Bumilangit Cinematic Universe Explained

Bumilangit Cinematic Universe
Studio:Screenplay Bumilangit
Country:Indonesia
Language:Indonesian
Javanese

The Bumilangit Cinematic Universe (BCU) (Indonesian: '''Jagat Sinema Bumilangit''') is an Indonesian media franchise and shared universe centered on a series of superhero films produced by Bumilangit Studios based on characters that appear in comic books published by Bumilangit. Volume 1 of the series began with Gundala in 2019 and will conclude with the release of a team-up film Patriot.[1]

Joko Anwar was announced as the executive producer that will oversee the development of all films in Volume 1 of the series. He wrote and directed Gundala as well as co-wrote Sri Asih.[2]

Development

The development of the film series came on the heel of the success of Disney's Marvel Cinematic Universe franchise. The production of several films into planned volumes with individual superhero films released before a team-up film resembles the strategy employed by Marvel Studios.

During a Disney+ event in 2020, President of Marvel Studios Kevin Feige spoke with the Bumilangit Cinematic Universe executive producer Joko Anwar and expressed support for the Indonesian superhero franchise while saying that the project is "in the right hands".[3]

Production of several films in the franchise faced delays upon the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia.[4]

Background

The Bumilangit Universe in the comic book series began in the ancient times and continue well into present day. It is divided into four eras:

Films

FilmRelease dateDirectorScreenwriter(s)Producer(s)Ref.
Volume 1
GundalaJoko AnwarSukhdev Singh, Wicky V. Olindo & Bismarka KurniawanReleased[5]
Sri AsihUpiJoko Anwar & UpiWicky V. Olindo, Bismarka Kurniawan & Joko AnwarReleased
Virgo and the SparklingsMarch 2, 2023Ody C. HarahapRafki Hidayat & Johanna WattimenaReleased
Godam & Tira2024Zahir Omar-->-->Post-production
The Blind of the Phantom Cave-->Timo Tjahjanto-->Pre-production[6]
-->TBA-->-->-->Pre-production
Gundala the Son of Lightning-->Joko Anwar-->-->
Patriot-->-->-->-->

Gundala (2019)

Sancaka, an astraphobic son of an Indonesian factory worker who's now a security guard and mechanic in a newspaper printing factory, uses his superpowers to defeat the corrupt crime boss Pengkor. After his allies poison a large shipment of rice, Pengkor uses his undue political influence to force the local legislature's hand in passing a bill to approve the hasty production and distribution of an unproven antidote – unknowingly made by a pharmaceutical company he secretly owns – that will ultimately harm pregnant women.[7]

Bumilangit Studios, as the owner of Gundala's intellectual property, has been developing the idea of making a Gundala movie since 2014. The search for the right director and scriptwriter for Gundala was not easy, and took Bumilangit years to finally find the perfect match. On April 4, 2018, Joko Anwar was announced as the writer and the director for the film. He is one of Indonesia's most prolific and celebrated film directors.

Joko Anwar admitted that the scriptwriting process for Gundala has been the hardest work of his career so far. Usually, he spends one to two months on a typical script, but he eventually ended up spending a total of seven months for this project. Reinterpreting Gundala's origin from the original 1969 comic, he reworked the story in a way that could attract millennials and Gen Z. Hasmi's comics and notes about Gundala helped him write the script.[8]

The film stars Abimana Aryasatya as Sancaka/Gundala, alongside Tara Basro, Bront Palarae, Ario Bayu, Cecep Arif Rahman, Rio Dewanto, and Muzakki Ramdhan. The film received positive reviews from the audience and critics with praise for Abimana's performance, Anwar's direction, and the visual effects, costume design, and originality. Throughout its domestic run, the film garnered over 1.6 million admissions, with an estimate gross of $4.7 million.[9]

Sri Asih (2022)

See main article: article and Sri Asih (2022 film). Alana didn't understand why she was always overcome by anger. But she always tried to fight it. She was born during a volcanic eruption that separated her from her parents. She is then adopted by a rich woman who tries to help her live a normal life. As an adult, Alana discovers the truth about her origins. She's not an ordinary human. She can be good or be evil if she can not control her anger.[10]

