I never even knew “Home Sweet Home” was a video game – a Thai video game that actually launched in 2017. Then again, I’m not a huge gamer in my 30s or 40s lately, but I have been increasingly aware of the live-action adaptation in the past few weeks.
That treatment now comes from directing duo Alexander Kiesl and Steffen Hacker whose work, Home Sweet Home: Rebirth, is now set for an April release from Vertical Entertainment. The cast includes Michele Morrone, William Moseley, Thai-Norwegian actress Yaya Urassaya Sperbund, and K-Pop/K-Drama star Alexander Lee.
Home Sweet Home Rebirth follows Jake (Moseley), a cop thrust into an alternate realm called “The Hindrance” during a deadly mall shooting. With the help of a mysterious Novice Monk (Lee), Jake must race the clock to save his wife, Prang (Sperbund), and stop an evil occultist, Mek (Morrone), from opening the Gates of Hell.
Thai gaming company YGGDrazil is the brand behind the game which sold over 1 million units worldwide and became a breakout on YouTube and Twitch. Vertical announced their acquisition last month, and the following are statements released from the negotiating parties, along with the obligatory press release text, a trailer, and one gnarly ass poster:
“I am incredibly excited to partner with Vertical for the North American release of Home Sweet Home: Rebirth. Their commitment to delivering compelling narratives aligns perfectly with our vision for this film,” said producer Dean Altit.
“Home Sweet Home: Rebirth is a gripping, visual feast. We’re looking forward to introducing this international action-thriller to North American audiences,” added Rachel White, Vertical’s Manager of Acquisitions & Sales.
The film was produced by Dean Altit p.g.a., under his Altit Media Group banner, and Pakin Maliwan, under Thailand-based Film Frame Productions. Tanat Juwiwat and Saroot Tubloy of YGGDrazil, Richard Alan Reid, Kia Jam, and Diamond Media executive produced.
The crew also includes director of photography Maher Maleh, production designer Chumpol Krajangthong, editor Sebastian Wild, costume designer Nittaya Boonkhao, and hair and make-up designers Thanon Songsil and Hathairat Srivilai. The casting was by Lek Thanyatorn Pantusintu and the music was by Tao Liu.
The deal was negotiated between White for Vertical and Daniel Diamond of Diamond Media.
The film has also been licensed to several international territories, including the UK (Signature Entertainment), Germany (Splendid Film), Middle East (ECS), CIS (Area Media), Taiwan (Vie Vision), Philippines (Pioneer), Indonesia (Prima Cinema), and India (Picture Works).
