despite the divided opinions, a significant portion of viewers have expressed willingness to support the project if it materializes, calling it a potentially historic moment for Hong Kong cinema. Whether or not the stars align for this long-awaited finale, Ma Rongcheng’s determination alone speaks volumes about his passion for the work.
