(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1”; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
Leave it to Tony Jaa to blow our minds before the day is over. The Thai martial arts cinema sensation has just begun rebounding his career with the upcoming releases of Tom Yum Goong 2 and two new films with action star Dolph Lundgren titled A Man Will Rise and Skin Trade.
The biggest hype so far is around Tom Yum Goong 2 from director Prachya Pinkaew, which is releasing domestically in 3D on October 24, 2013 in 3D. Now the word via the HeatVision column at The Hollywood Reporter states that Jaa is in talks for a role in Fast 7.
Speaking with THR via email, Jaa clarified his excitement for the franchise now going on its seventh film, slated for a release on July 11, 2014. He says “I have been a big fan of the Fast and Furious franchise, …The films are fast paced, fun and keep the audience involved. There is a great mix of humor and action, something I really appreciate. There is no better film to be involved in for a first U.S. studio production.”
Jaa also added “Having a chance to work with Vin Diesel and The Rock already makes me a winner.” in response to going toe to toe with two of the film’s biggest lead stars, Vin Diesel who serves as producer and has mostly been with the franchise since the beginning, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who first appeared in the 2011 blockbuster, Fast Five, followed by the explosive follow-up, Fast And Furious 6.
The Conjuring director James Wan, who recently shared a photo op with returning co-star Tyrese Gibson showing a teaser poster for the film, is inheriting the seat from Justin Lin who helmed the previous four films of the franchise. The film is also set to star the film’s main actors, also including Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster, with other names pending. Mixed martial arts star, Hollywood’s newest athletic actress and The Expendables 3 co-star Ronda Rousey has been tapped for a role that will also see her starring alongside actor and fellow The Expendables 3 co-star Jason Statham who made an explosive cameo at the end of the previous film.
And if all goes according to plan, Jaa will become the third known martial arts actor in the film. Meanwhile, Tom Yum Goong 2 has also been picked up by Magnolia since its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May, and will be released as The Protector 2. Stay tuned for details.
I gotta say, I can’t help but wonder if adding Scott Adkins wouldn’t be an issue considering there is already a push for him to be in it. But what do you guys think? Feel free to comment below or on Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus or Pinterest.
Photo: Zimbio
UPDATE (8:00pm EST): Asian Movie Pulse provided new photos of the actors involved in the otherwise confirmed title of A Man Will Rise, including some additional info that the film was possibly originally meant to star Jaa with Jean-Claude Van Damme, as reported by Twitchfilm earlier on.