Uber and Special have launched the second chapter of their Hong Kong campaign, starring actor Nick Cheung in a kung fu-inspired film that highlights the hassle of traditional street hailing.
The campaign plays on the Cantonese double meaning of “kung fu” — both martial arts and “effort” — to underscore the struggle of hailing a taxi. Cheung is seen battling fellow passengers in exaggerated kung fu-style clashes, before an ‘aunty’ bypasses the chaos by booking an Uber Taxi.
A teaser video released on social media drew over 4.5 million views in 24 hours, generating significant buzz ahead of the campaign’s launch.
The work was created with creative partner Omelette, director Adam Liu, stunt coordinator Jack Wong, and Click Music Ltd, who adapted the classic Cantonese anthem Who Is a Big Hero with new lyrics for the campaign.
“It’s always wonderful when we get to build off something that’s been a success,” Special Regional Managing Director – Uber, Lauren Portelli said.
“Reuniting our Australian brains with outstanding local collaborators for a second year of kung fu was a dream. And what better way than reimagining an iconic kung fu anthem to demonstrate how effortlessly Uber Taxi can skip the chaos.”
Special Creative Directors, Sarah Parris and Giles Clayton, said: “This year, our ambition was to dial up the action even further and create a spot that genuinely looks and feels like a kung fu film.
“Nick Cheung brought a whole new energy to the campaign — performing kung fu in over 30°C temperatures while belting out a classic song was impressive to watch. But it just goes to show, even the best kung fu master is no match for Uber Taxi when it comes to hailing a cab.”
Toga Leung, Head of Marketing, Uber Mobility Hong Kong, said: “This campaign is a celebration of what makes Hong Kong unique — its cinematic history, its energy, and its people.
“Uber Taxi is about making travel seamless in a city where getting from A to B isn’t always straightforward. Collaborating with Special and our local partners allowed us to build on the momentum from last year and bring even more entertainment and cultural resonance to this follow-up.”
Charmaine Wu, Marketing Lead, Uber Mobility Hong Kong, said: “Nick Cheung’s performance blends high-energy action with the charm of singing an iconic karaoke anthem like ‘Who Is a Big Hero’, adding both heart and humour to the story. It’s a joyful reminder that with Uber, you can skip the chaos and still be the hero.”
The campaign runs across TV, online, social and OOH.
CREDITS
Client – Uber Taxi
Senior Director Of Marketing, APAC: Andy Morley
Head of Marketing, Hong Kong: Toga Leung
Marketing Lead, Hong Kong: Charmaine Wu
Assistant Brand Manager, Hong Kong: Venus To
Creative Director, APAC: Adam Ledbury
Media Lead, Hong Kong: Victoria Etheridge
Brand Strategy Lead, APAC: Dan Palise
Lead Creative Agency – Special
Partners/CEO : Lindsey Evans & Cade Heyde
Partners/CCO: Julian Schreiber & Tom Martin
Creative Directors: Sarah Parris & Giles Clayton
Creatives: Sarah Parris, Max McKeon, Kirsten Twigg & Dan O’Connell
Managing Director: Lauren Portelli
Team Lead: Erin Stace & Tim Leathart
Business Director: Megan McIntosh
Head of Strategy: Celia Garforth
Strategy Director: Phoebe Fielding & Heather Sheen
Creative & Production Partner – Omelette Company Limited
Creative Director/Founder: Vivian Fung
Creative Director/Founder: Charles Hau
Producer: Peggy Mok
Line Producer: Benny Fung
Talent Manager: Fiona Lam
Film Director & Production
Production House: THE FUTURE PRODUCTION
Director: Adam Liu
Executive Producer: Benny Fung
Line Producer: Pat Lui
Co-Producer: Will Ke
Assistant Director: Wu Xi
Director of Photography: Liang Zhongqiang
Trinity: Du Zhifeng & Liang Beilin
Action Director: Jack Wong
1st Assistant Director: Josephine Chan
2nd Assistant Director: Sam Ip
Production Manager : Fai Ho
Art Director: Vivian Lau
Styling: Vann Kwok
Hair Stylist: Dave Ng
Mark Up Artist: Chloe Mak
Casting Director: Julina Ribeiro
Post Production
Offline Editor : Yang Song
Online Editor: ColorFarm CGI
TC: Yao Colorgrading
Sound Designer and Mixing: 20k-Miles
Music Production
Song Title: “誰是大英雄” (Who is A Big Hero)
Composer/ Writer: James Wong
OP: EMI Music Publishing Hong Kong
Music Arranger/ Producer: Chan Kwong Wing @Click Music Ltd.
Sub-Author: Siu Hak
Social Director & Production
Director: Ben Sum
Executive Producer: Dicky Wu
Producer: Ziva Tang
Director Of Photography: Hung
Production manager : Samuel
Art Director: Abbie
Post-production: Light Club Multimedia Limited
Producer: Fanny Lui
Editor: Denise Lee
Online: Marcus Lau
TC: Kwun Wong
Audio Mixing: Bear
Photography/KV Director & Production
Production House: Workhouse
KV Photographer: Lawrence Ng
KV Producer: Even Yeung
BTS & Social Photo
Photographer: Mag Lam
Media Agency – EssenceMediacom
Adrian Lee
Alvin Lau
PR Media relation and event management
PR and Event company: Sparkling Code Plus Limited
PR Project Director/Founder: Jeff Man
Social Media Project Director/Founder: Scott Chan
PR media and event management : Louie Tsang, Mars Kwok, Ivy Chau
Top image: Nick Cheung