By I never saw the live-action Tekken movie since it looked pretty mediocre, but I may watch Crystal Sky’s forthcoming prequel, Tekken: Rise of the Tournament, which will be directed by Prachya Pinakew. Pinakew directed Ong Bak, Tom Yum Goong (aka The Protector), and Chocolate, so the film’s action should be in capable hands. Twitch speculates that Pinakew may be able to get Tony Jaa, Chocolate star JeeJa Yanin, and fight choreographer Panna Rittikrai involved, but nothing is confirmed.
Pinakew’s involvement in the Tekken prequel makes me wonder what’s up with Tom Yum Goong 2. The 3D sequel was supposed to be Tony Jaa’s big return to movies, directed by Pinakew and co-starring Yanin. But we’re now nine months after principle photography began, and the film may only be half-shot. Back at the end of April, Twitch reported on the delays to Tom Yum Goong 2, wondering why the production is so far behind schedule. Will the Tekken prequel mean further delays, a sign that the production is in bigger trouble than first thought, or is this a leaping elbow strike in the pants to get the sequel done soon? While they were originally gearing for a 2012 release, Tom Yum Goong 2: Elephant Boogaloo will be out 2013 (maybe).
In related news, The Hollywood Reporter also reports that Crystal Sky is in post-production for a new trilogy of Baby Geniuses movies, all starring Jon Voight as a villain. Where is your God now?
[The Hollywood Reporter via Twitch; Twitch]