In the early 1960s, Alfonso Wong began to create his comics Old Master Q under his nom de plume Wong Chak (in Cantonese; Wang Ze in Putonghua). After the release of Old Master in 1965, about a dozen more films have been inspired by the Old Master Q comic series over the past 50 years. Those adaptations featured live action and animated versions. Master Q 2001, produced by Tsui Hark and directed by Herman Yau, became the first film in the history of Hong Kong to combine 3D computer graphic animation with live action performances.

It had always been Tsui Hark's wish to adapt Old Master Q into film. In addition to producing the film, he co-wrote the script as well. The screenwriting team took two of the classic characters Old Master Q and Big Potato from Alfonso Wong's comics and developed an entirely new story by adding rising stars Nicholas Tse and Cecilia Cheung, Hong Kong-style high school musical, cops-and-robbers styles, Herman Yau's clean-and-crisp-looking car chases, and satire on local politicians. Tsui and Yau quickly bonded over their fantasy filled senses of adventure. The CGI special effects produced by Menfond under the leadership of Eddy Wong made it possible for Old Master Q and Big Potato to stumble over themselves in gags and non-sequitur distractions, trying to help but making matters worse, turning this film into a convoluted, active and funny broad slapstick comedy. Tsui Hark also got the original author Alfonso Wong to make a guest appearance. In the film, not only does Wong interact with Old Master Q and Big Potato, he also announces his own retirement, telling everyone he would be going to Mount Wudang to go fishing with Mr Chun–a scene showing a playful attitude towards life. For the original author to interact with his creations is at the same time humour and a tribute, as well as a milestone of significant progress in Hong Kong's animated filmmaking technology.

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