Wong Kar-Wai's 'Tong Wars' Reportedly Nixed As Production Stalls On His Film/TV Series 'Blossoms'

It’s been nearly seven years since film fans have had the opportunity to see a brand-new film directed by Wong Kar-wai. And unfortunately, while it seemed like there were multiple Wong projects in development, it appears that work has stalled on all of them, for one reason or another.

According to the South China Morning Post, the current slate of projects from filmmaker Wong Kar-wai, which were said to include a series titled “Tong Wars,” as well as a feature film and series, both titled “Blossoms,” have been either canceled or postponed.

First up, we have “Tong Wars,” which is the Amazon series that was said to be directed by Wong and was reported back in the fall of 2017. As the name suggests, the series was said to be inspired by the Tong Wars of 19th century San Francisco, which was dominated by various gang wars and organized crime disputes revolving around the drug trade and prostitution. However, according to the report, “Tong Wars” is said to have been “canceled for some time.”

Now, as bad as it is to hear that any Wong Kar-wai project has been canceled, the fact that news dried up about the series, as well as reports that the filmmaker had moved on to a new project, titled “Blossoms,” makes the news a bit easier to believe. However, we would still love to see his take on “Tong Wars” at some point.

Unfortunately, it appears that “Blossoms” is in a bit of trouble, as well. While not canceled like “Tong Wars,” the report claims that the development of “Blossoms” (both the film and the newly-announced TV series) is said to be stalled because of the recent coronavirus outbreak.

“Blossoms” is said to be a spiritual successor to his series of films that includes the masterpiece, “In the Mood for Love.” It’s based on the 2012 novel of the same name by author Jin Yucheng. The story follows a young entrepreneur that is on the journey to find love and wealth in ‘90s Shanghai. Recently, it was reported that the film version of “Blossoms” was going to take a backseat in lieu of a TV adaptation that Wong is going to spearhead.

However, the recent coronavirus outbreak has put all Chinese film production on hold, meaning that production on “Blossoms” has been stalled, as well.

We have no idea how long this will continue or what it’ll do to the production of the series and the film. However, at least for now, it seems as if “Blossoms” won’t be getting the axe like “Tong Wars.”