Cyberspace celebrity Xiaopang, a.k.a "Little Fatty,” is set to make his cinematic debut in June, acting alongside Hong Kong star Andy Lau.

 
Shanghai Morning Post reports the teenager will play Liu Shan, the last emperor of the Shu Kingdom, in the new epic Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon, a film adaptation of the classic Chinese novel, Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

The film is a joint production from China and South Korea. Xiaopang said it will feature a number of high-profile Hong Kong actors, like Andy Lau, Sammo Hung and Maggie Q. Andy Lau will play General Zhao Yun, one of the greatest warriors of the Three Kingdoms era.

Xiaopang shot to fame on the Chinese Internet when people started superimposing his chubby-cheeked visage on other famous images and faces, including the Mona Lisa, Russell Crowe in Gladiator, and Kate Winslet in Titantic.
 
He says he's inspired by his first film contract, even if he's only playing a supporting role.
 
"I was just an ordinary gas station worker a few months ago and I never thought I would ever have the chance to work with Andy Lau," he said.
 
The young man said he would consider staying in showbiz if his first foray on the big screen is successful.

The production company said they invited Xiaopang to play the role because they think he's a really interesting guy and the movie needs a lighthearted character for comic relief.
 
(CRI.cn February 8, 2007)