Indonesian superhero film Gundala will be released in the United States on July 28.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the US-based distribution label Well Go USA Entertainment acquired the film, which had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September last year. 

Written and directed by Joko Anwar, the film is adapted from the 1960s comic book series by Harya “Hasmi” Suryaminata. It follows the story of Sancaka (Abimana Aryasatya), who is on a journey to find himself and later becomes a superhero. It is the first film in the Bumilangit Cinematic Universe, which has other superhero movies in the making.

Released on Aug. 29, 2019, Gundala also features actors Tara Basro, Bront Palarae, Ario Bayu, Lukman Sari and Cecep Arif Rahman, among others. It attracted more than 1 million moviegoers seven days after it hit the local cinemas.

In February, the English-language comic book Gundala Destiny: the Official Movie Adaptation was launched by Bumilangit in cooperation with Japan-based producer Shogakukan Asia. It is available for purchase in Indonesia as well as neighboring Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam.

Read also: Bumilangit Cinematic Universe to feature new films, superheroes

Gundala Destiny, which is the English version of the original Indonesian-language Gundala – Takdir graphic novel released in August 2019, was written by Oyasujiwo based on the screenplay by Joko, with art by Ardian Syaf (pencil), Ecky (ink) and Doni Cahyono (colors). Gundala – Takdir is said to be a bestseller and its fourth edition is currently in circulation in the national market.

In September 2019, entertainment company Bumilangit confirmed that the next movie after Gundala is Sri Asih. Based on an Indonesian comic created in 1954, Sri Asih depicts the story of a female superhero whose superpowers include excellent martial arts skills, flying and cloning herself. The titular character will be played by actress Pevita Pearce, while director Upi will helm the film. 

Bumilangit and production company Screenplay Films announced seven upcoming superhero films in August last year, which included Sri Asih, Mandala starring Joe Taslim, Godam starring Chicco Jerikho and Si Buta dari Gua Hantu (Warrior from the Ghost Cave).

Bumilangit is the intellectual property holder of 1,100 comic characters that have been published since 1954. The characters are grouped into four eras: Legenda (legend), Jawara (warrior), Patriot (patriot) and Revolusi (revolution). Joko said the upcoming films would come from the Jawara and Patriot eras.

In early April, Screenplay Films and Bumilangit announced the cast of their newest film, Virgo and The Sparklings. Adhisty Zara as Riani/Virgo will be joined by Bryan Domani as Leo, Mawar de Jongh as Carmine and Rebecca Klopper as Sasmi. The movie was initially set to be released this year and the new release date has yet to be announced. (wng)