Bumilangit Cinematic Universe

Indonesian shared fictional universe

Bumilangit Cinematic Universe

Bumilangit Cinematic Universe

Based on| Characters published
by Bumilangit

Production
company

Screenplay Bumilangit

Country| Indonesia
Languages| 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

[edit]

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

[edit]

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:

* The Legends era, set after the volcanic eruption of Mount Toba which pushed humans to near extinction and revolve around three fictional kingdoms that lead the recovery of human civilizations: the Kingdom of Wiba with its advanced scientific achievements, the Kingdom of Godam with its strong warriors, and the Kingdom of Rawaya with its spiritual devotion.
* The Swordsmen era, set in the 17th century with key characters who are known for their swordsmanship, such as Mandala, Barda Mandrawata, Purnama Wulan Dewi Sartikawati, Selendang Mayang, and Rahayu.
* The Patriot era, with characters such as Mardhanus, Nani Wijaya, Sancaka, and Adam.
* The Revolution era, set in present day.

## Films

[edit]

Film  | Release date  | Director  | Screenwriter(s)  | Producer(s)  | Ref.

|
|
|
|
|

Volume 1
Gundala | August 28, 2019 | Joko Anwar | Sukhdev Singh, Wicky V. Olindo & Bismarka Kurniawan  | Released[5][6]
Sri Asih | November 17, 2022 | Upi | Joko Anwar & Upi | Wicky V. Olindo, Bismarka Kurniawan & Joko Anwar  | Released[5]
Virgo and the Sparklings | March 2, 2023  | Ody C. Harahap  | Rafki Hidayat & Johanna Wattimena  | Released[5][7]
Godam & Tira | 2025  | Zahir Omar  | TBA  | TBA  | Post-production[5][8]
The Blind of the Phantom Cave | TBA  | Timo Tjahjanto | TBA  | Pre-production[5][9]
Mandala: The Devil's Sword | TBA  | TBA  | TBA  | TBA  | Pre-production[5]
Gundala the Son of Lightning | TBA  | Joko Anwar | TBA  | TBA
Patriot | TBA  | TBA  | TBA  | TBA

### Gundala (2019)

[edit]

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.[10]

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.[11]

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.[12]

### Sri Asih (2022)

[edit]

Main article: Sri Asih (2022 film)

Pevita Pearce would portray Alana / Sri Asih in Bumilangit Cinematic Universe.

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.[13]

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).[14] 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[15] 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.”[13]

The shooting process began on November 18, 2020, and finished on April 1, 2021.[16] On July 6, 2022, Sri Asih released her first teaser trailer. The film was released in cinemas on November 17, 2022[17] as the second entry of BCU.

## Web series

[edit]

Year  | Title  | Director  | Notes

|
|
|

2023  | Tira | Zahir Omar  | Disney+ Original[18]

## Main cast and characters

[edit]

Volume 1

Character  | Gundala | Sri Asih | Virgo and the Sparklings | Godam & Tira | The Blind of the Phantom Cave | Mandala: The Devil's Sword | Gundala the Son of Lightning | Patriot
2019 | 2022 | 2023 | 2025 | TBA

### Introduced in Gundala

[edit]

Sancaka
Gundala | Abimana Aryasatya[19]

* * *

Muzakki RamdhanY | Abimana AryasatyaC |  | Abimana Aryasatya
Sedhah Esti Wulan
Merpati | Tara Basro[20]
|  | Tara Barso
Pengkor  | Bront Palarae

* * *

Zayen AqilahY |  | TBA |
Ghani "Ghazul" Zulham  | Ario Bayu |  | Ario Bayu
Ridwan Bahri  | Lukman Sardi |  | Lukman SardiC |  | TBA | Lukman Sardi
Awang
Godam | Faris Fadjar Munggaran  | Chicco JerikhoC |  | Chicco Jerikho[21] |  | Chicco Jerikho
Motila / Camar
Cantika the Nurse | Hannah Al Rashid[22] |  | Hannah Al Rashid
Purnama Wulan Dewi Sartikawati / Eagle-Eyed Angel
Mutiara Jenar the Model | Kelly Tandiono  |  | Kelly Tandiono[23] |  | Kelly Tandiono
Desti Nikita
the Student | Asmara Abigail |
Swara Batin
the Dancer | Cecep Arif Rahman |
Kamal Atmaja
the Hypnotherapist | Ari Tulang  |
Tanto Ginanjar
the Blacksmith | Daniel Adnan  |
Kanigara
the Painter | Cornelio Sunny  |
Jack Mandagi
the Chef | Andrew Suleiman  |
Sam Buadi
the Carver | Aming Sugandhi  |
Adi Sulaiman
the Composer | Rendra Bagus Pamungkas  |
Ki Wilawuk  | Sujiwo TejoC |  | Sujiwo Tejo
Alana
Sri Asih | Pevita PearceC | Pevita Pearce

* * *

Keinaya Messi GustiY |  | Pevita Pearce

### Introduced in Sri Asih

[edit]

