Peter Davis (Photo : The STAR.com.my)
It seems mixed martial artists are a hot commodity in the film industry these days, as ONE Championship is set to lend two of its premiere talents -- lightweight standout Peter Davis and flyweight prospect Saiful Merican -- to portray villains in supporting roles in the upcoming 2017 spy-action flick "J Revolusi."
The movie, which is set to start filming in Kuala Lumpur this May, will star two of Malaysia's biggest stars in Zul Ariffin and Nur Fazura. It will be produced by Andy Lau's Hong Kong-based Infinitus Productions in collaboration with Grand Brilliance. It is also Lau's first ever production in Kuala Lumpur.
Lau is one of Hong Kong's most commercially successful film actors since the mid-1980's and is also a Cantopop singer.
Both Davis and Merican are elated at the chance to participate in the movie, and are excited to start filming in a couple of months time.
"MMA has brought so much opportunity to my life, more than I could possibly imagine," said Davis. "Although I love being a fighter, my creative expression is piqued by the art of film and I am more than thrilled to be a part of 'J Revolusi'. I believe this opportunity is absolutely spectacular for both the Malaysian film industry and for MMA in Asia."
Davis also went on to add that the fact that the movie will use real MMA fighters to do fight sequences and that they have been tapped to assist in fight choreography is a testament to MMA's tremendous growth in the region.
Davis, 34, has enjoyed stints previously as an actor, TV host and fashion model, apart from his budding MMA career. In ONE Championship, he is one of the lightweight division's best fighters and sports a professional MMA record of 10 wins and 4 losses.
Merican on the other hand, could not contain his excitement at the possibility of living out his dream of being an actor.
"Being in a movie is everyone's dream, and I'm lucky I get to be a part of this amazing production," said the 27-year-old flyweight. "MMA has opened doors for my career and I am truly thankful for the opportunity. I can't wait and I'm excited to be a part of it all!"
Merican is considered a young fighter in the sport of MMA. With just 4 wins and 3 losses, he has a whole career ahead of him but is thankful for the chance to be a part of "J Revolusi". He has been with ONE Championship since 2013.
"J Revolusi" is slated for filming in the second quarter of 2016 with a targeted early-2017 release.
