'Cold War 1994' reboots iconic franchise with star-studded cast

The "Cold War" franchise is being rebooted a decade after its last installment, with the star-studded prequel "Cold War 1994" set for a May 1 debut.

The cast and crew of "Cold War 1994" pose for a photo at the film's premiere in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong province, April 26, 2026. [Photo courtesy of Edko Films]

"Cold War 1994" is set in Hong Kong, starring Daniel Wu, Terrance Lau, Wu Kang-ren, Tse Kwan-ho and Louise Wong. A tycoon's kidnapping ignites a power struggle drawing in four competing factions — the British authorities, the police, wealthy businessmen and the underworld — as the city faces a reshuffle that will determine its future.

A world premiere was held on April 26 in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong province, with director Leung Lok-man, producer Bill Kong, and stars including Chow Yun-fat, Aaron Kwok and Tony Leung Ka-fai walking the red carpet to cheers from fans.

Producer Bill Kong explained the intention behind reviving the franchise after a decade. "Few films have been talked about consistently for more than a decade without ever stopping," he said. "So, building the 'Cold War' universe well is our responsibility. We must do it right and keep moving forward."

Leung Lok-man, who directed and wrote the screenplay, said the film is bigger in scope than its predecessors. "We hope everyone will enjoy it," he said.

The film moves between timelines in 2017 and 1994, filling in character backstories and tracing the origins of the "Cold War" operation to resolve loose ends left by the previous two films.

"The stories from that era are truly fascinating, and they will also answer all the questions that everyone has been concerned about in 'Cold War' and 'Cold War II,'" Tony Leung Ka-fai said.