Cyberspace celebrity Xiaopang (pictured), or "Little Fatty", is set to start acting in his first big-screen work in June alongside Hong Kong star Andy Lau. The teenager will play Liu Chan, the last emperor of the Shu Kingdom, in the film adaptation of the classic Chinese novel, Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Xiaopang shot to fame on the 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 venture 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 comic character for light relief.

(China Daily 02/14/2007 page3)