Indonesian Horror Hit ‘Pabrik Gula’ Gets 2028 Sequel
MD Entertainment expands its horror franchise strategy following global success and strategic partnerships.
1Sequel Strategy Confirmed
Indonesian studio MD Entertainment officially announced a sequel to its 2025 horror success Pabrik Gula, scheduled for release in early 2028. The original film achieved significant commercial success, selling over 5 million tickets domestically before expanding into international markets including the United States, Europe, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Brunei.
2Data-Driven Content Expansion
MD Entertainment utilizes a rigorous data-driven approach to determine franchise extensions and spinoffs. By analyzing platform partner feedback and social media sentiment, the studio decides whether to greenlight sequels. This strategy has successfully supported hits like the Netflix drama Ipar Adalah Maut, which maintained a top-ten position for seven consecutive weeks.
3Strategic Infrastructure Investments
The studio recently acquired the free-to-air channel NET TV in a deal valued at approximately $105 million. This acquisition, supported by investment from Korea’s SBS, allows MD to integrate its film and series library directly into broadcast and streaming, aiming to position the channel among Indonesia's top five television networks.
4Global Format Partnerships
MD Entertainment is expanding its relationship with Imax, following the success of the prequel Badarawuhi. The studio plans to release Imax-formatted films in 2027, including an adaptation of the popular YouTube animated series Dhot Design. Strategic partnerships with major international players like Lionsgate and CJ further facilitate this global distribution strategy.
5Cultural Identity as Asset
Despite pursuing international reach, MD Entertainment maintains a strict policy of preserving local identity in its productions. CEO Manoj Punjabi mandates that all projects remain rooted in Indonesian folklore rather than adopting generic Hollywood thriller tropes. This focus on authentic cultural storytelling is credited for the studio's sustained domestic market dominance.
6Market Performance Dynamics
Indonesian films currently command roughly 65% of the local box office, significantly outperforming the 10% to 12% share held by Taiwanese films in their home market. This success is attributed to a large population of 280 million and a deep-seated cultural tradition of sharing haunting folklore during family gatherings.
7Cross-Border Content Exchange
The studio is actively pursuing international collaborations, having released adaptations of Thai and Korean properties this year. MD Entertainment is currently exploring co-production opportunities with U.S. and European producers. They are specifically seeking East Asian intellectual property that offers a clear proof of concept and cultural fit for Indonesian audiences.
8Future Growth Trajectory
With over 200 features produced in two decades, MD Entertainment plans 12 to 13 releases for 2027. By balancing horror, comedy, and drama, the studio continues to refine its multi-platform playbook. Future goals include fostering creative partnerships with Taiwanese directors to explore common storytelling grounds and further expanding their global footprint.
Original article: Variety — Indonesian Horror Hit ‘Pabrik Gula’ Gets 2028 Sequel