Joe Ma (馬德鐘), who left TVB last year to sign with a separate management company, is confirmed to return to star in the Tiger Cubs <飛虎> sequel this summer. Joe reportedly lost over $10 million HKD in order to star in the production. Tagged as TVB’s “Summer Drama of the Year” in 2012, Tiger Cubs was a big hit and gained a strong online following. The action-packed serial about Hong Kong’s elite Special Duties Unit (SDU)also contributed to the stardom of Oscar Leung (梁烈唯), Vincent Wong (王浩信), and Him Law (羅仲謙). TVB confirmed last year that they will produce a Tiger Cubs sequel, which will begin shooting in June 2013. Although leading star, Joe, had already left TVB at the time of its announcement, an insider spilled that the Tiger Cubs producers had Joe in mind to return. The source said, “Joe has kept a good relationship [with TVB] when he left. When TVB decided to give Tiger Cubs 2 the green-light, they all wanted Joe to return. In the end, Joe decided to sign an artist contract with TVB.” The insider revealed that Joe was hired for $60,000 HKD per episode, making him one of the highest-paying actors in TVB. Now a contracted artist, Joe promised to film one TVB drama serial per year. Joe, who reportedly lost $10 million HKD in filming remunerations due to signing with TVB, admitted this indirectly in a phone interview. Joe said, “I indeed turned down two mainland Chinese dramas in order to film Tiger Cubs. Let’s not talk about how much money I lost. It is not very important.” He explained that Tiger Cubs has been one of his favorite and most satisfying projects in recent years. “I am very happy to have the opportunity to film the sequel. When TVB contacted me about the project, it didn’t take long for me to say yes. I am honored to have the chance to film a drama that I truly enjoy and love. It’s worth it.” Asked if Joe was getting paid $60,000 HKD per episode for Tiger Cubs 2, Joe laughed, “It is not always money all the time! I am actually more worried about my body being out of shape. I am not as fit as before. Although I have kept some of my pectoral muscles, my abs are completely gone. Hopefully I’ll have time to work out. I may need to hire a fitness instructor to help me out.” Joe also reasoned that the Tiger Cubs 2 project arrived at a perfect timing. “I’m happy that the start date is in June, because I’ll get to stay in Hong Kong. My 20th wedding anniversary is also in June, and my wife and I want to host a party. It’ll be even better if filming doesn’t begin until after our party. That’ll be absolutely perfect!” Joe Earns $45 Million After leaving TVB’s management last year, Joe filmed six mainland Chinese dramas, reportedly earning over $45 million HKD in total. Currently earning for 150,000 RMB per episode in mainland China, Joe is also frequently hired to participate at grand opening events and promotional concert tours. The wealth he has earned for one year in mainland China almost equates to the wealth Joe earns in TVB for seven years. Creds: Three Weekly
It's unfortunate Jessica Hsuan can't/won't return for the sequel! It would've been nice to see Joe+Jessica's onscreen relationship develop further.
