At first, the Variety Asia Online report today about Andrew Lau teaming up with Media Asia to adapt Chinese classic Water Margin seemed like lukewarm news, one of those we'll-have-to-wait-and-see-how-good-it-will-be affairs. But then Lau goes on to say it will be a trilogy, and while he'll direct the first film, the second will be helmed by ... Johnnie To.

Now that just sounds sizzling hot.

Says Lau:

"This is a story that everyone in China knows well," Lau said. "We (see) this as a three-part franchise with me directing the first movie and Johnnie To doing the second and me acting as producer."