The Ink Factory and 127 Wall Productions have wrapped up production on a Chinese-language adaptation of the popular espionage thriller “The Night Manager” for the Youku streaming platform, which is owned by Alibaba. The series consists of 12 episodes and features a star-studded cast led by Eddie Peng and Sean Lau.
Filmed across various locations in Asia including Hong Kong, Macau, Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, and Phuket, the series is set to debut on Youku in mainland China in late 2026. Kelvin KinLong Chan serves as the director, with Fifth Season handling worldwide sales.
Eddie Peng, known for his roles in acclaimed films such as “Black Dog” and “Operation Mekong,” portrays Jonathan Chan, while Sean Lau, famous for his work in “Detective vs Sleuths” and “Papa,” takes on the role of arms dealer Richard Kwok. The cast also includes Isabella Leong as Jed Cheung and Carman Lee as ICAC investigator Angela Fok.
This adaptation of “The Night Manager” shifts the setting to Asia, following the story of Jonathan Chan, a night manager at a hotel in Bangkok with a troubled past. When evidence implicates tycoon Richard Kwok in illegal arms trading, Jonathan is recruited by Angela Fok to infiltrate Kwok’s organization. Complications arise when Jonathan becomes romantically involved with Kwok’s girlfriend, Jed Cheung.
The production marks the second collaboration between Eddie Peng and Sean Lau, who previously starred together in the 2016 film “Call of Heroes.” Directed by Kelvin KinLong Chan from scripts by Cheung Feifan and He Liangyu, the series promises to deliver a fresh and unique take on John le Carré’s timeless story.
Executive produced by Donghui Wang, Julia Song, and Chris Cornwell, the series boasts a talented team of producers and executives from both The Ink Factory and 127 Wall Productions. The collaboration between these two production companies and Youku represents a significant step forward in promoting diverse and high-quality storytelling.
Overall, this adaptation of “The Night Manager” for the Chinese-speaking audience exemplifies a commitment to bridging cultures and producing intelligent dramas with universal appeal. With a talented team behind the project, viewers can expect a compelling and engaging series that reimagines a classic story in a new and exciting way.
