Now this one we’re super-stoked about! In 2003, Ong-Bak would revolutionize the way we looked at Martial Arts Films. Thai star Tony Jaa would become a breakout star not only in Asia, gaining legions of fans internationally with the Film being subtitled and released abroad. Since then he has appeared in Hollywood Blockbusters like Furious 7 and Skin Trade.
After growing-up watching the likes of Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and Jet Li on the big screen, who would’ve known he’d go on to be as iconic as they? Now he is set to star alongside one of his idols, Li in upcoming third installment in the XXX Franchise, The Return of Xander Cage. The Film sees Cage (Vin Diesel) return after being presumed dead, tasked on a mission which puts him face to face with dangerous Rai (Li).
Jaa is the latest cast member in the action extravaganza to arrive in Toronto after Diesel sightings were reported on King Street West last weekend, him dining at Jacob’s Steakhouse. Others including Bollywood princess Deepika Padukone and Chinese-Canadian Megastar Kris Wu already have been spotted around town. Confirmed in the Cast are Samuel L. Jackson, Toni Collette, Ruby Rose, Conor McGregor and Nina Dobrev.
Just having celebrated his birthday a couple days back, Jaa arrived in Toronto a bit stunned by the cold weather. Understandable as he’s coming from the tropical climate of his native Thailand. He stopped and posed for Photos with random people detecting his immediate starpower. “Are you famous? Can I get a picture with you?”, asked a lady from the UP Express. Of course, he obliged. One Fan asked if he’ll be fighting Jet Li in The Return of Xander Cage and he replied, “You’ll have to watch and see!”.
XXX: The Return of Xander Cage films in Toronto through May.
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(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
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