AFM 09: Marrese Crump And Jija Yanin Cast In Untitled Prachya Pinkaew Project

[UPDATE: We originally reported that the project referred to here was Prachya Pinkaew's Ta Bang Marn but we have just learned that this is not the case.  Ta Bang Marn is in production now while this project will not begin production until some time in 2010.]

We first brought news of Prachya Pinkaew's female dominated upcoming project Ta Bang Marn just a couple days ago and now we've got more from Pinkaew with word that American martial artist Marrese Crump has been cast to star in an as-yet untitled project directed by Pinkaew with his Chocolate star Jija Yanin in the lead. Here's the press release:

Bangkok, Thailand - November 8th 2009 - Well known American martial artist Marrese Crump has been confirmed to be in talks with action director Prachya Pinkaew to star in his next film. The news was announced through a video that was released on YouTube outlining not only Crump as starring, but Yanin 'Jeeja' Vismitananda (Chocolate, Raging Phoenix) as well. Crump, known for his wide range of exceptional martial arts skill, has said to be very excited about working with Pinkaew and Yanin as well as Panna Rittikrai.

 

"After meeting with Prachya and his team in Thailand, we are all confident that we will be making a quality film that both fans and martial arts practitioners alike will appreciate and be proud of." says Marrese after returning from Baa Ram Ewe Studios in Bangkok.

 

Prachya, most notable for Ong Bak: Thai Warrior and Tom Yum Goong (aka The Protector), is well known for incorporating intricate fight scenes and cutting edge cinematography into his films, ranking them at the top of martial artists' favorites worldwide.

 

The collaboration is said to be unprecedented as Prachya's productions have done well to showcase the talents of fellow Thai's, but has never starred an American martial artist before. Some of the specifics have yet to be released, but production is slated to take place in Thailand early next year.