Roh Setan
Jatmiko |  | Reza Rahadian |  | TBA
Eyang Mariani  |  | Christine Hakim |
Tangguh
Sembrani |  | Jefri Nichol

* * *

Quentin StanisvlakiY |
Kala  |  | Dimas Anggara  |
Prayogo Adinegara  |  | Surya Saputra |
Sarita Hamzah  |  | Jenny Zhang |
Mateo Adinegara  |  | Randy Pangalila |
Jagau  |  | Revaldo  |
Renjana  |  | Faradina Mufti  |
Gilang  |  | Fadly Faisal  |
Ratna Kumala
Kepala polisi |  | Unique Priscilla |
Leon
Teman Mateo |  | Abdurrahman Arif  |
Nani Wijaya
Sri Asih |  | Najwa ShihabC[24] |  | TBA
The Fire Goddess  |  | Dian SastrowardoyoC |  | Dian Sastrowardoyo

### Introduced in Virgo and the Sparklings

[edit]

Riani
Virgo |  | Adhisty Zara[25] |  | Adhisty Zara
Leo  |  | Bryan Domani |
Carmine  |  | Mawar Eva de Jongh

* * *

Najla Sulistyo PutriY |
Monica  |  | Ashira Zamita  |
Ussy  |  | Satine Zaneta  |
Sasmi  |  | Rebecca Klopper  |
Ranti  |  | Indahkus |
Hannah  |  | Mentari Novel  |
Cempaka  |  | Vanesha PrescillaC |  | Vanesha Prescilla

### Introduced in Godam & Tira

[edit]

Suci
Tira |  | Chelsea Islan[26] |  | Chelsea Islan

### Introduced in The Blind of the Phantom Cave

[edit]

Barda Mandrawata  |  | Iko Uwais[27] |  | Iko Uwais[28]
Mandala  |  | Joe TaslimC | Joe Taslim[29] |  | Joe Taslim

### Introduced in Patriot

[edit]

Mardhanus
Aquanus |  | Nicholas Saputra[30]

## Powers and abilities

[edit]

Character  | Creator  | Powers and abilities

|
|

Sancaka[31]
Gundala | Harya Suraminata  | Generate lightning bolts, lightning punch, and superhuman speed.
Sedhah Esti Wulan[32]
Merpati | Flight, superhuman navigation sense, and superhuman strength equal to 20 male adults.
Nani Wijaya[33]
Sri Asih | R. A. Kosasih | Superhuman strength equal to 250 male adults, flight, martial arts, body enlargement, and body multiplication.
Cempaka  | Martial arts
Awang[34]
Godam | Wid N. S.  | Superhuman strength, supersonic flight, and supersonic speed.
Mardhanus[35]
Aquanus | Swim faster than any aquatic life forms and possess a belt that could blast powerful rainbow rays.
Motila[36]
Camar | Communications with birds, martial arts, and superhuman leap.
Barda Mandrawata[37]
Si Buta dari Gua Hantu | Ganes T. H.  | Sword and stick fighting, martial arts, and superhuman senses.
Mandala[38] | Mansyur Daman  | Martial arts, sword fighting, and an ability to crush rocks without physical contact (named the 'rock tidal wave' technique).
Purnama Wulan Dewi Sartikawati[39]
Eagle-Eyed Angel | Martial arts using a chain whip with sharp blade at its end as weapon.
Susie[40]
Tira | Nono G. M.  | Martial arts, high-tech combat gadgets, and ability to summon mystical spirits.
Rini/Riani[41]
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

[edit]

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.[42] 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.

Film  | Main villain  | Portrayed by

|
|

Gundala | Pengkor  | Bront Palarae
Sri Asih | Roh Setan  | Reza Rahadian
Virgo and the Sparklings | Carmine  | Mawar De Jongh
Godam & Tira | TBA
The Blind of the Phantom Cave: Angel's Eyes | TBA
Mandala: The Devil's Sword | TBA
Gundala the Son of Lightning | TBA
Patriot | TBA

## See also

[edit]

* Satria Dewa Universe, another Indonesian superhero film franchise
* Superhero film, a film genre

## References

[edit]

