(Kuala Lumpur, April 23) Veteran director Clifton Ko is reviving the iconic comedy franchise It's a Mad Mad Mad World with a brand-new Malaysian adaptation titled It’s a Mad Mad Mad World: Come. Celebrating the series’ 40th anniversary in 2027, the film stars Loletta Lee, Hugo Ng, and Min Chen Lin.
Returning to the franchise after four decades, Loletta Lee transitions from playing a daughter to a mother. She joked that portraying a Malaysian housewife is easy—but raising three daughters on screen is the real challenge.
While retaining the classic “sudden wealth” premise, the new film is fully reimagined with Malaysian Chinese cultural elements. Ko stressed, “This is not a remake—it’s a completely new story rooted in Malaysia.”
Lee and Ng portray a married couple whose lives are turned upside down after winning over RM200 million. The film places stronger emphasis on family dynamics rather than replicating the original.
At 60, Lee plays mother to Min Chen Lin, with the duo appearing more like sisters on screen. She shared a lighthearted anecdote about injuring her eye while packing, noting it was only a minor bruise.
Ng, taking on a role reminiscent of the late Bill Tung’s iconic character, said he feels no pressure due to the fresh storyline. Ko echoed this, emphasizing creative freedom over imitation.
Min Chen Lin expressed excitement about returning to Malaysia for filming and working alongside veteran actors, calling the opportunity “surreal.”
The film has officially begun shooting in a luxury residential area. Singer Andrew Ng (singer) will also appear and perform the theme song, joking that a duet with his brother Eric Moo depends on the budget.
With a production budget of approximately RM3 million, the film is slated for release in Malaysia and Singapore, with ambitions to enter the Greater Bay Area market.
