The Lunar New Year season of 2026 is coming soon, and with it comes a tidal wave of hyped up Chinese-language movies. But few film announcements can measure up to the recent movie launch that features not one, but TWO beloved franchises from Malaysia and Singapore, respectively!
“Ah Beng movie or Liang Po Po movie?” Fans can get both in one Ah Beng vs Liang Po Po movie, which made its glorious debut on a cruise ship!
Taking after the two characters’ flair for wackiness, this announcement perfectly captures the film’s element of surprise and convergence! But what happened during the announcement?
Here’s what went down:
For context, media representatives from Malaysia and Singapore went for a movie launching event aboard a cruise ship but were slightly misled — each believed they were attending a separate premiere for either “Ah Beng 2026” or “Liang Po Po: Back in Action”. Then unexpectedly, both of the iconic characters made their entrances, stirring guests to pick sides in what felt like a genuine pop-culture collision.
The commotion peaked with the reveal of the punchline — the actors who portray each character, Jack Neo and Jack Lim, announced that this was not two films, but one crossover movie! The reveal of the actual title, Ah Beng vs Liang Po Po, got guests going crazy for this upcoming festive blockbuster.
But this reveal event was more than just a publicity stunt; there’s a deeper reason why it took place at sea. “Sea represents convergence, the unknown, and collision. It mirrors the meeting of two countries, two value systems, and the cultural exchange at the heart of this film,” director Matt Lai explained. “Ah Beng vs Liang Po Po is not merely about opposition, but a humorous and heartfelt dialogue on family, generations, and cultural identity.”
For those not yet quite sold on what makes Ah Beng vs Liang Po Po the most highly anticipated Chinese-language movie of the season, here’s why! 👇
1. Ah Beng has returned, all grown up
After 12 years of absence, Ah Beng is back and reprised by Jack Lim, who now brings a more mature Ah Beng to the screen. He’s no longer just the loud, slapstick ‘lala boy’ that audiences know him for. Ah Beng is now married to Ham Yu-lian (played by Chen Keat Yoke) and has a young daughter, portrayed by Ivory Chia.
But trouble finds Ah Beng again in the form of a cross-border organ trafficking syndicate. Will he be able to thwart this operation?
2. Liang Po Po is back too
Liang Po Po is making a return, too, after her last lead role in a feature film 27 years ago. Portrayed once again by Jack Neo, the character brings back her enduring appeal as a stubborn, persistent, yet deeply warm-hearted grandma figure. Her return is a gift to longtime fans and a new bridge to younger audiences.
But her sharp tongue can only do so much to help her rescue a child kidnapped by an organ trafficking ring. Will this grandma figure be the unlikely hero to pull off this mission?
3. Fresh faces will make an appearance in this movie
It’s not just familiar faces all throughout. Adding to the film’s appeal is the big-screen debut of influencer couple Jestinna Kuan and Danny Lee! These two portray a bickering on-screen pair, complementing the on-screen antics already delivered by the titular characters. Given that this is their first cinematic role, the couple shared that working together required a fresh professional discovery of one another, a process that translated into captivating and genuine chemistry for the film.
The best crossover you didn’t know you were waiting for!
Ah Beng vs Liang Po Po is scheduled to be released in Malaysia on the first day of Chinese New Year, making for a must-see showdown this season. Plus, in a cinematic era where crossovers reign supreme, this pairing is sure to make for an unbeatable duo! Don’t forget to check out Ah Beng vs Liang Po Po when it comes out in theatres!
For more info on Ah Beng vs Liang Po Po, follow their social media pages:
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