The box-office and critical success of the futuristic blockbuster “The Wandering Earth” has attracted big talents to join the follow-up film.

In “The Wandering Earth II,” a prequel to the 2019 hit, one of Hong Kong’s biggest artists, Andy Lau (“As Tears Go By,” “House of Flying Daggers,” “Infernal Affairs”), is playing a scientist. Just as the film’s creative team is happy to have Lau on board, Lau couldn’t be more elated. “My sci-fi dream is fulfilled,” Lau shared at the press conference for “The Wandering Earth II,” in Philippine cinemas May 31. “And I still feel immersed in the character today and don’t want to wake up.”

Watch the trailer for “The Wandering Earth II”: https://youtu.be/ZCuE5HntgeM

As exciting as it was to star in the prequel to the groundbreaking Chinese science fiction film, it also had its challenges, particularly when it came to wearing his spacesuit costume. “Putting on the suit makes it difficult to turn around or even twist (my body),” he also shared at the press conference. “The most unbearable part is I have no way to scratch where it itches. I stuck duct tape on the inside of my helmet, so I could relieve the urges by rubbing my face against the tape.”