To returned to France in May 2006, while his film, "Election 2", premiered "Out of Competition" at the 60th Cannes Film Festival. He met with Delon, who had expressed his interest in working with To, and To promised to meet with Delon once a film treatment was written. To returned to France in March 2007, where he handed the Pétins a step outline of what he and screenwriter Wai Ka-Fai had envisioned. Delon, however, was no longer interested in the project. In July 2007, the Pétins met with French musician and actor Johnny Hallyday, who was interested in making a new film. After meeting with Hallyday, who had expressed his love for world cinema, the Pétins decided that he would be perfect in the lead role.