On December 7, 2019, Joko Anwar as the creative producer of Bumilangit Cinematic Universe announced that Pevita Pearce would play Sri Asih in Bumilangit Cinematic Universe after her first appearance at the ending of Gundala (2019).[11] The film also stars Christine Hakim as Eyang Mariani, Surya Saputra as Prayogo Adinegara, Jefri Nichol as Tangguh, Reza Rahadian as Jatmiko, Randy Pangalila as Mateo Adinegara, Jenny Zhang as Sarita Hamzah, Dimas Anggara as Kala, Revaldo as Jagau, Faradina Mufti as Renjana, Fadly Faisal as Gilang, Messi Gusti as Young Alana[12] and a special appearance by Najwa Shihab as Nani Wijaya, the first Sri Asih. The film was directed by Upi, written by Upi and Joko Anwar.

In Indonesian history of fiction literature, Sri Asih is the first hero to appear in Indonesian comics. Sri Asih first appeared about half a century ago, in 1953. Its creator, R.A. Kosasih is recognized as the “Father of Indonesian Comics.”[10]

The shooting process began on November 18, 2020, and finished on April 1, 2021.[13] On July 6, 2022, Sri Asih released her first teaser trailer. The film was released in cinemas on November 17, 2022[14] as the second entry of BCU.

Web series

!Year!Title!Director!Notes
2023TiraZahir OmarDisney+ Original[15]

Main cast and characters

CharacterGundalaSri AsihVirgo and the SparklingsGodam & TiraThe Blind of the Phantom Cave: Angel's Eyes
The Devil's Sword

the Son of Lightning
Patriot
2019 2022 2023 2024 TBA

Introduced in Gundala

Sancaka
Abimana Aryasatya[16]

Abimana Aryasatya
Sedhah Esti Wulan
Tara Basro[17]
Tara Barso
PengkorBront Palarae
Ghani "Ghazul" Zulham Ario BayuArio Bayu
Ridwan BahriLukman SardiLukman Sardi
Awang
Faris Fadjar MunggaranChicco Jerikho[18] Chicco Jerikho
Motila / Camar
Hannah Al Rashid[19] Hannah Al Rashid
Purnama Wulan Dewi Sartikawati / Eagle-Eyed Angel
Kelly TandionoKelly Tandiono[20] Kelly Tandiono
Desti Nikita
Asmara Abigailcolspan="7"
Swara Batin
Cecep Arif Rahmancolspan="7"
Kamal Atmaja
Ari Tulangcolspan="7"
Tanto Ginanjar
Daniel Adnancolspan="7"
Kanigara
Cornelio Sunnycolspan="7"
Jack Mandagi
Andrew Suleimancolspan="7"
Sam Buadi
Aming Sugandhicolspan="7"
Adi Sulaiman
Rendra Bagus Pamungkascolspan="7"
Ki Wilawuk Sujiwo TejoSujiwo Tejo
Alana
Pevita PearcePevita Pearce
Pevita Pearce

Introduced in Sri Asih

Roh Setan
Reza Rahadianrowspan="3"
Eyang MarianiChristine Hakimcolspan="5"
Tangguh
Jefri Nichol
colspan="5"
KalaDimas Anggaracolspan="6"
Prayogo AdinegaraSurya Saputracolspan="6"
Sarita HamzahJenny Zhangcolspan="6"
Mateo AdinegaraRandy Pangalilacolspan="6"
JagauRevaldocolspan="6"
RenjanaFaradina Mufticolspan="6"
GilangFadly Faisalcolspan="6"
Ratna Kumala
Unique Priscillacolspan="6"
Leon
Abdurrahman Arifcolspan="6"
Nani Wijaya
Najwa Shihab[21]
The Fire GoddessDian SastrowardoyoDian Sastrowardoyo

Introduced in Virgo and the Sparkling

Riani
Adhisty Zara[22] Adhisty Zara
LeoBryan Domanicolspan="5"
CarmineMawar Eva de Jongh
colspan="5"
MonicaAshira Zamitacolspan="5"
UssySatine Zanetacolspan="5"
SasmiRebecca Kloppercolspan="5"
RantiIndahkuscolspan="5"
HannahMentari Novelcolspan="5"
CempakaVanesha PrescillaVanesha Prescilla

Introduced in Godam & Tira

Suci
Chelsea Islan[23] Chelsea Islan

Introduced in The Blind of the Phantom Cave: Angel's Eyes

Barda MandrawataIko Uwais[24] Iko Uwais[25]
MandalaJoe TaslimJoe Taslim[26] Joe Taslim

