Marrese Crump joins Tom-Yum-Goong 2 cast

American martial artist Marrese Crump, who's long been angling to take part in a film project with action guru Panna Rittikrai, has announced that he's joined the cast of Tom-Yum-Goong 2 (The Protector 2), starring Tony Jaa along with Jija Yanin, Dan Chupong and "Kazu" Patrick Tang.

Here's the announcement from Marese Crump's blog:

The collaboration between the prominent American martial artist and legendary action director Panna Rittikrai is much sooner than previously arranged. The Protector sequel, locally titled Tom-Yum-Goong 2, is to now set the stage for the much anticipated appearance of Crump facing the series' star, Tony Jaa.

Marrese Crump's project Formless, set to be directed by Rittikrai and already boasts a hard hitting cast, is next in line after the filming of Protector 2. The sequel's cast also includes Chocolate star Jija Yanin, Dan Chupong and Kazu Tang, which has everyone expecting this to be the studio's most action-packed movie so far.

In the Opening Ceremony to kick off production [on August 17], Panna Rittikrai, who reprises his position directing the action, has stated he is very excited to be working with Marrese Crump, Tony Jaa and the rest of the action lineup, while Prachya Pinkaew directs and produces.

Marrese Crump has recently come back from the set of RZA's The Man with the Iron Fists in Shanghai China, now in post-production, and is looking forward to Protector 2 with many more projects to follow.

There's more photos at Crump's blog.

Tom-Yum-Goong 2 filming is under way, with plans for a 3D release.

(Thanks Anesti!)