International action star Donnie Yen and singer MC Cheung Tinfu appeared at Sha Tin Racecourse on Sunday for the BMW Hong Kong Derby 2026. The pair, who previously collaborated on the film "The Prosecutor," greeted each other warmly with a hug.
Yen, who has served as the event's ambassador for 14 years, joked that he has dedicated much of his life to the Jockey Club. He also revealed that his new horse "Rapid Phantom," co-owned with businessman Karson Choi, has arrived in Hong Kong, expressing hope that it will have the chance to celebrate victory in future races.
Yen said he had only returned to Hong Kong that morning for the event before departing again for Europe in the evening to film the "John Wick" spin-off. He expects to return to Hong Kong in late June for location shooting. He and the production team had earlier scouted several locations in Hong Kong, though he remained tight-lipped about specific spots, only hinting they would be "representative" places.
"The story mostly takes place in Europe, but since I'm directing this one and it tells my character's backstory, it's essential to show where he comes from. So I strongly pushed to have part of it filmed in Hong Kong," Yen explained. He noted that the Hong Kong government, including Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law, has been supportive, and he hopes the smooth filming will encourage foreign production companies to discover the efficiency and professionalism of Hong Kong's film industry.
Yen also played tour guide for the production crew, taking them to various locations including the Big Buddha, Tai O, Kennedy Town, and the Star Ferry Pier, while introducing them to local delicacies such as pineapple buns, egg tarts, and cha chaan teng culture. "Hong Kong's food culture is unmatched anywhere in the world. The crew all said they feel lucky to live in Hong Kong," he said.
When asked if any Hong Kong actors, such as MC Cheung, would appear in the film, Yen said he would try his best to make it happen, stressing the importance of the right fit and everyone working together to contribute to the film industry.
Regarding his daughter, singer-songwriter Jasmine, Yen revealed she has many plans in the works but emphasized the need for patience to ensure quality work. "She is an independent artist now. I'm very fair – she has to rely on her own efforts, not on me. I've worked my way up step by step, and only by giving can you get back. I always tell my children to be competitive; if you have talent, you will eventually shine," he said.
Yen also mentioned that his son, who is still studying, has musical talent, and he has no intention of forcing him to learn martial arts, preferring to let him develop according to his own interests.
Asked about the Spring Festival Gala's humanoid robots performing martial arts moves, Yen said he sees no threat to himself, but rather to new actors. "I'm getting older, so by the time it becomes a threat, I'll probably be retired. Technology development is inevitable. Humans will always be in control, using technology to improve our lives and learning."
