Chen Tianwen says he’ll film Mr Unbelievable sequel in 2016
Spin-off movie from local actor Chen Tianwen's Unebelievable video to get follow-up
A viral music video, a starring role in a local movie and the birth of his first son.
It has been a good year for local actor Chen Tianwen.
And it looks like the veteran's lucky streak is going to continue.
The 52-year-old, who portrays the titular protagonist in local Mandarin comedy flick Mr Unbelievable, will be filming its sequel next year.
Mr Unbeliveable, which cost about $1 million, is a spin-off from Chen's viral music video Unbelievable, which has garnered more than 3.2 million views on YouTube and Facebook.
The movie is showing here and has raked in $560,000 at the local box office so far.
Chen told The New Paper over the phone recently: "We have confirmed that we will film the sequel. The director will have to come up with a strong concept and story, which I think can be quite challenging.
"I feel very excited and happy because there are very few local movies with sequels. In Singapore, only Jack Neo movies get sequels. I am honoured to have such an opportunity."
Chen will also begin work on actress-director Michelle Chong's new comedy film, Lulu The Movie, in January. He plays a cameo role as the Singaporean boyfriend of Lulu (Chong).
He will also film a new Channel 8 drama, which wraps in April.
Looking back on his year, Chen said: "I feel very blessed as the music video led to a movie and now, the movie will bring about a sequel. Everything happened unexpectedly, and I am grateful."
PROUD PAPA
The new dad also spoke fondly of his six-month-old son Genghis, who has a cameo in Mr Unbelievable.
He said: "He has a strong character. When I feed him, he won't eat any more when he is full. If we continue to feed him, he will wail so loudly that the entire block can hear him. I am so surprised by his loud voice."
Chen, who married China-born Bao Xiao Hui in May last year, hopes to have another child so that Genghis will have a companion growing up. But he and the 30-year-old housewife are leaving it to fate.
He said: "My wife isn't that keen to have another child yet, as this baby is quite hard to handle. We will also have to see if we can handle it financially."
Shaun Chen ready for baby No. 2
He became a first-time dad only earlier this month.
But Malaysia-born MediaCorp actor Shaun Chen already wants to have baby No. 2.
The 37-year-old made headlines when he secretly married a Malaysian in July. The former beautician was four months pregnant at the time.
The couple welcomed their daughter, Xin En, on Dec 5.
He told TNP over the phone: "I want a bigger family so I hope to have another baby. I want to have more kids when I am still young, so I need to work harder."
Chen described fatherhood as hectic but fulfilling.
"I have been very busy preparing stuff for (Xin En), helping to change diapers and all," he said.
"It's not that tough but it can be quite tiring as I fly between Singapore and Malaysia due to my filming schedules."
His daughter is in Kedah with his wife. He and his wife have hired a confinement nanny to help out.
His wife's sister and mother are also helping to take care of the baby.
STAR AWARDS
On the professional front, Chen also had a spectacular 2015.
In April, he snagged his first Star Awards trophy - the Rocket Award, given for the most improved performance in the past year. This came after more than a decade in the industry.
He went on to win the coveted Best Actor title for his role in The Journey: Tumultuous Times the following week, at the Star Awards' second ceremony.
Looking back on his year, Chen said: "I am very happy in 2015, and I must continue to work hard to do even better.
"Next year, I want to film more dramas, and maybe get the opportunity to act in some movies."
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now