Hangover sequel: Exclusive pics

“Never again.” It’s the oft-repeated phrase of the remorseful drinker, uttered through a pounding headache that no amount of ibuprofen can shift. But it’s rarely a promise that’s kept.

And, as if to prove it, this summer sees the release of The Hangover Part II. Although, this time, it’s more likely to be fuelled by Singha beer, because the comedy sandstorm that kicked up in the Nevada desert in 2009 has swept across the globe to Bangkok, as the exclusive pictures above show.

The plot is a closely guarded secret, but we’ve been hunting out some details — starting with why the gang are in Thailand at all. Alan (Zach Galifianakis), Stu (Ed Helms), Phil (Bradley Cooper) and Doug (Justin Bartha) have travelled to Asia for Stu’s wedding but, having learned their lessons from the Vegas stag do gone awry, they’ve opted for a sensible pre-nuptial brunch instead of a debauched night of gambling, strippers and tiger-theft.

Also on the cards: a second knock-out appearance from Mike Tyson and another scene-stealing role for an animal. Specifically, the monkey on Phil’s shoulder in the picture. Or, more accurately, as Bradley Cooper revealed to us, “a drug-dealing monkey”.

Beyond that, information is sparse. Mel Gibson was reportedly given a small part, only for that offer to be withdrawn amid grumblings of discontent from unnamed cast members. Liam Neeson does have a cameo as a tattoo artist, and Paul Giamatti will also be involved. And we’ll get to see a younger version of the Wolf Pack, too.

The thing is, the initial appeal of the original was that it was all so unexpected. So if that’s the limit to what we find out about the film before we see it, it’s probably for the best.

The Hangover Part II is at cinemas nationwide from 27 May