That’s a big step, a big role to fill, it’s definitely ain’t cute or teeny bopper-ish–it’s based off a Thai erotic novel by Utsana Phleungtham– ‘The Story of Jan Dara’ and our Mr. Mario Maurer will take on the lead role of ’Jan Dara’ for the 2012 film adaptation, directed by ML Bhandevanob ‘Mom Noi’ Devakula (Chua Fah Din Salai, Eternity) and produced by Sahamongkol Films.
For the film, Mario Maurer will take on the role of Jan Dara from age 17 and up to his 90s.
According to Mario, this version will be different from the lustful 2001 version directed by Nonzee Nimibutr. After that film, I could not look at ‘Num’ Santisuk Promsiri the same way, his portrayal of Khun Luang disturbed me in so many levels–raping your daughter, mentally and physically your stepson Jan Dara, having multiples affairs with your maids–not my cup of tea. It’s just AWESOMELY weird watching veteran actor ‘Num’ Santisuk Promsiri in a good guy role in lakorns or taking on father roles. It just ain’t right after that film.
Mario’s thoughts on this version:
‘When I had learned that Mom was doing this story, I was confident that he had a different viewpoint he wanted to present. It will be a challenging role for me. I didn’t think too hard on it. When Mom offered me the role, I immediately took it. From the previous version, it will have a different direction. The ‘Jan Dara’ story will be a human story with a good and a bad side, there will be many emotions I have to show. I will be the focal person [for this film], playing him as a young man to an old man. My character will experience many different things over the years. His viewpoint and rationality will change as the years progress. I have never thought at my age I would get the opportunity to play a character who will challenge my acting abilities to this extent and it is very difficult to get this opportunity to do so. This has made me train harder and go to classes with Mom (his acting coach) more extensively.’
