Malaysian Actors To Star In Hollywood Film About Sarawak’s James Brooke Titled 'Rajah'

Well, almost 20 years later, another Hollywood-produced periodical film is set to be filmed in Malaysia soon.

The upcoming periodical film, titled ‘Rajah’, tells the tale of Sarawak’s first ever Rajah, James Brooke.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Jonathan Rhys Meyers has been casted as the legendary British explorer, Sir James Brooke.

Here's something that will make the movie a little bit more Malaysian: Rhys Meyers will reportedly be conversing in Malay, Dayak and Arabic in some parts of the movie, as the real Brooke was “a linguist who immersed himself in the region's culture”.

Hong Kong actress Josie Ho and British actor Dominic Monaghan, who is known for his roles in ‘Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Lost’, will also play a vital part in the movie.

But what caught our attention the most is that several Malaysian actors – namely Shaheizy Sam, Bront Palarae, Rahim Razali, Peter John and Kahar Jimi -will also be part of the leading cast, according to this report by Star2.

Bront will reportedly play the Pengiran Indera Mahkota, who was Brooke’s principal rival for power, while Shaheizy is set to play Subu; Brooke’s lifetime Malay companion and Rahim will play the Sultan of Brunei.

To ensure the authenticity of the film, the movie will use Brooke’s diaries, letters, first-hand historical accounts and archives of The Brooke Heritage Trust as reference.

‘Rajah’ will be made with the support of the Sarawak Tourism Board and the federal FIMI film rebate of Malaysia.

Filming is set to take place in Sarawak starting 24 September until the end of October. No word yet on when the film will be released.

Sounds interesting, huh? We can’t wait to see how the film will turn out.