“Top–Thotsaphon” Takes On “Tummeng Kanok” — No Ordinary Credentials! “4 Kings II” Director Phut Wanted Him Since the First Film

Get ready for the most challenging acting role yet from Top–Thotsaphon Maisuk, in the film that lays bare the lives of vocational-school students with new thrills that hit even harder than before, “4 Kings II” from Neramitnung Film and Shinesaeng Ad.Venture. Top is giving his all to the role of “Tummeng Kanok,” to live up to the fact that director Phut–Phutthiphong Nakthong wanted to work with him ever since “4 Kings.” What's more, renowned acting coach Kru Rom–Romchat Thanalapphiphat once praised his acting chops as being far from ordinary.

Top–Thotsaphon said, “Actually, before this, I once met the director, Phut, and told him I really liked his films — that if there was ever a 4 Kings II, I'd love to audition. Not long after, Phut reached out to ask if I was interested, and I said yes, very much so. When asked whether I knew that Kru Rom had once told the director that Top had real talent — I had no idea at all. I'm really grateful to Kru Rom and to Phut. Before we started shooting, Phut called me in to talk about roughly what direction the character 'Tummeng Kanok' should take, so we'd be on the same page about where the character was headed. Once I read the script, I knew right away that '4 Kings II' has very heavy drama — it reflects the perspective that vocational-school kids are people too. They may not just be looking to fight for the sake of looking tough, and audiences will get to see a side of loss that few people talk about.”

“As for the role of 'Tummeng,' he's someone who has lost his humanity — but there's more to it than that. I had to become that person, to feel what he feels, to react as someone forced to confront events that strip away his humanity. I had to research real cases of people who'd been through this, including the decisions they made in life after facing that kind of loss. It was quite heavy for me. I remember the day we shot the scene where he's attacked — during the half-hour break, I was crying so hard I couldn't keep filming. Phut had me watch the playback; watching it, I didn't feel like that person anymore, but seeing it, I couldn't take it — I felt so sorry for the character. That scene left me waking up startled from nightmares. I had to relax, go travel upcountry, to pull myself out of being Tummeng. I feel lucky to have been part of this film. Phut is meticulous in his work and talks with the actors a lot — he'll ask how we want to play a scene, and tell us what he wants to add. He's very open, and I enjoyed being able to contribute ideas,” said Top–Thotsaphon.Experience the character of “Tummeng Kanok” as portrayed by “Top–Thotsaphon,” today at 19:00via https://youtu.be/LmKaxQdomj8 Also catch “4 Kings II” on 30 November, together in cinemas.