Michelle Yeoh Boards Muay Thai Action Drama 'Nak Muay' as U.K. Global Screen Fund Backs Four-Feature Thailand Slate

Disruptive Element Films has secured backing from the U.K. Global Screen Fund for a four-feature production slate to be shot in Thailand. The company announced the initiative at the Cannes Film Market, revealing that the slate will launch with 'Nak Muay,' a Muay Thai action drama executive produced by Michelle Yeoh and directed by BAFTA-winning writer-director Tinge Krishnan, according to a Variety exclusive.

The Details

The U.K. Global Screen Fund will support four separate feature productions that Disruptive Element Films plans to produce in Thailand. All four productions are set to shoot in Thailand with backing from the Thai government. The slate launches with 'Nak Muay,' which is scheduled to enter pre-production following the Cannes Film Market. Principal photography on the film is planned for August through September. The film stars Natthaphum Kaeowatthanameth, who competes professionally under the ring name Sua Black, as undefeated Muay Thai champion Yod. Producer Dominic Buchanan, cinematographer Gavin Kelly, and local consultant Sol Papadopolous are attached to the project. Colin Pons, who serves as joint chief executive officer of Disruptive Element Films alongside Krishnan, also holds an executive producer credit. Director Krishnan said of the project: 'Nak Muay is a visceral, action-driven exploration of resilience, redemption, and the true purpose of martial arts, set against the raw energy of Thailand's Muay Thai culture.' Producer Buchanan added: 'I have been a longtime admirer of Tinge's talent, vision and ambition as a filmmaker.'

Context

Disruptive Element Films is a U.K./Thailand-based production company focused on action, martial arts, sci-fi thriller, horror, and psychological drama. Krishnan's previous directing credits include 'A Thousand Blows' for Disney+, 'Unaccustomed Earth' for Netflix, and 'WeCrashed' for Apple TV+.

What's Next

Pre-production on 'Nak Muay' is set to begin after the Cannes Film Market, with principal photography scheduled for August through September.