Michael Jai White And Co. Update Fans On NEVER BACK DOWN 3
Lee B. Golden III
When it comes to sequels, action star Michael Jai White‘s career resumé is no exception with regard to fans’ hopes, and it’s taken years to answer even a few key questions pertaining to which titles would follow suit and how. Despite otherwise pending details, the multifaceted martial artist, actor and filmmaker confirmed quite a bit this month when it came to at least three titles in question, one of them being Never Back Down 3.
White directed and starred in the smaller-scale second film in 2011 based on the big screen 2008 Jeff Wadlow-directed MMA teen fight drama, Never Back Down, and has since confirmed he would do the same. In accordance, White also stated the new film would follow-up from the events of the second with the return of his character Case Walker into the competitive field, one which could include “some” fights in the film with former UFC heavyweight champion, actor Josh Barnett.
Filming may likely take place in Thailand as well where White shared a few photo ops with two of Thailand’s native action stars, Tony Jaa and Jeeja Yanin, both who are also expected to briefly appear in the film, making this Jaa‘s forth international role as of this year while Yanin marks her debut foray into the international market as well after appearing with Jaa in Tom Yum Goong 2. “I think it was time to “stretch my legs” so to speak and see what I could do internationally.“, Yanin told Film Combat Syndicate in an interview last year. “I enjoy the movies we make in Thailand, but I think international films will give me a chance for a bit more range.”
We still need a few more facts regarding this, but for what it’s worth so far, White clearly knows what he’s doing after Never Back Down 2, comfortable and in his element as he so expressed in a recent interview with author Mike Fury. “It wasn’t as challenging as I thought it would be.” said White in discussing the second film. “Sometimes it’s exhausting when you’re the lead actor, but you see certain things the director can’t because you’ve been doing it for such a long time. I tend to equate myself with all the particulars anyway, which makes me worry less as a director, because that’s the job. So it seems more daunting in terms of time but, for me, it’s as natural as playing a role.”
Check out the pictures below and remember to subscribe to those pages for more on Never Back Down 3 and other titles.
Getting ready for the shoot of Never Back Down 3 with the amazing Michael Jai White. My first International film.Posted by Jeeja Yanin on Monday, May 11, 2015
