Banjong Pisanthanakun, the acclaimed Thai filmmaker whose name is synonymous with modern Thai horror and genre-bending blockbusters, is set to return to the director’s chair for Inherit, a highly anticipated horror feature. The project is backed by GDH 559, Thailand’s premier film studio known for its consistent creative output and commercial success. Adding a significant international dimension, Korean sales powerhouse Barunson E&A, the production company behind Bong Joon Ho’s Academy Award-winning Parasite, has acquired the international sales rights for the film, signaling strong global prospects for the upcoming release. This collaboration marks a significant moment for regional cinema, uniting a celebrated Thai auteur with a leading Thai studio and a globally recognized Korean sales and production entity.
The Return of a Genre Master: Banjong Pisanthanakun’s Enduring Legacy
Banjong Pisanthanakun’s return to directing after a five-year hiatus is a major event in Southeast Asian cinema. Regarded as one of the region’s most influential genre directors, Pisanthanakun has consistently pushed the boundaries of Thai filmmaking, crafting narratives that resonate both locally and internationally. His directorial debut, Shutter, released in 2004, was a watershed moment for Thai horror. The film, co-directed with Parkpoom Wongpoom, became an instant classic, defining the "Thai horror wave" of the 2000s with its chilling atmosphere, intricate plot, and effective jump scares. Its success wasn’t confined to Thailand; Shutter gained cult status across Asia and beyond, inspiring multiple international remakes, including a Hollywood version, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of modern supernatural horror cinema.
Following Shutter‘s success, Pisanthanakun demonstrated his versatility with Pee Mak in 2013. This romantic comedy-horror hybrid became an unprecedented phenomenon in Thai cinema history. Pee Mak shattered box office records, becoming Thailand’s highest-grossing film of all time and the first Thai title to surpass ten million domestic admissions. Its unique blend of humor, romance, and supernatural scares captivated audiences, proving Pisanthanakun’s ability to transcend genre conventions and appeal to a broad demographic. The film’s success showcased the potential for Thai cinema to achieve both critical acclaim and immense commercial triumph, setting new benchmarks for local productions.
Pisanthanakun’s most recent release, The Medium (2021), further underscored his prowess in the horror genre. A found-footage supernatural thriller co-produced with Korea’s Showbox, The Medium garnered significant critical attention for its immersive storytelling and terrifying premise. Despite its strong critical reception, the film’s theatrical release was significantly hampered by the global COVID-19 pandemic, preventing it from reaching its full commercial potential. Nevertheless, The Medium reinforced Pisanthanakun’s reputation as a director unafraid to explore dark, culturally rooted themes through innovative cinematic techniques. His five-year absence from the director’s chair since The Medium has only intensified anticipation for Inherit, with industry observers eager to witness his next contribution to the horror landscape.
"Inherit": A Deep Dive into Thai Horror Literature
Inherit promises a chilling narrative deeply rooted in Thai folklore and cultural anxieties. The film centers on a wealthy family whose seemingly perfect facade begins to crumble when an ancient centipede spirit infiltrates their bloodline, unleashing a terrifying supernatural ordeal. This premise draws directly from Tayat Asun, a landmark Thai horror novel first published in 1991. The novel, celebrated for its intricate plot and terrifying supernatural elements, has maintained its popularity through multiple editions over three decades and has spawned several successful television adaptations. However, Inherit marks the first time this beloved work of Thai horror literature will be brought to the big screen, offering a fresh interpretation for a new generation of audiences while honoring its rich legacy.
The adaptation of Tayat Asun for the cinematic medium by a director of Pisanthanakun’s caliber is a significant cultural event. The novel’s enduring appeal lies in its exploration of themes that resonate deeply within Thai society, such as family legacy, inherited curses, societal pressures, and the unseen forces that shape human destiny. The choice of a centipede spirit, an creature often associated with discomfort and fear in many cultures, adds a unique and visceral layer to the supernatural threat. Industry analysts suggest that Pisanthanakun’s track record of blending traditional Thai spiritualism with modern cinematic techniques makes him uniquely suited to bring the complex layers of Tayat Asun to life, promising a film that is both authentically Thai and universally terrifying.
Leading the cast of Inherit is Davika Hoorne, one of Thailand’s most recognizable and talented actresses. Hoorne’s career spans across various genres, showcasing her versatility and star power. Her recent appearance in A Useful Ghost, a film that won the Grand Prize in Cannes’ Critics’ Week section and was also distributed by GDH in Thailand, highlights her critical acclaim and international recognition. Hoorne’s involvement in Inherit not only brings significant star power to the project but also lends credibility, given her discerning choice of roles and her ability to deliver compelling performances in challenging narratives. Her presence is expected to amplify the film’s appeal, both domestically and in international markets.
GDH 559: A Pillar of Southeast Asian Cinema
GDH 559 has firmly established itself as a driving force in Southeast Asian cinema, consistently delivering high-quality films that achieve both critical and commercial success. The studio, which evolved from the highly successful GMM Tai Hub (GTH) in 2016, has built a reputation for its creative ingenuity, innovative storytelling, and its ability to nurture emerging talent while collaborating with established masters. GDH’s commitment to diverse storytelling, spanning from heartfelt dramas and romantic comedies to cutting-edge thrillers and horror, has cemented its position as Thailand’s leading film production and distribution company.
The studio’s impact was particularly evident in 2024 with the release of How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies. This poignant drama became a global sensation, grossing approximately $73.8 million worldwide. Its unprecedented success not only made it the highest-grossing Thai film in several international markets but also earned it the distinction of being the first Thai film ever shortlisted for the international feature Oscar, a monumental achievement for Thai cinema. The film’s global resonance was further underscored when Miramax acquired the rights for an English-language remake, demonstrating the universal appeal of GDH’s storytelling and the increasing international appetite for Thai narratives.
