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Joey Boy is “ordained” for the role of “The Holy Man” by comic actor Thep Po-ngam, left, and director-comedian Note Chernyim.
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'HOLY MAN 2'
Comic chemistry
Rapper Joey Boy takes over from comedian Theng Terdterng in the sequel to the 2005 smash hit 'Luang Phee Theng'
Published on April 21, 2008
By Parinyaporn Pajee Daily Xpress The follow-up to 2005's surprise hit comedy Luang Phee Theng" ("The Holy Man") will soon be coming to the big screen but although it's hanging on to the name, the sequel won't be starring leading comedian Theng Terdterng. Rapper Joey Boy will be taking over the role of bad boy turned monk in "Luang Phee Theng 2: Roon Ha Rumruay", after all attempts to find time for Theng to shoot the sequel failed. "I could get only one day a week from him, which is impossible for filmmaking. I had no choice but to change the actor," says director Note Chernyim. Note adds that the rapper is the right choice for the story, which focuses on people of different faiths living in harmony. "He's of the new generation but a strong believer in Buddhism, which makes him perfect for the role," he says. Joey Boy will be supported by such veteran comedians as Thep Pho-ngam, Choosri Chernyim and Yong Chernyim, which may offer film fans some relief from the frequent appearances of Kotee Aramboy, Kom Chuanchuen and Jaturong Mokjok.
Like James Bond Note doesn't feel keeping "Theng" in the title is irrelevant or misleading. "It's like my logo so I don't see why I should change it. The James Bond character doesn't change his name every time they come up with a new actor to take the role," says the director. Note has been working on getting Theng for the monk's role since last year but has faced obstacles in obtaining agreements with Workpoint, with whom Theng has a five-year contract.
XTRA
Holy moly! >> "Luang Phee Theng" was the top-grossing film of 2005, earning Bt141 million at the box office. >> The success of the movie made Theng Terdterng, a TV comic, into a hot film property. >> Part of the film's success can be attributed to the timing of its release early in March, right at the start at the long summer holidays.
>> Theng Terdterng, meanwhile, has a new movie coming out on May 1, "Thewada Tha Ja Theng" ("The Angels Must Be Crazy"), in which he co-stars with Kotee Aramboy.
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