AceShowbiz - The Ink Factory has announced a significant expansion to the cast of its upcoming Chinese-language adaptation of the acclaimed espionage series The Night Manager. This latest update comes just ahead of Hong Kong's Filmart, Asia's premier film and television content marketplace, held from March 17 to 20, where the series is expected to attract strong interest from regional buyers.

The new cast additions feature a mix of seasoned and emerging talents from Hong Kong and Malaysia. Veteran actor Michael Dao joins the project alongside Malaysian actor Frederick Lee and rising Hong Kong star George Au. They are joined by Hong Kong performers Alan Luk, Justin Chu, and Elizabeth Tang. Special appearances are also confirmed by Carl Ng and Amy Lo. These additions complement the already announced leading cast members: Eddie Peng, Sean Lau, Isabella Leong, and Carman Lee.

This adaptation is a pan-Asian reinterpretation of John le Carré's espionage classic, produced in partnership with 127 Wall Productions. The series is slated to premiere on Youku in mainland China in late 2026, with Fifth Season managing global distribution outside China.

Eddie Peng, a Taiwan-born actor with substantial commercial appeal across the Chinese-speaking world, has headlined major projects such as Dante Lam's Operation Mekong and recently earned recognition at Cannes in the Un Certain Regard section for Black Dog. Sean Lau remains one of Hong Kong cinema’s most esteemed actors, known for combining prestige with box office success. His recent works include the popular film Detective vs Sleuths and the well-regarded drama Papa.

Directed by Hong Kong filmmaker Kelvin KinLong Chan, known for Hand Rolled Cigarette and Left on Read, and written by Cheung Feifan and He Liangyu, the series relocates the narrative to an Asian context encompassing Thailand, Macau, and Hong Kong. Peng portrays Jonathan Chan, the night manager of Bangkok’s Emerald Palace Hotel, who is recruited by anti-corruption investigator Angela Fok (played by Lee) to infiltrate the operations of arms dealer Richard Kwok (played by Lau). The mission becomes increasingly complex due to Jonathan’s growing involvement with Kwok’s girlfriend Jed Cheung (played by Leong).

Among the newly added characters, Michael Dao plays Peter Kong, a role created specifically for this adaptation and the uncle of Kwok. This marks the first on-screen reunion for Dao and Lau in nearly 35 years since their training together at TVB’s Artiste Training Class of 1983. Frederick Lee, who recently won Best Actor at the 2024 Asian Television Awards for Taiwan Crime Stories, takes on the role of Ken Lai, Kwok’s security advisor. George Au appears as Franco, Ken’s son and a crucial member of Kwok’s inner circle.

Amy Lo portrays Ah Bo (also known as Sophie Alekan), a figure from Jonathan Chan’s past who triggers the undercover operation. Carl Ng appears as Harry Garrigan, an Irish intelligence operative nicknamed "Happy Joe," whose relationship with Jonathan adds further tension to the mission. The ICAC team working alongside Carman Lee’s Angela Fok expands with Alan Luk, Justin Chu, and Elizabeth Tang cast as fellow investigators.

Simon Cornwell and Stephen Cornwell, founders and co-CEOs of The Ink Factory, remarked on the adaptation’s appeal: This project offers both celebrated veterans and promising newcomers the opportunity to explore the intricate and layered characters from le Carré’s novel. Alistair Jennings, SVP of APAC Sales and Partnerships at Fifth Season, highlighted the series’ regional scope and star power, noting it brings together some of Asia’s most beloved talents across Thailand, Macau, and Hong Kong.

Production is underway across multiple locations in Hong Kong, Macau, and Thailand. Executive producers include Joe Tsai and Arthur Wang from 127 Wall Productions, alongside the Cornwell brothers from The Ink Factory. The creative team also features Susanne Bier, Stephen Garrett of Character 7, and Clare Cornwell representing the John le Carré estate.