In 2025, GDH continued to expand its festival footprint, showcasing its dedication to artistic merit alongside commercial viability. Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit’s Human Resource, a thought-provoking drama, premiered in the Orizzonti section at the Venice Film Festival. This selection at one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals highlighted GDH’s strategic focus on elevating Thai cinema on the global stage, attracting international critics and industry professionals. The studio’s ability to balance commercial blockbusters with critically acclaimed festival darlings underscores its versatility and its crucial role in shaping the future of Thai film.
Jina Osothsilp, CEO of GDH 559, articulated the studio’s vision for Inherit: “There is something quite haunting about the material that draws upon a beloved work of Thai horror literature, yet strikingly fresh and unsettling in a way it unfolds. It is a story that feels deeply rooted in our culture, yet speaks to something universal about family, legacy, and what we cannot escape.” Her statement emphasizes the film’s dual appeal: its authentic connection to Thai cultural heritage through the adaptation of a classic novel, and its potential to resonate with global audiences through universal themes of destiny, inheritance, and the inescapable bonds of family. This strategic approach aligns perfectly with GDH’s broader goal of producing films that celebrate Thai identity while engaging with an international viewership.
Barunson E&A: Forging a Path in Regional Collaboration
Barunson E&A’s involvement in Inherit is a testament to the growing trend of regional collaboration in Asian cinema and the increasing global demand for diverse content. As the production company behind Bong Joon Ho’s critically acclaimed and commercially successful Parasite, Barunson E&A carries significant weight in the international film market. Parasite‘s historic sweep at the Academy Awards in 2020, including Best Picture, brought unprecedented global attention to Korean cinema and demonstrated Barunson’s capacity to identify and champion projects with profound international appeal.
Barunson E&A will manage international sales for Inherit across key territories including North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East and North Africa. This broad sales mandate reflects confidence in the film’s commercial viability and Pisanthanakun’s established reputation. The deal with GDH 559 extends Barunson E&A’s growing footprint in Southeast Asia, a region increasingly recognized for its dynamic film industries and rich storytelling traditions.
Last year, Barunson E&A solidified its commitment to the region by signing an exclusive sales partnership with Indonesian genre auteur Joko Anwar’s production company, Come and See Pictures. Anwar, known for his groundbreaking horror films like Satan’s Slaves and Impetigore, is a pivotal figure in Indonesian cinema. Their latest collaboration, Anwar’s directorial effort Ghost in the Cell, premiered at this year’s Berlin International Film Festival, with Barunson serving as both co-producer and sales agent. This strategic partnership highlights Barunson’s proactive approach to identifying and investing in top-tier talent and compelling projects across Southeast Asia, positioning itself as a crucial bridge between regional content creators and the global market.
Yoonhee Choi, CEO of Barunson E&A, underscored the company’s long-term vision: “Our collaboration on Inherit is just the beginning. We are actively in discussion with GDH on future co-development and co-production projects beyond Inherit.” This statement signals a deeper strategic alliance between the two powerhouses, suggesting a future where Korean and Thai creative forces will increasingly converge to produce high-quality, internationally competitive content. Such collaborations leverage the strengths of both industries – Korea’s robust production infrastructure and global market access, and Southeast Asia’s rich cultural narratives and burgeoning talent pool – promising exciting prospects for Asian cinema as a whole.
Broader Implications and Industry Outlook
The collaboration on Inherit between Banjong Pisanthanakun, GDH 559, and Barunson E&A carries significant implications for the landscape of Asian cinema. It reinforces several key trends:
- The Resurgence of Thai Cinema: Following the global success of How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies and the festival recognition of Human Resource, Inherit positions Thai cinema, particularly its horror genre, for renewed international attention. Banjong Pisanthanakun’s return is expected to rekindle interest in the unique blend of cultural specificity and universal fear that Thai horror has historically offered.
- Strengthening Regional Collaboration: The partnership between a leading Thai studio and a prominent Korean sales and production company exemplifies a growing trend of intra-Asian collaboration. This model allows for the pooling of resources, expertise, and market access, enabling Asian films to compete more effectively on the global stage. It also fosters a cross-pollination of creative ideas and technical standards.
- Enduring Appeal of Horror: The horror genre continues to prove its resilience and international marketability. Its ability to transcend language barriers through visceral experiences and primal fears makes it a consistent draw for audiences worldwide. Inherit‘s premise, rooted in an ancient centipede spirit and family legacy, taps into these universal anxieties while offering a distinct cultural flavor.
- Adaptation of Literary Works: The decision to adapt a landmark Thai horror novel like Tayat Asun highlights a strategy of drawing from established local narratives that already possess a loyal following. This approach minimizes creative risk while maximizing cultural authenticity, offering a rich source material for cinematic interpretation.
- Star Power and Global Reach: The casting of Davika Hoorne, combined with Banjong Pisanthanakun’s directorial reputation, creates a formidable package for international buyers. Her recent critical success adds another layer of prestige to the project.
Industry analysts are optimistic about Inherit‘s potential. The combination of Banjong’s visionary direction, GDH’s proven production capabilities, Barunson E&A’s international marketing prowess, and a compelling story derived from a celebrated Thai novel creates a powerful synergy. The film is poised not only to become a significant release in Thailand but also to make a notable impact on the global horror landscape, further solidifying Asian cinema’s growing influence in the international film industry. As production moves forward, Inherit stands as a testament to the vibrant and collaborative future of filmmaking in Southeast Asia and beyond.
