‘Ong Bak 2’ Gets US Distributor

Magnolia Pictures, the Wagner/Cuban Company’s group, announced today it had picked up the US distribution rights to ‘Ong Bak 2’, the Tony Jaa-directed sequel to ‘Ong Bak: The Thai Warrier’.   The film was originally released in Thailand in December of 2008, and will be released theatrically by Magnet (Magnolia’s genre label) later this year.

“When we first saw the original ‘Ong Bak,’ after picking our jaws off the floor, we knew we wanted to be in the Tony Jaa business. It put us on the map as a home for the best in genre fare, and helped make our genre label Magnet possible,” said Magnolia President Eamonn Bowles. “We’re beyond thrilled to be able to carry the franchise forward and continue our relationship with Tony, Sahamongkol, and the entire creative team involved.”

“We are exceptionally happy with the deal with Magnolia,” said Gilbert Lim, Executive Vice President of Sahamongkol Film International. “They did a wonderful job with the release of the original ‘Ong Bak,’ and it feels great to be back in business again with ‘Ong Bak 2.’ I am certain that the movie is in great hands.”

The original ‘Ong Bak’ was an amazing accomplishment in martial arts filmmaking, and it made an instant, international star out of Jaa.   There has been a lot of controversy surrounding ‘Ong Bak 2’s production, but it looks like we are finally going to see what Jaa has in store for us when he steps behind the camera.

Source: Magnolia Pictures