International action star Tony Jaa is currently in Hong Kong putting together his scenes to be featured in director Pou Soi Cheang‘s new film, S.P.L. 2, the forthcoming thematic prequel follow-up to the 2004 film set for a 2015 release. Subscribers to Jaa‘s official Facebook page will regularly see posts of Jaa with the team training and rehearsing scenes, as well as doing make-up and costume tests for the start of production, which ultimately see actors Simon Yam and Wu Jing reprising their respective roles from the first film alongside actor Max Zhang now in the fray as reportedly the film’s villain.
However, things are still early, as we still don’t know the full details on how the characters being played by Yam and Wu will apply, much of the focus is further drawn to hints at what the plot will entail, which sees Jaa starring as a prison guard who helps an undercover cop escape in exchange to help save his dying daughter. For all intents and purposes now, producer Paco Wong has provided a brief, exclusive synopsis for the film to glance at below, courtesy of Mike Selby:
A tough Hong Kong cop named Kit busts a major gangster only to find his cover blown and his main witness gone. The gangster, in retaliation, has him kidnapped and put in a Thai jail with a false criminal identity.
A lowly prison guard Chai with extraordinary fighting skills guards kit and prevents his escape from prison.
The prison guard’s daughter suffers from a rare form of leukemia and Kit is the only donor who can save her.
The prison guard discovers Kit’s real identity and helps him to escape in return for his agreeing to save his daughter.
Together, Kit and Chai must face the gangster and his minions and take them down.
As said before, things are early and we might see more news ahead pertaining to more plot details and cast mentions, including the possibility of whether or not Hong Kong action legend and S.P.L. co-star Sammo Hung will reprise his old role once more. Furthermore, the plot here presents so many possibilities and ways in which this story could be told that could definitely enhance the drama from start to finish.
As far as cast mentions go, it will be interesting to learn who plays the tough undercover cop taking on Zhang for the climatic epic martial arts showdown that awaits with Jaa front and center with action director Dion Lam staging the brutal action.
Soi Cheang is also producing the film with Wilson Yip, who directed the first film that featured Yam, Wu, and Hung with action star Donnie Yen.
Fans can also expect further information in the coming weeks pertaining to the upcoming release of Jaa‘s newly wrapped-up actioner, Skin Trade, which Selby produced along with Craig Baumgarten for director Ekachai Uekrongtham. The film will screen 9 minutes of footage for buyers at Cannes this month, courtesy of international sales agent Hyde Park International.
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