Clifton Ko to Film New Malaysian Version of 'It's a Mad, Mad, Mad World'; Loletta Lee Upgrades to 'Mommy'

The Hong Kong Lunar New Year classic It's a Mad, Mad, Mad World is set to welcome an all-new version, with original director Clifton Ko announcing collaboration with a Malaysian-Singaporean team to create the new Malaysian version, It's a Mad, Mad, Mad World “Lai”. What’s especially exciting is that Loletta Lee, who played the “second daughter” back then, will make a glamorous return, this time “upgrading” to take over Lydia Shum’s original role as “Mrs. Biu.” Clifton Ko revealed that the movie is expected to be released during the 2027 New Year season, which coincides with the 40th anniversary of the original’s release, adding special significance.

The original It's a Mad, Mad, Mad World, written and directed by Clifton Ko and starring Bill Tung, Lydia Shum, Eric Tsang, Elsie Chan, Loletta Lee, Paula Ka Lam, and David Chiang, was released in January 1987. The film tells the story of Uncle Biu (played by Bill Tung), Aunt Biu (Lydia Shum), and their three daughters—a family of five living in public housing—dreaming of striking it rich with the lottery. The film was both critically acclaimed and a box office success, spawning two sequels and remaining a regular TV re-run favorite to this day.

The new version, It's a Mad, Mad, Mad World "Lai", will feature Clifton Ko as chief scriptwriter, leading a creative team of young scriptwriters from Hanxing Academy of Journalism and Communication: Chan Xin Ni, Liao Yun Yi, and Hong Qiao Mei, to jointly craft an entirely new story.

Clifton Ko said that the new film will continue the original's comedic style while blending in Malaysia’s multiculturalism and local humor, creating a family comedy that resonates with local audiences. He stressed: “This is not a remake, but a brand-new story inspired by the original, reimagined as an experience taking place in Malaysia.”

The film is scheduled to start shooting on March 11, 2026, and upon completion will be released simultaneously in Malaysia and Singapore, with plans to enter the Hong Kong, Macau, and China markets as well.

Speaking about the cast, Clifton Ko revealed that most of the new version’s cast will be Malaysian actors, with the only Hong Kong actor retained being “Mommy,” played by Loletta Lee. He shared that after years of collaboration with Loletta Lee, he has full confidence in her acting: “There’s absolutely no doubt.” He added, “What’s most important is that she fully understands my comedic style and knows how to deliver this sense of humor.” In the film, Loletta Lee will play a “see lai” (housewife) from Hong Kong who marries into Malaysia, with her character retaining Cantonese humor while blending into local life elements.

Clifton Ko also revealed that when he offered her the role, Loletta Lee agreed instantly: “She didn’t even ask about the salary, just said, ‘That sounds fun, I’m in!’” As for the classic character “Uncle Biu,” Clifton Ko said that a Malaysian actor will take on the role: “I know Malaysia has hidden talents among its actors, it’s just that I don’t know them personally—anyone interested is welcome to contact me!”