Joko Anwar Reveals the Development of the Script for Ghost In The Cell Took 6 Years

Kapanlagi.com - Renowned director Joko Anwar once again captures attention with his latest film, GHOST IN THE CELL. He revealed that the development of the script for this film took a very long time, reaching six years.

In his statement, the creative process of script development began in 2018 and was only completed in 2025. This long duration was fully compensated with the best results from the film GHOST IN THE CELL , which successfully attracted more than 150 thousand viewers on its first day in theaters.

The film GHOST IN THE CELL itself not only offers supernatural horror but also profound social criticism regarding the conditions in Indonesia. For more details, check here KLovers.

1. Script Developed Over 6 Years

Scene from GHOST IN THE CELL (credit: Instagram.com/jokoanwar)

Joko Anwar revealed that the development of the film story GHOST IN THE CELL has been underway since six years ago. This long process was undertaken to present a mature story. Counting from now, the development started from an idea in 2018 and will be completed in 2025.

2. Large Production Scale: 412 Cast Members and Screening in 86 Countries

Joko Anwar while directing GHOST IN THE CELL (credit: Instagram.com/jokoanwar)

Joko Anwar also revealed some interesting facts behind the production of the film GHOST IN THE CELL. The scale of this film's production is quite large, involving a total of 412 cast members to bring the tense prison atmosphere to life. Even before its premiere in Indonesia, the screening rights for this film have been purchased by distributors in 86 countries around the world.

"6 years of story development, 412 cast members, 86 countries that will screen it." he wrote in an Instagram post.

3. Prison Set Built from Scratch in Two Months

Interestingly, the production team chose to build the prison set from scratch in full size and functional, complete with a two-story main cell block. The construction process took a full two months involving hundreds of crew members.

"Involving hundreds of crew members consisting of set builders, scenic artists, carpenters, plasterers, set decorators, welders, under the direction of the production designer," he revealed.

4. Intensive 22-Day Shoot with 360-Degree Lighting Concept

Behind the scenes of GHOST IN THE CELL (credit: Instagram.com/jokoanwar)

The shooting process of GHOST IN THE CELL itself lasted for 22 days with a 360-degree lighting concept around the set. The actors were even required to do physical training or gym every day during the film's production preparation to meet the demands of the intense long action scenes.

"The total shooting days were 22 days and only a maximum of seven shooting days in one day," he added.

5. Efficient Shooting Process of "Healthy Production"

The shooting process of GHOST IN THE CELL (credit: Instagram.com/jokoanwar)

The film GHOST IN THE CELL also breaks the shooting habits of Indonesian films. The total shooting days were only 22 days with a maximum working duration of 7 hours per day, and even Aming and Tora Sudiro referred to it as healthy production due to time efficiency.

As additional information, this film stars several top actors such as Abimana Aryasatya, Bront Palarae, and Lukman Sardi, and involves talents from various professional backgrounds.

6. Great Success Since the First Day of Screening

Poster GHOST IN THE CELL(credit: Instagram.com/jokoanwar)

Since its release on April 16, 2026, this film immediately attracted more than 150 thousand viewers on its first day of screening. As of now, the number of viewers has exceeded 900 thousand and is predicted to continue to grow.

7. FAQ on the Development of the Film Script for GHOST IN THE CELL

1. Who is the director of the film GHOST IN THE CELL?

The film GHOST IN THE CELL is directed by Joko Anwar, who also wrote the script.

2. How long did it take to develop the script for the film GHOST IN THE CELL?

Joko Anwar revealed that the development of the script for the film GHOST IN THE CELL took about six years, from 2018 to 2025.

3. When will the film GHOST IN THE CELL premiere in Indonesian theaters?

The film GHOST IN THE CELL will officially premiere in Indonesian theaters on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

Follow the film news only at Kapanlagi.com. If not now, when?

8. Collaboration of Illustrators and Creepy Children's Songs

To enrich the visuals, the production team collaborated with six renowned Indonesian illustrators, where each death was designed by one illustrator. Additionally, the children's song "Cicak-Cicak di Dinding" is used as the background sound for the trailer with a creepy atmosphere, serving as a key hint regarding the ghost entity in the film.

9. Huge Success Since Day One of Screening

On the first day of screening in Indonesia, "Ghost In The Cell" successfully garnered over 154 thousand viewers, showcasing high public enthusiasm. The film also premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) 2026 and received positive responses from international critics.

(kpl/nlw)