Rising global K-pop star Minnie, best known as the main vocalist of the popular girl group (G)I-DLE, is preparing to take on a new challenge—this time, on the silver screen.
On August 12, Cube Entertainment announced that Minnie has officially been cast as the female lead in the Thai adaptation of the classic Hollywood romantic comedy 50 First Dates.
This marks her acting debut in a feature film and her return to her roots as a Thai artist reaching new heights in her home country.
A Beloved Romantic Classic Reimagined
Originally released in 2004, 50 First Dates starred Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler, and quickly became one of the most memorable romantic comedies of its time.
The heartwarming story centers around Lucy Whitmore, a woman suffering from anterograde amnesia, and Henry Roth, a man who falls in love with her and chooses to make her fall in love with him every single day.
The film balanced humor, romance, and poignant emotional depth, earning it a special place in the genre.
In this Thai remake, Minnie will step into the shoes of the iconic character originally played by Barrymore.
Her character’s vulnerability, charm, and emotional complexity will no doubt provide Minnie with a platform to demonstrate her range as a performer.
It’s a role that calls for emotional nuance, comedic timing, and deep empathy—all qualities that fans are eager to see her bring to the screen.
A Star-Studded Pairing: Minnie and Nadech Kugimiya
Opposite Minnie is Nadech Kugimiya, one of Thailand’s most beloved and versatile actors. Known for his standout performances in hits like the 2019 Thai remake of My Love from the Star and the blockbuster film Death Whisperer 2, Nadech brings star power, acting credibility, and experience to the remake.
The pairing of these two high-profile talents is already generating significant buzz in both the Thai and K-pop entertainment worlds.
The chemistry between the two leads will be crucial to recreating the emotional core of the original film.
With Nadech’s proven acting chops and Minnie’s captivating on-screen presence, audiences can anticipate a fresh yet faithful retelling of the touching love story.
A Homecoming for Minnie—and a Global Moment for Thai Cinema
While Minnie has made her name internationally as part of the powerhouse K-pop group (G)I-DLE under Cube Entertainment, this project brings her back to Thailand in a major way.
It’s not only a personal homecoming, but also a significant move for the increasing globalization of Thai media and culture.
Her involvement adds global attention to the Thai remake, offering the opportunity for the local film industry to reach new international audiences.
For fans, this is a proud moment as Minnie represents both Thai culture and global K-pop excellence, bridging two worlds through a universally beloved narrative. It’s a testament to her versatility, dedication, and ambition as an artist.
Filming Set for October: Anticipation Grows
According to Cube Entertainment, filming for the project is slated to begin in October 2025, giving Minnie a few more weeks to prepare for what will be one of her most demanding roles yet.
It remains unclear whether the film will be released in theaters or via global streaming platforms, but with such high-profile talent involved, many expect it to garner international distribution.
This lead role is likely to open doors to even more acting opportunities for Minnie, who has long been admired not just for her singing but also her expressive charisma, often displayed during (G)I-DLE’s music videos, interviews, and stage performances.
Fans and Industry Reaction: Excitement and High Expectations
The reaction from fans has been overwhelmingly positive. Social media was instantly flooded with hashtags like #MinnieMovieDebut, #Minnie50FirstDates, and #MinnieInThailand.
Supportive messages poured in from fans across the globe, praising her courage to explore new artistic avenues and expressing anticipation for her performance.
Industry insiders also see this as a strategic and timely move, as cross-cultural content continues to thrive. With the growing popularity of both K-dramas and Southeast Asian content globally, Minnie’s casting is not just exciting artistically but also commercially savvy.
What’s Next for Minnie?
Even as she prepares for her acting debut, Minnie remains an active member of (G)I-DLE, who continue to make waves on the international music scene.
Her schedule is expected to stay packed, balancing group activities, solo appearances, and now—her blossoming acting career.
Whether Minnie continues acting after this film or treats it as a one-time passion project, one thing is clear: her fearless pursuit of growth and ability to surprise fans never fails to inspire. As she steps into a new spotlight, the world will be watching.
