Ong Bak Returns to the Big Screen

The Thai Film Journal has reported that Tony Jaa will indeed direct the film Ong Bak 2 (working title). Filming for the feature is expected to start soon. Even though the working title of the film is Ong Bak 2, the journal reports that the plot will have nothing to do with the first film.

It quotes Prachya Pinkaew (director of Ong Bak and Tom Yum Goong) as saying that "We decided to use the title Ong Bak 2 because it's immediately recognized wherever we go. In some countries, the film Tom Yum Goong is called Ong Bak 2." Concerning his stepping down from the director's chair, Prachya is quoted as saying, "I'm tied up doing my movie right now and the script for Daab (Sword) isn’t finished yet so [Jaa] asked about being director on the project. The time was right so we agreed."

Prachya Pinkaew will still have involvement in Ong Bak 2 as producer. Tony Jaa's mentor, Panna Rittikrai, is also set to be involved (most likely as stunt/fight choreographer).

The rights to Ong Bak 2 have already been secured for territories outside of Asia and the UK by the Weinstein Co.