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'Halfworlds' to return for season 2 with new director
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Arifin Putra reprises his role as Barata in the second season of Halfworlds. (HBO Asia/-)
Action fantasy series Halfworlds, which features Indonesian actors, is set to be renewed by HBO Asia.
Celebrated director Joko Anwar, who helmed the first season, won't be returning though, as the Singapore-based network announced the new series would be helmed by Thai filmmaker Ekachai Uekrongtham (Beautiful Boxer, Skin Trade) as the series' setting shifts from the back alleys of Jakarta to the fluorescent streets of Bangkok.
The new story, still written by screenwriter Collin Chang, follows a determined researcher named Juliet who goes on a quest to unearth the secret world of demons that live around us, while searching for an age-old artifact that holds tremendous power.
The eight-part thriller's production has reportedly begun this week in Bangkok.
(Read also: 'Halfworlds' goes the whole nine yards)
“Halfworlds was created to transcend geographical boundaries, so HBO Asia is of course, delighted by the impact it’s made on audiences across the region and thrilled to be bringing it back," said HBO Asia CEO Jonathan Spink in a press release on Thursday.
In addition to Indonesian actors Reza Rahadian (Habibie & Ainun) and Arifin Putra (The Raid 2) reprising their roles as Tony and Barata, the second season also features new cast members from Thailand, the Philippines and Taiwan including Peem Jaiyen (Hormones 3), Tia Tavee (Asia’s Next Top Model 2), Emma Grant (The Idol Game), Myra Molloy (Thailand’s Got Talent) and Nicole Theriault (Phobia 2).
The first season of Halfworlds premiered on HBO Asia’s on-air, online and on-demand platforms in Nov. 29 last year. The one-hour packed series follows an underground demon society that lives among people in present-day Jakarta. It recently won Apollo awards for Best Cinematography, Best Color Grading – Long Form and Best Motion Graphics – Short Form. (jam/kes)
