According to Variety and a variety of other sources, filmmaker Wong Kar-Wai’s new film, tentatively titled, ‘Chungking Express 2020’ has been approved by the Chinese Government. 

The film is a sequel to the 1994 cult classic ‘Chungking Express,’ which opened the door for Wong’s distinct style as well as his propensity for longing love stories. The new film was filed earlier this year and was recently, on September 23rd, approved and is set to start production soon. 

It is expected to be a sequel, not dissimilar to the 1995 film ‘Fallen Angels,’ though that film no longer seems to be a direct continuation, but more of a spin-off. Though ‘Chungking Express 2020’ could be a sequel, only time will tell if it actually builds off the original or follows similar visual motifs, story techniques, or themes of the 1994 original. 

Wong Kar-Wai is most well known for his critically acclaimed ‘In the Mood For Love,’ which celebrates its twentieth anniversary this year as well as his influence on many directors including Quentin Tarantino and Barry Jenkins. The film dazzles visually and is propelled forward by an incredibly poignant soundtrack that is both as addictive and haunting as the love story that unfolds. 

Similarly, this new film is reportedly focused on love with possible science-fiction elements. There will be two intersecting stories from two different time periods, one from the distant past of the 90’s, in which the original film was made in, and the not too distant future of 2036. Juggling love and science-fiction from an auteur like Wong Kar-Wai will surely be a joy to watch. 

No official release date is set as of now, but fans can now eagerly await the return of Wong Kar-Wai as this will be his first feature since 2013.