Rise of the Legend, the biopic of national shuttler Datuk Lee Chong Wei scheduled for release next year, will be followed by an action-packed sequel, which focuses on the sportsman’s challenges and triumphs.
Director Teng Bee said the second movie would probably be filmed late next year, for a 2019 release.
“While Rise Of The Legend takes viewers on a cinematic journey into the Lee’s childhood and teenage years, its sequel depicts him as a badminton champion,” he said when met at the signing ceremony between his production company CB Pictures and official biscuit sponsor Hwa Tai Industries in Hartamas Shopping Centre, Kuala Lumpur.
The ceremony sees the appointment of Hwa Tai as the official biscuit sponsor for the film. Also present were executive producer Datuk Lee Chong Hoon, producers Josiah Chieng and Ben Lee, Hwa Tai group chief executive director Datuk Airique Soo, and Hwa Tai director Colonel (Rtd) Datuk Cheng Wah.
While details of the second movie have yet to be finalised, Teng said the adult Lee would be played by a Malaysian.
The storyline will adhere to interviews with Lee, his family members, friends and individuals who have helped him in his career.
“As Lee is a living legend and a role model to young Malaysians, we want the second movie, which sees him as a professional sportsman, to be as ‘real’ as possible.
“While there will be fictional characters, they will be based on composites of Lee’s friends and acquaintances who have declined to be featured in the story.”
On the progress of the RM6 million Rise Of The Legend, Teng said the search for the actors to play young Lee was going on.
CB Pictures is looking for youth aged 13 and 16, who have basic badminton skills, and the company hopes to find the right candidates by next month.
“Most of the cast will be Malaysians, and these include key characters such as Lee’s family, friends and mentors.
“Established actors will be part of the main cast, and the characters include national coach Datuk Misbun Sidek.”
Singaporeans, Thais, Hong Kongers and Taiwanese will also be cast in the movie.
Rise Of The Legend is based on Lee’s 2012 book Dare To Be A Champion.
For more information about the films, visit www.facebook.com/riseofthelegendmovie/.