An enduring legend that remains alive and unforgettable—this is no exaggeration for veteran actress Noi Natthanee Sitthisaman, or "Mae Noi," who created the "Pop Yip" phenomenon over more than 36 years through nearly 30 films and TV dramas. She is now set to return to her haunting yet comedic throne as "Grandma Pop" in the new comedy-horror-action film "Pop Dib Dib," produced by the new Pichet Productions under the helm of acclaimed TV action director Pa Ko (Pichet Sriracha). This marks his directorial debut in film and is also the key reason Mae Noi has agreed to reprise this role for the first time in 14 years.
Mae Noi revealed about her legendary return, “I’m back to create a legend (laughs). Running down the jar—this version is still the same ‘Pop.’ Director Pa Ko (Pichet Sriracha) and owner of Pichet Productions invited me to star in this film. He said no one else could play this role but the legend, me, to come back as Pop again. I haven’t played the full role in 14 years; only brief cameos recently. When Pa Ko told me the story briefly, I found it interesting and fun, so I immediately agreed since I was available (laughs). Plus, I’m reprising the role I once played, so it was an easy decision.”
Asked whether playing Pop now differs from before, Mae Noi said, “It’s very different. Before, there wasn’t anything special to do, but now you can do everything. Recently, my nephews from the football team ‘Mon Thong Wittaya’ made guest appearances. The kids were so cute, making their film debut with running away from Pop, running down the jar, and even running onto the dream truck (laughs). Pa Ko keeps things timely—this adds a unique flavor to the film. I want Pop fans and Mon Thong Wittaya supporters to come watch. More importantly, every actor in the film is dedicated to ‘Pop Dib Dib.’ There were revisions and reshoots, and everyone worked together to make it the best. I ask all fans to support us on 31 December at cinemas in Thailand and Laos.”
Synopsis of “Pop Dib Dib”
The chaos begins with ‘Jet’ (Poolpat Attapanyaphon), a man haunted by a horrific past. His family was killed by ‘Grandma Pop’ (Natthanee Sitthisaman), who left a curse upon him. Whenever he encounters the ‘Monk Carrying a Dog,’ Jet suffers agonizing pain as if destined to be the heir of the Pop ghost. Driven by hatred, he nearly wipes out the Pop ghosts in the village, yet the curse continues to haunt him daily.
Years later, a group of teenage YouTubers—‘Sang’ (Warakorn Sawatsakorn), ‘Aom’ (Nattha Ratchayangkhannon), ‘Pop’ (Assanai Thetsavong), and ‘Pang Ram’ (Rawan Tonahongsa)—arrive to create ghost-hunting content in the village of Hee Bok. They are welcomed by village headman ‘Benson’ (Tua Rae Chernyim) and his son ‘Katha Thep’ (Arunpong Narapan). Guided by a hunter, they venture deep into a mysterious forest filled with eerie sounds, secret rituals, and shadowy figures of ‘Shee Um Maew’ and ‘Monk Carrying a Dog,’ opening the door to a cursed past.
Meanwhile, Jet and his group face brutal hunts by the Pop ghosts, with bodies found daily with intestines spilled out. This leads to a major clash between humans and supernatural forces. Aom, a young woman linked to the village’s past, may hold the key to breaking the curse’s fate.
How will the story end? Find out together on 31 December in cinemas throughout Thailand and Laos.
