Ong Bak 2 approaches finish line

Variety is reporting that the long delayed Ong bak 2, has finally set a release date. The sequel to the 2003 breakout hit, is scheduled to be released on December 5th 2008. The date was confirmed at a press conference on Tuesday, held by the film’s star and first-time director Tony Jaa.

According to Somsak Techaratanaprasert, head of Sahamongkol Films, which financed the movie, Ong Bak 2 cost almost 300 million Baht or $8.8 million and took nearly three years instead of the planned one and a half.

Earlier this year, U.S. and Japanese distributors canceled distribution contracts with Sahamongkol Film, for failing to deliver the film on deadline. The turmoil surrounding the project began in August, when the production was shaken by news of Jaa’s disappearance from the set and his subsequent fight with the studio over an allegedly inflated budget, and his unhappiness with his extended contractual obligations to them. Jaa returned to the set a month later and refused to talk about the conflict with the studio.

Ong-bak 2 is a period piece set in ancient Cambodia, with Jaa starring as an orphaned Thai boxer who learns the skills and inner meaning of martial arts, in order to go after the bandit that killed his father.

According to the report, Jaa was originally credited as the sole director of Ong Bak 2, but will now share the credit with Panna Rittikrai, his mentor and Thailand’s leading stunt choreographer.

If the extended promotional footage we posted back in June is any indication, Ong Bak 2 will rock. CLICK HERE to se that reel.