You know, it if it wasn’t for that stupid pandemic, 2020 could have been a banner year for legendary filmmaker Wong Kar-wai. Not only are some of his best features getting 4K restorations and limited theatrical release this year, but the filmmaker was also set to begin work on a TV series and film, both based on the story “Blossoms.” But with the pandemic hitting, things have been delayed and 2020 isn’t such a prolific year for Wong. That being said, apparently, he has finished a script for a sequel that not many people saw coming.
According to The Film Stage, Wong Kar-wai is reportedly finished with a script for a “Chungking Express” sequel. Apparently, the film is titled “Chungking Express 2020” and has already been approved by the Chinese government for production back in April. So, it seems as if it’s only a matter of time before we see Wong Kar-wai return to the world he created in the 1994 romance.
Here’s the reported synopsis:
In 1990s Hong Kong, the lovelorn Policeman No. 223 encounters a blonde female assassin. They only spend a short time together overnight. The Policeman No. 663, getting over a failed relationship, has his life gradually changed by a “dreamer” who broke into his apartment. In Chongqing in 2036, young Xiaoqian and May are unwilling to be matched with their genetically-assigned partner, and are determined to find their own “destiny.”
Though maybe not in the same league as “In the Mood for Love,” Wong Kar-wai’s “Chungking Express” was critically acclaimed when it was released decades ago, earning rave reviews from just about every major publication. The film has also developed a pretty strong legacy, with many considering it one of the best features released in the past three decades. So, a sequel (though that is a fairly dirty word by most cinephile standards) is a welcomed idea.
It’s unclear if or when Wong Kar-wai might get behind the camera for the feature. As the report indicates, he’s only listed as a screenwriter, so there is the chance that it could be made with a different director, which means “Chungking Express 2020” could be coming sooner than later. However, it could be a while still if we’re waiting for the original director to find time in his schedule to helm this sequel. Either way, it’s something to look forward to, as more Wong Kar-wai is always a good thing.