Joko Anwar’s ‘Satan’s Slaves: Origin’ Expands Horror Franchise with Historical Prequel

Joko Anwar’s upcoming horror film ‘Satan’s Slaves: Origin’ (original title: ‘Pengabdi Setan 3: Origin’) has been acquired for international sales by Barunson E&A, the Korean studio behind Bong Joon Ho’s ‘Parasite.’ The project will debut at the Toronto Film Festival’s market in September 2026. As the third installment in Anwar’s horror franchise, this film serves as a prequel, tracing the origins of the cult and demonic pact from the first two movies back to their historical roots. Set across 16th-century Strasbourg and 17th-century Java, the film is Anwar’s most ambitious project yet, filmed in seven languages including Indonesian, Alsatian, Portuguese, Javanese, Dutch, Turkish, and Latin. Anwar described it as a culmination of his career, providing answers to long-standing questions about the curse’s origins. Produced by Rapi Films and co-produced by Come and See Pictures, Sky Media, and Legacy Pictures, the film targets a 2027 theatrical release in Indonesia. The ‘Satan’s Slaves’ franchise holds significant cultural weight in Indonesia, with its 1980 original becoming a cult classic and the 2017 revival topping local box offices. This deal extends Anwar’s existing partnership with Barunson E&A, which also includes their collaboration on ‘Ghost in the Cell,’ currently the second-highest-grossing Indonesian film of the year. The studio praised Anwar’s ability to create globally resonant genre stories, positioning Indonesia as a hub for bold horror narratives.