Martial arts star goes missing
Tuesday, July 29 2008, 08:14 BST
By Simon Reynolds, Entertainment Reporter
Martial arts star goes missing
Rex Features
Tony Jaa, the director and star of upcoming martial arts film Ong-bak 2, has been missing since June, says Variety.
Sahamongkol Films's president Somsak Techaratanaprasert confirmed the news, but insisted that Jaa's film will still be ready for its scheduled release this year.
Reports in Jaa's native Thailand have suggested that the actor has fled to the jungle to meditate after feeling the financial pressure of helming his first feature film.
"I love him as a son," said Techaratanaprasert . "I guarantee that this is not a case of financial fraud and I have no intention of pursuing any legal action against him."
Onk-bak director Prachya Pinkaew confirmed that he will complete the film in Jaa's absence.
He said: "Jaa has little experience directing. He's spent nearly $7.8 million. The film is almost finished, so I'll try to see what I can do with the footage that he's shot."
Jaa's breakthrough role in 2003's Ong-bak led to comparisons with Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan.