Manny Pacquiao, Don Lee to star in new action movie
Manny Pacquiao and Don Lee | Image: Instagram/@jinkeepacquiao
Former Senator Manny Pacquiao is collaborating with American-Korean actor Ma Dong-seok, also known as Don Lee, for an upcoming action movie, part of which would be filmed in the Philippines.
In a media interview, former Ilocos Sur Gov. and movie producer Chavit Singson shared that the “Pambansang Kamao” has met with the “Train to Busan” actor, and that the film will include boxing aspects.
“Pumunta ako ng Korea, kasama si Manny. Pinakilala ko si Pacquiao sa most popular sa Korea na si Don Lee. Gagawa kami ng pelikula kasama si Manny. Action film ang gagawin namin ni Don Lee. Mga boxing so bagay kay Manny,” said the politician.
(I went to Korea with Manny. I introduced Pacquiao to one of the most popular [actors] in Korea, Don Lee. We’re going to make a movie with Manny. Don Lee and I will make an action film, and boxing suits Manny.)
Singson teased that they plan to shoot the film here in the Philippines, as Lee plans to build a studio in the country.
“Sa Pilipinas gagawin kasi gusto ni Don Lee na gumawa ng studio sa Vigan na puwede rin gamitin ng iba kagaya sa Hollywood,” revealed the governor.
(It will be done in the Philippines because Don Lee wants to build a studio in Vigan that can be used by others, like in Hollywood.)
In April, Pacquiao and his wife Jinkee Pacquiao met with Lee in Korea. In photos shared by Jinkee on Instagram, the Korean actor said that he’s a fan of the Filipino boxer, as he asked Manny for an autograph for the Big Punch Boxing Club.
Apart from his scene-stealing performance in “Train to Busan,” Lee is also known for his roles in Marvel’s “Eternals.”
Pacquiao, on top of his boxing career and politics, squeezed in some show biz commitments, such as his last film, the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry “Wapakman” in 2009. He also promoted his documentary film “Manny,” which was released in 2015.
Meanwhile, Singson also previously teased that Season 2 of one of the most popular series in Korea, “Vagabond,” is set to film in the Philippines as a continuation of the story.
“‘Yung series na very popular sa Korea, ‘Vagabond’. Itutuloy dito. Nakatapos na sila, tapos ‘yung continuation, dito na sa Pilipinas kukunan,” he told the media in April.
(The series that is very popular in Korea, ‘Vagabond’, will be continued here. They have finished some parts, and then the continuation will be filmed here in the Philippines.)