Introduced in Patriot

Mardhanus
Nicholas Saputra[27]

Powers and abilities

CharacterCreatorPowers and abilities
Sancaka[28]
Gundala
Harya SuraminataGenerate lightning bolts, lightning punch, and superhuman speed.
Sedhah Esti Wulan[29]
Merpati
Flight, superhuman navigation sense, and superhuman strength equal to 20 male adults.
Nani Wijaya[30]
Sri Asih
R. A. KosasihSuperhuman strength equal to 250 male adults, flight, martial arts, body enlargement, and body multiplication.
CempakaMartial arts
Awang[31]
Godam
Wid N. S.Superhuman strength, supersonic flight, and supersonic speed.
Mardhanus[32]
Aquanus
Swim faster than any aquatic life forms and possess a belt that could blast powerful rainbow rays.
Motila[33]
Camar
Communications with birds, martial arts, and superhuman leap.
Barda Mandrawata[34]
Si Buta dari Gua Hantu
Ganes T. H.Sword and stick fighting, martial arts, and superhuman senses.
Mandala[35] Mansyur DamanMartial arts, sword fighting, and an ability to crush rocks without physical contact (named the 'rock tidal wave' technique).
Purnama Wulan Dewi Sartikawati[36]
Eagle-Eyed Angel
Martial arts using a chain whip with sharp blade at its end as weapon.
Susie[37]
Tira
Nono G. M.Martial arts, high-tech combat gadgets, and ability to summon mystical spirits.
Rini/Riani[38]
Virgo
Jan Mintaraga
Annisa Nisfihani
Ellie Goh
Generate scorching fire flames from her hands, and ability to see or feel certain colors when listening to music (named the 'Synesthesia').

Main villains

The film producers have not confirmed the villain character that will be the main enemy in the film series. However, a scene in Gundala depicting Ghazul (Ario Bayu) summoning the ancient figure Ki Wilawuk (Sujiwo Tejo) led to speculations that the character will serve as the mega-villain for the superhero team-up in later film.[39] But later in the second film of the cinematic universe, Sri Asih, it was revealed that Ki Wilawuk was only one of the five commanders of the suspected ultimate villain namely The Fire Goddess (Dewi Api) who has been sealed for centuries in an unknown volcano by her nemesis, Dewi Asih. These five commanders need to be resurrected in order to free her from the captive and spread terror to the entire world.

FilmMain villainPortrayed by
GundalaPengkorBront Palarae
Sri AsihRoh SetanReza Rahadian
Virgo and the SparklingsCarmineMawar De Jongh
Godam & Tiracolspan="2"
colspan="2"
colspan="2"
Gundala the Son of Lightningcolspan="2"
Patriotcolspan="2"

