Indonesian media giant MD Entertainment announced plans to release a sequel to its 2025 horror blockbuster Pabrik Gula in early 2028. The decision follows the original film’s commercial success, which drew more than 5 million tickets in Indonesia before expanding to markets including the United States, Europe, and several Southeast Asian nations.
Astrid Wienardi, the company’s head of content licensing and global business, shared the update on Sunday at the Taiwan Creative Content Fest in Taipei. She outlined a broader strategy that includes three Imax films scheduled for 2027, signaling a push to elevate the studio’s production values and international reach.
Pabrik Gula Sequel and Imax Strategy
The announcement of the Pabrik Gula sequel comes as the studio looks to capitalize on the franchise’s established popularity. Wienardi noted that the film’s strong performance and audience engagement directly influenced the greenlight for a second installment.
MD Entertainment’s relationship with Imax began with Badarawuhi, the prequel to KKN di Desa Penari, which marked the first Southeast Asian film shot specifically for the Imax format. The upcoming slate of three Imax titles for 2027 will include a project based on Dhot Design, a popular YouTube animated series. The animated property draws between 8 million and 10 million views per episode, providing a built-in audience for the cinematic adaptation.
The studio has also solidified strategic partnerships with major international players, including Lionsgate and CJ Entertainment, to support its expanding distribution network.
Box Office Records and Franchise Expansion
MD Entertainment continues to dominate the local box office with a focus on horror and folklore-driven narratives. The studio previously set an Indonesian record with KKN di Desa Penari, which sold 10.7 million tickets domestically. This performance cemented the studio’s position as a leader in the regional market.
Looking ahead, the studio is preparing to release Ivanna 2 early next year. The original Ivanna film, a spinoff from the Danur horror universe featuring a headless Dutch woman, achieved moderate success in Indonesia but broke theatrical records in Vietnam. Wienardi highlighted this cross-border appeal as a key indicator of the studio’s growing international footprint.
The studio plans to release 12 to 13 films in 2027, with horror leading the lineup alongside comedy and drama. This output is supported by a library of more than 200 features and a diversified business model that includes free-to-air television, streaming, and music publishing.
Streaming Success and Local Identity
MD Entertainment has secured a significant presence on global streaming platforms. The studio currently has eight titles on Netflix and three on WeTV, where seven of the platform’s top 20 titles are MD productions. The series Layangan Putus trended in 25 countries, while the mother-daughter drama Induk Gajah earned a second season order on Prime Video shortly after its 2023 debut.
Wienardi emphasized that data from platform partners and social media feedback drive decisions on series extensions and spinoffs. The Netflix drama Ipar Adalah Maut, which translates to Brother-in-Law Is Death, remained in the top 10 trending list for seven consecutive weeks after its debut. A second season is currently in development and is expected to launch on Netflix next year.
Despite the global ambitions, the studio maintains a strict commitment to local cultural identity. Wienardi stated that CEO Manoj Punjabi requires every project to retain its local soul, rejecting watered-down thrillers or Hollywood-style formulas. This approach leverages Indonesia’s deep well of folklore, which remains a staple of family discussions in the country’s mountainous regions.
The studio also released adaptations of Thai and Korean properties this year and has partnered with Korea’s Barunson on the project Sorop. Wienardi expressed interest in collaborating with Taiwanese and East Asian creators, seeking pitches that demonstrate a clear fit for Indonesian viewers and a proven track record in their home markets.
Source: Variety
