By admin 
The globally acclaimed Indonesian filmmaker Joko Anwar is poised to delve even deeper into the terrifying lore of his blockbuster “Satan’s Slaves” franchise with “Satan’s Slaves: Origin” (original “Pengabdi Setan 3: Origin”). In a significant development for international genre cinema, the ambitious prequel has been boarded for worldwide sales by Barunson E&A, the esteemed Korean studio renowned for its involvement in Bong Joon Ho’s Academy Award-winning masterpiece, “Parasite.” This strategic partnership signals a major push to bring Anwar’s latest horror epic to a global audience, with Barunson E&A set to unveil the project to international buyers at the inaugural market of the Toronto Film Festival this September, a prestigious platform known for launching significant cinematic ventures.
While bearing the number three in its Indonesian title, “Satan’s Slaves: Origin” operates as a standalone prequel, meticulously charting the genesis of the insidious cult and the diabolical pacts that have fueled the terrifying events of the first two installments. The narrative embarks on a sweeping historical journey, commencing with a chilling depiction of mass hysteria that gripped Strasbourg in the 16th century, drawing direct inspiration from the unsettling historical incident recorded in 1518. This initial segment sets a tone of widespread psychological terror and societal breakdown, hinting at an ancient evil’s insidious influence. The film then pivots dramatically, transporting audiences to the desolate and foreboding shores of Java in the 17th century, specifically focusing on a haunted lighthouse that stands as a grim sentinel against the tempestuous southern coast. This dual-continent, multi-century approach underscores the film’s unprecedented scope, marking it as the most ambitious production in Joko Anwar’s distinguished career to date. The narrative complexity is further amplified by its multilingual nature, with significant portions filmed in seven distinct languages: Indonesian, Alsatian, Portuguese, Javanese, Dutch, Turkish, and Latin, reflecting the historical and geographical breadth of the unfolding saga.
Joko Anwar himself expressed profound anticipation for this deeply personal project, stating, “This film is everything I didn’t know I was building toward – the one that finally answers where the curse came from, why it never stopped, and what it’s really after.” His words reveal a filmmaker driven by a desire to unravel the very origins of the supernatural terror that has captivated audiences. He further assured both long-standing devotees of the franchise and newcomers alike, promising, “Longtime fans are going to get the answers they’ve waited years for. Newcomers are going to get the ride of their lives.” This sentiment suggests a narrative that is both a fulfilling conclusion for existing lore and an accessible, adrenaline-fueled experience for those encountering the “Satan’s Slaves” universe for the first time.
The production of “Satan’s Slaves: Origin” is being spearheaded by Rapi Films, a powerhouse in Indonesian cinema, with Joko Anwar serving as both writer and director. The film is further bolstered by the co-producing efforts of Come and See Pictures, Sky Media, and Legacy Pictures, creating a formidable collaborative force. Currently in its pre-production phase, the film is slated for a theatrical release in Indonesia in 2027, a date that already generates significant buzz within the domestic market.
The “Satan’s Slaves” brand carries immense cultural and commercial weight within Indonesia. The franchise’s lineage traces back to Rapi Films’ original 1980 iteration, a film that has since achieved cult classic status in the archipelago. Joko Anwar’s 2017 revival of the franchise not only topped the local box office for that year but is widely credited with igniting the country’s current surge in horror filmmaking, a genre that has since seen a remarkable resurgence and commercial success. The subsequent installment, 2022’s “Satan’s Slaves: Communion,” further cemented the franchise’s legacy by becoming the first Indonesian film to be screened in IMAX, a testament to its cinematic scale and ambition. It continues to hold its ground as one of the six highest-grossing local releases in Indonesian cinematic history, demonstrating the enduring appeal and commercial viability of Anwar’s horror vision.
The deal with Barunson E&A is not an isolated venture but rather an extension of an existing, successful two-year exclusive partnership between Anwar and the Korean studio. Their prior collaboration, the horror-comedy “Ghost in the Cell,” has proven to be a significant hit, currently ranking at number two on Indonesia’s local box office chart for the year. This film, which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival, has resonated with audiences, drawing over 3.3 million local admissions and securing distribution deals in an impressive 150 territories. Notably, Plaion acquired the rights for Germany, while Well Go USA is handling distribution in North America, showcasing the global reach of their joint projects.
Choi Yoonhee, CEO of Barunson E&A, articulated the studio’s enthusiasm for the new project, highlighting the escalating ambition of their collaborations with Anwar. “Every time we work with Joko Anwar, the scale gets bigger and the ambition gets sharper,” Choi stated. “‘Satan’s Slaves: Origin’ is unlike anything he’s made – a story that moves across centuries and continents. It’s proof of what we’ve believed for years: Indonesian filmmakers are telling some of the boldest genre stories in the world right now, and we’re proud to help this one reach it.” This statement not only underscores Barunson E&A’s commitment to discovering and promoting emerging and established talent from across Asia but also emphasizes their belief in the unique and compelling storytelling emerging from Indonesia’s vibrant film industry.
The acquisition of worldwide sales rights for “Satan’s Slaves: Origin” further solidifies Barunson E&A’s strategic focus on acquiring and distributing compelling Asian genre content. This latest move follows a series of significant pickups, including Banjong Pisanthanakun’s highly anticipated film “Inherit,” the Indonesian zombie thriller “Zona Merah: Dead City,” and the Korean occult title “Stoneborn,” which hails from the acclaimed creators of the box office phenomenon “Exhuma.” These acquisitions collectively demonstrate Barunson E&A’s keen eye for diverse and impactful genre narratives from across the continent, positioning them as a key player in the international distribution of Asian cinema. The company’s commitment to showcasing the breadth and depth of talent within the region, particularly in the horror and thriller genres, is evident in their expanding portfolio, signaling a growing global appetite for these distinct cinematic voices. The international success of “Parasite” has undoubtedly paved the way for greater recognition and investment in Asian filmmakers, and Barunson E&A appears to be at the forefront of this exciting new wave, championing projects that push creative boundaries and captivate diverse audiences worldwide. The ambitious scope, historical depth, and multilingual narrative of “Satan’s Slaves: Origin” represent a significant stride in this endeavor, promising a truly unique and terrifying cinematic experience.
