Ghost in The Cell marks the return of writer & director Joko Anwar to the comedy genre after two decades since Janji Joni (2005).
Jakarta, July 25, 2025 — Production house Come and See Pictures is preparing to release its latest film Ghost in The Cell (Ghost in Prison) next year. After success at the box office with the adult action thriller Pengepungan di Bukit Duri, writer and director Joko Anwar is venturing into horror comedy with Ghost in The Cell, a film long awaited by his loyal fans.
Joko last worked in comedy with Janji Joni (2005), his debut film two decades ago. Produced by Tia Hasibuan, this film has completed shooting and promises something different from the previous works of the production house.
Abimana Aryasatya leads the star-studded cast. This film also marks Abimana’s return to the big screen after six years, following Gundala (2019), which was also directed by Joko Anwar. Ghost in The Cell also features male actors across generations who have regularly worked with Joko Anwar, including Bront Palarae, Danang Suryonegoro, Endy Arfian, Lukman Sardi, Mike Lucock, Yoga Pratama, Morgan Oey, Aming, Kiki Narendra, Rio Dewanto, Tora Sudiro, Almanzo Konoralma, Haydar Salishz, Arswendy Bening Swara, Dewa Dayana, Faiz Vishal, Jaisal Tanjung, Ho Yuhang, and introduces Magistus Miftah.
For Lukman Sardi, Aming Sugandhi, and Tora Sudiro, this is a reunion from the comedy film Quickie Express released in 2007, which was scripted by Joko Anwar. The film also reunites three actors from Pengepungan di Bukit Duri: Morgan Oey, Endy Arfian, and Dewa Dayana. It also marks a new collaboration between Joko Anwar and Bront Palarae outside of Pengabdi Setan. Jaisal Tanjung, usually a trusted collaborator behind the scenes directing cinematography for Joko Anwar, will appear on screen for the first time.
The story revolves around two rival gangs who clash inside Jakarta’s overcrowded prison. As if their conflict wasn’t enough, one by one inmates begin to die—not by enemy hands, but by a vicious ghost. Reluctantly, the two gangs must work together if they want to survive.
“Comedy is my first love. I’m still crazy about horror. So this is the time to combine both in one film,” said Ghost in The Cell writer and director Joko Anwar.
“This film is the best achievement of Come and See Pictures so far. Comedy and horror are both genres that require craftsmanship and precise timing. Combining the two was our biggest challenge, and the crew and cast succeeded,” said producer Tia Hasibuan.
In addition to the star-studded cast, Ghost in The Cell introduces new talent, including Magistus Miftah, a dancer and tarot reader found through an open casting on social media. This is his acting debut on the big screen.
Meanwhile, Abimana Aryasatya, returning to the big screen as the lead actor after last starring in Gundala (2019), shared his enthusiasm for this film.
“This is a happy moment for me, being able to act again in a film featuring a star-studded cast from various generations and countries. After six years, which turned out to be quite a long absence from the big screen, I’m now back in a fresh genre, working again with the brightest director of this generation, Joko Anwar,” said Abimana Aryasatya.
In recent years, Abimana has appeared more frequently in OTT series and films. His return to the big screen through Ghost in The Cell will be a highly anticipated moment for many Indonesian film audiences.
Stay updated on the latest news and developments about Ghost in The Cell on Instagram @comeandseepictures. Look forward to watching Ghost in The Cell in theaters!
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