The Legend of King Naresuan (Thai: ตำนานสมเด็จพระนเรศวรมหาราช, Tamnan Somdej Phra Naresuan) is a two-part 2007 Thai biographical historical drama film about King Naresuan the Great, who ruled Siam from 1590 until his death in 1605.
The films are directed by Chatrichalerm Yukol and are a followup to his 2003 film, The Legend of Suriyothai. Part I, Pegu's Hostage, was released on January 18, 2007. Part II, Reclaiming Sovereignty, was released on February 15, 2007. A third part was initially expected to be released on December 5, 2007, in celebration of King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 80th birthday, but that release date has been pushed back to later in 2008. Filming on part III is expected to begin in early 2008, with Tony Jaa among the featured actors.
Part I deals with Naresuan's boyhood, when he was taken hostage by Burmese King Bayinnaung to keep the vassal Ayutthaya Kingdom subservient. During this time, he was a novice Buddhist monk under the tutelage of a wise father-figure monk (Sorapong Chatree). Part II depicts Naresuan as a young adult prince, already a formidable military strategist, as he leads his army on exploits against breakaway kingdoms for King Bayinnaung's successor, King Nonthabureng, and eventually breaks away to declare sovereignty for Siam. Part III was to depict Naresuan's military and leadership skills and the expansion of the Siamese kingdom.
In production for more than three years, the project has an estimated budget of 700 million baht, making it the most expensive Thai film made.