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Farouk . Yazir . 2019-08-18 . Usai Gundala, Ini Deretan Film Superhero Asli Indonesia yang Bakal Digarap . 2021-01-31 . suara.com . id.
  2. Web site: Joko Anwar Jadi Produser Kreatif Semesta Bumilangit . 2021-01-31 . hiburan . id-ID.
  3. Web site: 2020-08-11. Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios, Supported Joko Anwar and Bumilangit Cinematic Universe; Christine Hakim, Reza Rahadian, Dimas Anggara, and Jefri Nichol Join Bumilangit Cinematic Universe. 2021-01-31. Bumilangit. en-US.
  4. Web site: Soraya . Sora . 11 April 2020 . Produksi Empat Film Jagoan dalam Walaraba Bumilangit Cinematic Universe Ditunda Karena Virus Corona . 2022-02-09 . KapanLagi.com . id.
  5. Web site: 2020-12-15. Bumilangit Cinematic Universe. 2021-01-31. Bumilangit. en-US.
  6. Web site: The Blind of the Ghost Cave: Angel's Eyes - Production & Contact Info IMDbPro. 2021-01-31. pro.imdb.com.
  7. Web site: Media . Kompas Cyber . 2022-05-02 . Sinopsis Gundala, Superhero Penyelamat dari Langit . 2022-09-07 . KOMPAS.com . id.
  8. Web site: Media . Kompas Cyber . 2019-06-17 . Joko Anwar Ramu Cerita Gundala Lewat Catatan Pribadi Mendiang Hasmi . 2022-09-07 . KOMPAS.com . id.
  9. Web site: Data penonton tahun 2019 . 2022-09-07 . filmindonesia.or.id.
  10. Web site: 2022-09-06 . Screenplay Bumilangit officially released "Sri Asih" trailer. In cinemas October 6. . 2022-09-07 . Bumilangit . en-US.
  11. Web site: Okezone . 2019-09-22 . Alasan Joko Anwar Pilih Pevita Pearce Perankan Sri Asih : Okezone Celebrity . 2022-09-07 . celebrity.okezone.com/ . id-ID.
  12. Web site: Times . I. D. N. . Nanda . Erfah . Tayang 6 Oktober 2022, Ini 15 Pemain Film Sri Asih dan Karakternya . 2022-09-07 . IDN Times . id.
  13. Web site: Rahman . Husna . 2021-04-01 . Pevita Pearce Senang Syuting "Sri Asih" Akhirnya Selesai, Akui 3 Tahun Terakhir Penuh Rintangan . 2022-09-07 . Hipwee . id-ID.
  14. Web site: Nurrijal . Muhammad Ahsan . Sri Asih Tayang 6 Oktober 2022, 60 Persen Film Pakai CGI . 2022-09-07 . detikhot . id-ID.
  15. Web site: Lova . Cynthia . 2021-10-14 . Setuningsih . Novianti . Joko Anwar Umumkan Serial Tira Akan Tayang di Disney+ . 2022-07-07 . KOMPAS.com . id.
  16. Web site: 2016-09-13. GUNDALA. 2021-01-31. Bumilangit. en-US.
  17. Web site: 2016-09-16. MERPATI. 2021-01-31. Bumilangit. en-US.
  18. Web site: 2016-09-13. GODAM. 2021-01-31. Bumilangit. en-US.
  19. Web site: 2016-09-28. CAMAR. 2021-01-31. Bumilangit. en-US.
  20. Web site: Mengenal Lebih Lanjut Jagoan Jagat Sinema Bumilangit (1). 2021-01-31. kumparan. id-ID.
  21. Web site: 2016-09-13. SRI ASIH. 2021-01-31. Bumilangit. en-US.
  22. Web site: 2016-09-13. VIRGO. 2021-01-31. Bumilangit. en-US.
  23. Web site: 2016-09-13. TIRA. 2021-01-31. Bumilangit. en-US.
  24. Web site: 2016-09-13. SI BUTA DARI GUA HANTU. 2021-01-31. Bumilangit. en-US.
  25. Web site: Timo Tjahjanto Bocorkan Iko Uwais Sebagai Si Buta dari Goa Hantu. 2021-01-31. kumparan. id-ID.
  26. Web site: 2016-09-13. MANDALA. 2021-01-31. Bumilangit. en-US.
  27. Web site: 2016-09-13. AQUANUS. 2021-01-31. Bumilangit. en-US.
  28. Web site: 2016-09-13. GUNDALA. 2021-01-31. Bumilangit. en-US.
  29. Web site: 2016-09-16. MERPATI. 2021-01-31. Bumilangit. en-US.
  30. Web site: 2016-09-13. SRI ASIH. 2021-01-31. Bumilangit. en-US.
  31. Web site: 2016-09-13. GODAM. 2021-01-31. Bumilangit. en-US.
  32. Web site: 2016-09-13. AQUANUS. 2021-01-31. Bumilangit. en-US.
  33. Web site: 2016-09-28. CAMAR. 2021-01-31. Bumilangit. en-US.
  34. Web site: 2016-09-13. SI BUTA DARI GUA HANTU. 2021-01-31. Bumilangit. en-US.
  35. Web site: 2016-09-13. MANDALA. 2021-01-31. Bumilangit. en-US.
  36. Web site: Mengenal Lebih Lanjut Jagoan Jagat Sinema Bumilangit (1). 2021-01-31. kumparan. id-ID.
  37. Web site: 2016-09-13. TIRA. 2021-01-31. Bumilangit. en-US.
  38. Web site: 2016-09-13. VIRGO. 2021-01-31. Bumilangit. en-US.
  39. Web site: Irvan. Mengenal Ki Wilawuk, Villain di Bumilangit Cinematic Universe Greenscene. September 17, 2019 . 2021-01-31. id-ID.