Come and See Pictures unveils an all-star cast; Indonesian theatrical release slated for 2026
By Ine
Editor: Kenzo | AswinNews.com – Sharp, Accurate, Balanced, Trusted, and Up-to-Date
JAKARTA — July 25, 2025
Come and See Pictures has officially announced Ghost in the Cell, a horror–comedy that marks Joko Anwar’s long-awaited return to comedy two decades after Janji Joni (2005). The project was revealed at a Cast Reveal Press Conference held at Studio 2, Epicentrum XXI, Jakarta, on Friday (July 25, 2025). The film is scheduled to hit Indonesian cinemas in 2026.
Abimana Aryasatya leads the ensemble, making his first big-screen appearance in six years since Gundala (2019), which was also directed by Joko Anwar. The picture assembles a cross-generational lineup of Anwar regulars and fresh faces: Bront Palarae, Danang Suryonegoro, Endy Arfian, Lukman Sardi, Mike Lucock, Yoga Pratama, Morgan Oey, Aming, Kiki Narendra, Rio Dewanto, Tora Sudiro, Almanzo Konoralma, Haydar Salishaz, Arswendy Bening Swara, Dewa Dayana, Faiz Vishal, Jaisal Tanjung, Ho Yuhang, and introduces Magistus Miftah.
For Lukman Sardi, Aming, and Tora Sudiro, the film doubles as a reunion after their 2007 comedy Quickie Express, penned by Joko Anwar. The film also re-assembles Morgan Oey, Endy Arfian, and Dewa Dayana—three actors who previously shared the screen in Pengepungan di Bukit Duri. It further extends the long-running collaboration between Joko Anwar and Bront Palarae beyond the Pengabdi Setan universe. Notably, Jaisal Tanjung, long known as Anwar’s trusted behind-the-scenes cinematography collaborator, steps in front of the camera for the first time.
Plot Snapshot
Set inside an overcrowded Jakarta prison, Ghost in the Cell follows two rival gangs locked in a brutal conflict—until inmates begin dying one by one, not at the hands of their enemies, but by a vengeful, terrifying ghost. Forced into a corner, the gangs must join forces to survive.
“Comedy is my first love. I’m still obsessed with horror. So this is the moment to merge both in one film,” said Joko Anwar, who serves as writer and director.
Producer Tia Hasibuan of Come and See Pictures calls the film the company’s most ambitious achievement to date:
“Comedy and horror both demand precision in craft and timing. Combining them is our biggest challenge—and, for our cast and crew, a rewarding milestone.”
Beyond its star power, Ghost in the Cell spotlights Magistus Miftah, a dancer and tarot reader discovered through an open casting call on social media, making his feature film debut.
Follow the film’s latest updates on Instagram: @comeandseepictures. Ghost in the Cell (Hantu di Penjara) opens in Indonesian theaters in 2026.
Key Facts
- Title: Ghost in the Cell
- Genre: Horror–Comedy
- Writer/Director: Joko Anwar
- Producer: Tia Hasibuan
- Studio: Come and See Pictures
- Cast Lead: Abimana Aryasatya (returning to cinemas after Gundala, 2019)
- Notable Reunions:
- Lukman Sardi, Aming, Tora Sudiro (Quickie Express, 2007)
- Morgan Oey, Endy Arfian, Dewa Dayana (Pengepungan di Bukit Duri)
- Joko Anwar & Bront Palarae (outside Pengabdi Setan)
- Newcomer: Magistus Miftah (dancer & tarot reader, discovered via open casting)
- Indonesia Theatrical Release: 2026
- Press Conference: July 25, 2025 – Studio 2, Epicentrum XXI, Jakarta
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