Banjong Pisanthanakun, the acclaimed Thai filmmaker, is making his directorial comeback with the horror feature 'Inherit.' This new production has garnered significant international attention, securing a major sales agreement with Barunson E&A, the South Korean studio behind the Oscar-winning film 'Parasite.' This partnership is set to introduce 'Inherit' to a global audience, covering key markets including North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East and North Africa. The film promises a unique blend of cultural depth and universal themes, continuing Pisanthanakun's legacy in the genre.
The collaboration between GDH 559, the Thai production company behind 'Inherit,' and Barunson E&A marks an expansion of their existing professional ties. Barunson E&A's involvement not only handles international distribution but also connects them with Pisanthanakun, a director celebrated for his influential horror and comedy-horror works. His filmography includes iconic titles such as 'Shutter,' the record-breaking 'Pee Mak'—which shattered Thai box office records and achieved over ten million admissions—and 'The Medium,' solidifying his reputation as a master of genre cinema.
'Inherit' represents Pisanthanakun's first directorial effort in four years. The narrative delves into the disintegration of a prominent family's carefully constructed facade when an ancient centipede spirit infiltrates their lineage. The screenplay is an adaptation of 'Tayat Asun,' a beloved Thai horror novel first published in 1991. While the novel has seen multiple television adaptations over the decades, 'Inherit' is the first theatrical film rendition of this enduring story, promising a fresh perspective on a familiar tale.
The cast is led by Davika Hoorne, an actress whose recent performance in 'A Useful Ghost' earned the Cannes Critics’ Week Grand Prize, with the film also distributed in Thailand by GDH 559. GDH 559 has a history of successful productions, including the 2024 film 'How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies,' which grossed approximately $73.8 million globally, and 'Human Resource,' which premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2025.
Barunson E&A's strategic move to partner with GDH 559 for 'Inherit' aligns with its broader strategy of forging alliances with leading production talents across Asia. This approach is evident in its exclusive partnership with Come and See Pictures in Indonesia, the production house led by director Joko Anwar, whose international profile has been steadily rising. Barunson E&A has played a crucial role as an international partner for Anwar's films, including 'The Siege at Thorn High,' a Prime Video feature, and 'Ghost in the Cell,' a comedy-horror film that premiered at the Berlinale.
Jina Osothsilp, CEO of GDH 559, expressed profound enthusiasm for 'Inherit,' stating that the project is deeply rooted in Thai culture while resonating with universal themes of family, heritage, and inescapable destiny. She highlighted the excitement surrounding the collaboration with Barunson E&A, recognizing their robust global perspective as instrumental in bringing 'Inherit' to a worldwide audience. Yoonhee Choi, CEO of Barunson E&A, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that beneath its genre elements, the film explores complex themes of family, guilt, and hypocrisy, giving it significant emotional resonance and international appeal. Choi also praised Banjong Pisanthanakun's distinctive directorial vision, anticipating this collaboration as the beginning of a long-term creative relationship. This partnership further strengthens Barunson E&A's expanding involvement in early-stage project development, following a recent memorandum of understanding with Studio N to develop projects based on webtoon and web novel intellectual properties. Discussions with GDH are expected to explore similar avenues, including potential co-development and co-production opportunities.
The collaboration between Barunson E&A and GDH 559 for 'Inherit' signals a promising venture in the global film market. With Banjong Pisanthanakun at the helm, known for his unique storytelling and ability to captivate audiences, the film is poised to deliver a compelling horror experience that transcends cultural boundaries. The strategic alliance between these two respected studios is a testament to the film's potential, ensuring its reach to a diverse international viewership and solidifying Pisanthanakun's standing as a formidable voice in contemporary cinema.