Hong Kong heartthrob Andy Lau will star in a remake of classic action film "Story of a Discharged Prisoner", his company announced.

Hong Kong actor Andy Lau. Lau will star in a remake of classic action film "Story of a Discharged Prisoner", his company announced. [AFP]

The remake of the 1967 movie, which inspired John Woo's 1986 cult classic "A Better Tomorrow", is expected to cost five million US dollars to make. It will be produced by Lau's production company, Focus Films.

The movie will be directed by Stephen Fung of "House of Fury" and "Enter The Phoenix", a spokesperson for Focus Films said.

"We are at an early stage of development. We don't have a script yet but Andy likes the story and we will develop the story along the line," she said.

The company will showcase the project at Cannes Film Festival which opens next Wednesday.

"We will be looking at the market feedback and reaction from buyers and then see how we can make the film," the spokesperson said, adding the company is also seeking a co-producer.

"Story of a Discharged Prisoner" tells the story of a reforming ex-gangster who tries to reconcile with his estranged brother.