Sammy Leung Declined “Line Walker” Because of Poor Health
The repeat telecast of Line Walker <使徒行者> in Hong Kong is allowing many to relive the 2014 classic undercover-themed drama and see their beloved characters again. Aside from Charmaine Sheh (佘詩曼) and Raymond Lam‘s (林峯) characters, Sammy Sum‘s (沈震軒) well-received role Kobe is also an audience favorite which helped boost the actor’s rise to stardom. However, it turns out that the role had actually belonged to Sammy Leung (森美), who had to pulling out of the drama because of health reasons.
When he received the script for Line Walker, Sammy Leung had actually requested reducing the number of scenes for his character, but still worried that he could not handle it due to health reasons. After Sammy Leung confirmed his withdrawal from the drama, there was talk at one point that Joe Ma (馬德鐘) would step in, but the role finally landed in the hands of Sammy Sum.
“It was because of my personal health [that I had to quit the drama). At that time I had filmed for two to three weeks with about 10 sets of scenes already. Producer Jazz Boon (文偉鴻) had to re-film those scenes, and it was hard on Sharon Chan (陳敏之), as I had many scenes with her which had to be re-shot, including kissing scenes,” Sammy Leung recalled.
Sammy also shared how his character in Line Walker was very different from his usual comedic roles, such as in the recently aired Ratman To The Rescue <過街英雄>. “I’m grateful for the opportunity, but my health was really not up for it. Of course, I was disappointed. Now that I think back, it was such a rare and classic production. What to do, I believe in hard work but also luck plays a part. I can only continue to support Jazz’s productions.”
Source: HK01
This article is written by JoyceK for JayneStars.com.
I can’t imagine Kobe being played by Sammy or Joe Ma, it just wouldn’t be the same
@hbc1 I totally agree. I can’t imagine Joe or Sammy Leung playing Kobe’s character. I remember reading that Sammy Sum actually originally played Patrick Tang’s character. I think Sammy Sum would have been good as well in the Patrick Tang’s role.
@oktang
i didn’t even recall patrick tang was in it.
@m0m0 Sharon’s ex.
@oktang wow, I’m so glad Sammy didn’t take Patrick’s place. He was the evil creep. I don’t want Sammy to take another bad guy role again. Too repetitive.
@mi520 Patrick did a great job as a bad guy. really evil.
@hbc1 True. I like all 3, but if played by Joe, it may confuse the audience as to who is the lead character lool
@hbc1 Sammy Sum is unforgettable in his role as Kobe…it’s like tailor cut for him. I can’t imagine anyone else playing that role.
Sammy Leung and Sharon Chan paired together or with Joe Ma… I can’t see that one bit eeee.
Very old news. It all turned out well. Sammy Leung is a very unproven actor. Everyone who has followed Line Walker already know this. Sammy Sum also had an leg injury early on in that crazy bike chase scene too after taking over the role…
Tvb should match Jacqueline wong and sammy leung.. hee .. fireworks combo for sure
Yeah glad it was S Sum in it…
I like Sammy Sum. He’s so underrated and I like the role that played in LW as I remember I didn’t care for the main characters at all. SL isn’t a bad actor especially comedies but I wouldn’t compare him w/SS.
@wm2017 agree. Sammy Sum is lead actor material, but tvb never pushed him to become the next big thing.