Rising star

Is that you, Eddie Peng?

The Canadian-raised Taiwanese heart-throb, once energetic, boyish and cheeky, has metamorphosised into a soft-spoken gentleman whom one can hardly recognise.

But perhaps this is why Peng, 32, is the actor of the moment.

Since his Taiwanese idol drama outings back in the day, he has achieved his long-awaited success through pure grit, determination and the ability to adapt and assimilate.

In his own words: "Since I'm not particularly talented, I can rely only on my resolve."

Peng has nabbed the meaty role of Chinese martial arts legend Wong Fei Hung in the new blockbuster period epic Rise Of The Legend, which opens here tomorrow, alongside veteran Hong Kong actors Sammo Hung and Tony Leung.

But why was Peng all poised and donning a sharp black suit when he met the local media at the Fullerton Bay Hotel on Nov 16?

He was in Singapore for Longines as the luxury watchmaker's Ambassador Of Elegance, a new role which he seemed to relish greatly.

He also attended the Longines Singapore Gold Cup 2014, which was back for its fifth run at the Singapore Turf Club.

On how his resolve has helped him gain a foothold in the Asian film-making industry, he gave the example of making time for exercise even during crazy filming hours.

Said Peng: "People don't know how exhausting it is to shoot a movie, especially action movies. (For Rise Of The Legend), we were shooting for 12 to 15 hours a day for four months.

EXERCISE

"But because I have to keep fit for my role, I will still find time to exercise - cardio and pump up - for an hour a day."

Another test of his determination came when he tore a ligament in his right wrist after he tried to smash a stone pillar in one scene.

"When I first took a blow at the pillar, it did not break apart and my hand became swollen. It was excruciatingly painful, but I had to chop the pillar in half.

"I held back my tears and took another blow at the pillar. Luckily, this time I succeeded."

NEVER SAY DIE

Since the injury was severe, the cast and crew had thought that he would not be able to continue filming, but Peng's never-say-die attitude saved the day.

He started fighting with his left arm instead.

But Peng, who also bulked up to play a mixed martial arts fighter in Unbeatable (2013) and a gymnast in Jump! Ashin (2011),said he hopes to do comedy next and would appreciate anything "without (physical) training".

He said: "I really hope Rise Of The Legend is very successful.

"And once I have this under my belt, in the future, I can have my pick of movie genres to act in."