KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 24 — Rising star Locker Lam (Lam Ka-Hei) is fast becoming one of the standout names in Hong Kong cinema, known for his compelling performances in contemporary stories.
After gaining attention in modern dramas like The Parents League and We Are the Littles, it was only a matter of time before he broke into the film scene.
Having already made his mark with a string of diverse roles — from a gritty boxer in this year’s Fight for Tomorrow to a loyal partner-in-crime in the recent Smashing Frank — Lam isn’t one to stay in a single lane.
In an exclusive interview with Malay Mail, the actor revealed his ambition to take on darker, more psychologically complex characters — including a manipulative figure in the vein of Joe Goldberg from Netflix’s You, famously portrayed by US actor Penn Badgley.
Having watched all four seasons (with the final instalment still on his list), Lam said: “That kind of character is exactly the type of role I’d love to explore next.”
Inspirations and dream collaborators
While drawn to darker roles, Lam is equally eager to collaborate with a range of filmmakers, with acclaimed Hong Kong director Soi Cheang at the top of his wish list — especially after watching Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In (2024).
“I truly admire his work. Many of my colleagues who have worked with him said it was a profound learning experience. He pushes actors to their limits and brings out their full potential,” he said.
When it comes to actors, Nick Cheung stands out as a major inspiration. Lam admires Cheung’s career trajectory, noting how he started as a drama actor, much like Lam himself.
“He then transitioned successfully into action and art films, showing great versatility. I respect him a lot and see him as a role model to learn from,” he added.
Locker Lam during an interview with Malay Mail, where he spoke about wanting to explore darker roles. — Picture by Choo Choy May
On set with Donnie Yen
Fans of Lam’s work may have caught him in The Prosecutor (2024), a gripping legal drama directed, produced by and starring the legendary Donnie Yen.
The film blends intense action with a story of corruption and truth-seeking, with Lam playing drug dealer Chan Kwok-wing.
Lam expressed deep admiration for Yen’s approach to filmmaking.
“He truly respects actors’ opinions. He would listen carefully to my input, personally demonstrate the action sequences, and meticulously review the playback.
“I really enjoy working with directors who are this dedicated and hands-on,” he said.
Hollywood dreams and a must-see film
Many Hong Kong stars — from Donnie Yen to legends like Jackie Chan and Tony Leung Chiu-wai — have successfully ventured into Hollywood, and Lam shares the same ambition.
“I’ve thought about pursuing a career in Hollywood, but language is a key factor.
“My plan would be to live in New York first, to study both acting and language, which could open up opportunities.
“I’m even willing to start as an extra, as I’ve considered that path before,” he revealed.
Ambitious as he is, Lam remains focused on making waves in Hong Kong cinema for now.
His film Fight for Tomorrow, in which he plays boxer Stone Shek Tau, was selected for the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation 2025 Kuala Lumpur stop and screened on September 21 — giving audiences a chance to witness his range and rising star power first-hand.
