Actor Henry Cavill draws crowds as neon-lit set evokes memories of old Hong Kong

Henry Cavill, the British actor renowned for his roles as Superman and Geralt in The Witcher, drew a crowd as he filmed a new movie on a Central Hong Kong street. On Thursday night, the neon-lit set evoked memories of old Hong Kong, complete with genuine and replica neon signs, hawker stalls, and a temple. Despite the sweltering heat, Cavill was spotted in a thick leather jacket during filming.

Hundreds of onlookers gathered throughout the evening, drawn by the retro-futuristic transformation of Peel Street, a nightlife district known for its blend of old and new. The design appeared to be set for the year 2040, despite the nostalgic setting. News of Cavill's filming spread rapidly on social media, leading to eager fans snapping photos of the actor and the set.

The South China Morning Post noted that many visitors reminisced about the past, hoping that such scenes could be preserved in the city. While Hong Kong once boasted thousands of neon signs, stricter regulations and the advent of LED lights have left only a few hundred remaining. Hawker stalls, known as dai pai dongs, have also vanished due to licensing requirements and shifting dining habits.

Cavill's film set is part of a trend of recreating Hong Kong's past on screen, following the success of the martial arts film Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In. Earlier this year, streets in East Tsim Sha Tsui were similarly transformed for the sequel of the film, attracting a similar crowd of curious onlookers.