AFM 09: Fresh Art And Plot Details From Tony Jaa's ONG BAK 3!

After director / star Tony Jaa had a very public meltdown while working on his recent Ong Bak 2 it comes as no surprise that producers Sahamongkol Film have been keeping things quiet as far as progress on Ong Bak 3.  But you can't keep silent forever and with the arrival of the American Film Market comes the arrival of brand new artwork, confirmation that Jaa is directing the film solo - Panna Rittikrai was brought in to oversee the completion of Ong Bak 2 -  and the first proper plot details yet released about the film.  And here they are:

The legend of Ong Bak 3 begins after Tien (Tony Jaa) has lost his fighting skills and his beloved step-father at the Garuda's Wing cliff from the raid led by Jom Rachan (Saranyu Wonggrajang).  Tien is brought back to life with the help from Pim (Primrata Dechudom) as well as Mhen (Petchai Wongkamlao) and the Kana Khone villagers.  Deep into the meditation taught by Phra Bua (Nirutti Sirijanya), Tien finally is able to achieve 'Nathayut'.  His talents are put to the test again when his rivals including the Golden-Armored King's Guard (Supakorn 'Tok' Kijusuwan), the mysterious killers in black, and Bhuti Sangkha (Dan Chupong) return for the final massive showdown.

So, yes, Dan Chupong's bizarre - and brilliantly so - raven-inspired character is back in a big way.  And if you're wondering why Petchai Wongkamlao's name sounds familiar, that's because it's the formal name of popular Thai comedian Mum Jokmok, aka Dirty Balls in the original Ong Bak.