Indonesian cinema’s resurgence in the last decade now stakes its claim even further in comic book fandom with an adaptation of Hasmi’s local 1960s fan fave, Gundala. As of yesterday, Matthew Scott’s exclusive at The Hollywood Reporter has published a spotlight of the latest adaptation of Hasmi’s comic by celebrated director Joko Anwar whose new film begins the launch of a superhero cinematic universe under the newly-merged Screenplay Bumilangit Film.
Leading the way is actor Abimana Aryasatya (3: Alif Lam Mim, The Night Comes For Us) in the title role as the script switches gears for our hero from scientist to security guard. Arysatya plays Sancaka, once an orphan reduced to surviving a hard life on the streets following the disappearance of his parents. Years later Sancaka is all grown up and as the country explodes into a melting pot of danger and injustice, he’ll be forced to choose between running and surviving, or rising up to become a hero to the oppressed.
“We hope this is just the beginning,” said Anwar. “Even for those who never read the comics, Gundala represented the great Indonesian hero, and Indonesian hopes. There are so many characters in Indonesian history and often their universes would collide so the possibilities are huge.”
Fly By Night actor Bront Palarae also stars with Tara Basro who will pave the way for the cinematic universe in the role of superhero, Wulan. Also, if the trailer is any indication, Cecep Arif Rahman is TOTALLY in this film im Gundala opens locally August 29.
