If you’ve been tracking the upcoming slate at One31, your eyes are likely fixed on Whisper of Desire (Sakuna Son Rak), set to premiere on April 27, 2026. Since the first trailer dropped, anticipation has reached a fever pitch. Fans are hungry for its blend of high-stakes romance and psychological depth—particularly regarding the character of ‘Perm,’ portrayed by the ever-charismatic Film Thanapat Kawila.

#legend Thailand sat down with Film for an intimate look at the challenges behind the scenes, the philosophy of love he’s distilled from the script, and the personal evolution that keeps him powered up in an industry that never sleeps.

In Whisper of Desire, your character, Perm, is a man of many secrets. What lies at the heart of his complexity?

Film: Perm is highly unpredictable. He has a very clear objective, but he’s playing a long game and can’t be direct about it. On the surface, he’s the picture of perfection—wealthy, high-status, successful. But when a specific catalyst occurs, it creates this internal conflict that forces him to mask his true intentions. There is always something brewing beneath that polished exterior.

Which scene pushed you the furthest, both emotionally and technically?

Film: For me, the finale. It’s the culmination of everything, and it was incredibly taxing. But there’s also a pivotal scene leading up to the end that I’m particularly anxious about for the audience to see. It’s entirely dialogue-free. I had to carry the whole weight of the story’s climax through nothing but my eyes and body language—expressing a lifetime of suppressed emotion that the character has never shared with anyone. It was daunting.

How has Whisper of Desire shaped your perspective on relationships?

Film: The show highlights how vastly different upbringings shape the way we love. It taught me that there is no objective “right” or “wrong” in a relationship—only different life experiences. The most important thing is respecting each other’s core identity. If it’s not a fit, the simplest and healthiest thing you can do is just step back.

What part of the story do you think will resonate most with viewers?

Film: Definitely the core theme of love, but specifically the kind of love that defies logic. Sometimes love doesn’t have a rational explanation. Characters in this show often do one thing to hide another, which mirrors real life perfectly. I think people will see themselves in these contradictions.

What was it like working with Tate Myron?

Film: I was so impressed by his dedication! He’s naturally very alert and we clicked almost instantly. I saw how hard he worked on his acting and his Thai language skills; he really put in the hours. My biggest challenge was acting as a “translation sponge”—I’d often have to re-translate Thai into “Simplified Thai” for him to make sure the nuance was right. It became a running joke that actually brought us much closer.

If you could go back to your first day in the industry and give yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?

Film: Honestly? “Prioritize your sleep!” Ever since I hit my 30s, I’ve realized my body doesn’t bounce back like it used to. I’ve always struggled with allergies, which makes my immune system fragile. People think exercise is the only answer—and I do hit the gym—but it’s not enough. It’s about diet, the environment, and specifically getting those 8 hours of sleep. Interestingly, now that I’m older, my body has an internal alarm. Even on my days off, I’m wide awake by 5:00 AM. Habit is a powerful thing.

Was there a specific “make or break” moment in your career?

Film: 2019 to 2020 was my true trial by fire. It was right after the massive success of Film Thanapat in The Fierce Wife (เมีย 2018). Success came so fast that I felt my skills couldn’t keep up with my fame. I felt that people liked me because the “package” was perfect—the script, the director, my co-stars—not necessarily because of my craft.

What followed was a 2-3 year test. I worked on projects that weren’t commercial hits or didn’t get critical acclaim, but those were the years I actually grew. I learned that opportunity and ability must move in tandem. If you have the chance but not the skill, you can’t sustain it. Now, my goal is to prove I’ve earned my place.

How do you define a “good actor” based on your experience?

Film: For me, being a “good actor” is built on three essential pillars. First is preparation, which means doing the heavy lifting with the script long before you arrive on set. Then comes discipline, not just in terms of punctuality but also in maintaining a physical appearance that truly suits the role. Finally, and most importantly, is respect. Success is never a solo act, it belongs to everyone from the camera and lighting crews to the caterers and stylists. Without their hard work, we wouldn’t look good on screen. In my experience, a great actor is someone who recognizes that every team member is an equal and treats them with the value they deserve.

Is there a dream role you’re still chasing?

Film: So many! I’ve done a lot of Romantic Drama. I’d love to try pure Comedy. Also, I’ve never played someone truly “poor” (laughs). Usually, I play the rich guy who runs away from home to live a hard life, but never someone born into a struggle from day one. I’m also interested in specialized roles like a soldier, a boxer, or even something totally out of character—like a serial killer or a truly eccentric villain.

How would you describe your personality right now?

Film: I’m an introvert who lives at the gym and in my room. I’m perfectly happy watching movies, playing games, or hanging out with my cat. I’m not anti-social—I still love dinner with my mom—but I’ve realized that being alone in my own space is how I recharge. Sometimes, just being quiet is the ultimate happiness.

What kind of music soundtracked your life?

Film: I am 100% a fan of sad songs and heartbreak anthems. Even as a kid—regardless of whether I was single or in a relationship—I just loved the emotion of a sad melody. Aof Pongsak is my all-time favorite. He’s the king of emotional communication. I also grew up with the early eras of Potato, Bodyslam, and K-9. There’s a simplicity and soul in those older melodies that sticks with you. That said, I’m a fan of the new generation too—Three Man Down and Tilly Birdsare always on my playlist.