1. ^ Farouk, Yazir (August 18, 2019). "Usai Gundala, Ini Deretan Film Superhero Asli Indonesia yang Bakal Digarap". suara.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved January 31, 2021.
2. ^ "Joko Anwar Jadi Produser Kreatif Semesta Bumilangit". hiburan (in Indonesian). Retrieved January 31, 2021.
3. ^ "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". Bumilangit. August 11, 2020. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
4. ^ Soraya, Sora (April 11, 2020). "Produksi Empat Film Jagoan dalam Walaraba Bumilangit Cinematic Universe Ditunda Karena Virus Corona". KapanLagi.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved February 9, 2022.
5. ^ a b c d e f "Bumilangit Cinematic Universe". Bumilangit. December 15, 2020. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
6. ^ Anwar, Joko (August 29, 2019), Gundala (Action, Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi), Abimana Aryasatya, Tara Basro, Bront Palarae, Ario Bayu, Screenplay Films, Bumilangit Studios, Legacy Pictures, retrieved January 31, 2021
7. ^ Harahap, Ody C., Patriot Taruna: Virgo and The Sparkling (Action, Drama, Romance), Adhisty Zara, Mawar Eva de Jongh, Rebecca Klopper, Mentari Novel, Bumilangit Studios, Screenplay Films, retrieved January 31, 2021
8. ^ Godam & Tira (Action, Adventure, Drama), Chelsea Islan, Chicco Jerikho, retrieved January 31, 2021`{{citation}}`: CS1 maint: others (link)
9. ^ "The Blind of the Ghost Cave: Angel's Eyes - Production & Contact Info | IMDbPro". pro.imdb.com. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
10. ^ Media, Kompas Cyber (May 2, 2022). "Sinopsis Gundala, Superhero Penyelamat dari Langit". KOMPAS.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved September 7, 2022.
11. ^ Media, Kompas Cyber (June 17, 2019). "Joko Anwar Ramu Cerita Gundala Lewat Catatan Pribadi Mendiang Hasmi". KOMPAS.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved September 7, 2022.
12. ^ "Data penonton tahun 2019". filmindonesia.or.id. Retrieved September 7, 2022.
13. ^ a b "Screenplay Bumilangit officially released "Sri Asih" trailer. In cinemas October 6". Bumilangit. September 6, 2022. Retrieved September 7, 2022.
14. ^ Okezone (September 22, 2019). "Alasan Joko Anwar Pilih Pevita Pearce Perankan Sri Asih : Okezone Celebrity". celebrity.okezone.com/ (in Indonesian). Retrieved September 7, 2022.
15. ^ Times, I. D. N.; Nanda, Erfah. "Tayang 6 Oktober 2022, Ini 15 Pemain Film Sri Asih dan Karakternya". IDN Times (in Indonesian). Retrieved September 7, 2022.
16. ^ Rahman, Husna (April 1, 2021). "Pevita Pearce Senang Syuting "Sri Asih" Akhirnya Selesai, Akui 3 Tahun Terakhir Penuh Rintangan". Hipwee (in Indonesian). Retrieved September 7, 2022.
17. ^ Nurrijal, Muhammad Ahsan. "Sri Asih Tayang 6 Oktober 2022, 60 Persen Film Pakai CGI". detikhot (in Indonesian). Retrieved September 7, 2022.
18. ^ Lova, Cynthia (October 14, 2021). Setuningsih, Novianti (ed.). "Joko Anwar Umumkan Serial Tira Akan Tayang di Disney+". KOMPAS.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved July 7, 2022.
19. ^ "GUNDALA". Bumilangit. September 13, 2016. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
20. ^ "MERPATI". Bumilangit. September 16, 2016. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
21. ^ "GODAM". Bumilangit. September 13, 2016. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
22. ^ "CAMAR". Bumilangit. September 28, 2016. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
23. ^ "Mengenal Lebih Lanjut Jagoan Jagat Sinema Bumilangit (1)". kumparan (in Indonesian). Retrieved January 31, 2021.
24. ^ "SRI ASIH". Bumilangit. September 13, 2016. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
25. ^ "VIRGO". Bumilangit. September 13, 2016. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
26. ^ "TIRA". Bumilangit. September 13, 2016. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
27. ^ "SI BUTA DARI GUA HANTU". Bumilangit. September 13, 2016. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
28. ^ "Timo Tjahjanto Bocorkan Iko Uwais Sebagai Si Buta dari Goa Hantu". kumparan (in Indonesian). Retrieved January 31, 2021.
29. ^ "MANDALA". Bumilangit. September 13, 2016. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
30. ^ "AQUANUS". Bumilangit. September 13, 2016. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
31. ^ "GUNDALA". Bumilangit. September 13, 2016. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
32. ^ "MERPATI". Bumilangit. September 16, 2016. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
33. ^ "SRI ASIH". Bumilangit. September 13, 2016. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
34. ^ "GODAM". Bumilangit. September 13, 2016. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
35. ^ "AQUANUS". Bumilangit. September 13, 2016. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
36. ^ "CAMAR". Bumilangit. September 28, 2016. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
37. ^ "SI BUTA DARI GUA HANTU". Bumilangit. September 13, 2016. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
38. ^ "MANDALA". Bumilangit. September 13, 2016. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
39. ^ "Mengenal Lebih Lanjut Jagoan Jagat Sinema Bumilangit (1)". kumparan (in Indonesian). Retrieved January 31, 2021.
40. ^ "TIRA". Bumilangit. September 13, 2016. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
41. ^ "VIRGO". Bumilangit. September 13, 2016. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
42. ^ Irvan (September 17, 2019). "Mengenal Ki Wilawuk, Villain di Bumilangit Cinematic Universe | Greenscene" (in Indonesian). Retrieved January 31, 2021.

*[TBA]: To be announced