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KUALA LUMPUR – The legendary Malaysian superhero animation series Keluang Man will soon be revived and brought to the silver screen.
Malaysia’s leading film producer Astro Shaw recently joined forces with Keluang Man intellectual property (IP) owner Iconic Animation Studio to produce the first-ever Keluang Man live-action film.
This collaboration marks the beginning of an exciting journey for Astro Shaw and Iconic Animation Studio in reintroducing the classic animation IP to the new generation and building the biggest local superhero universe.
Keluang Man, a popular series beloved by many Malaysians in the late 90s and early 2000s, was the first local superhero animation series created by the late Kamarudin Ismail, also known as Kamn Ismail, alongside his founding partner Natashah Md Noor. It first aired in 1998.
The classic animation series of seven seasons with over 140 episodes features a unique storyline that centres on a Malaysian comedy superhero based on the fruit bat.
Borhan, also known as Keluang Man, is a patient at a mental hospital in Tumpoi who turns into a crime-fighting superhero at night, aided by his sidekick Tiong Man.
The titular character does not have any superpowers but relies instead on his instincts and relentless honesty.
Owing to the huge following since its inception, there has been tremendous demand and anticipation from Keluang Man fans for the revival of this IP.
With the new Keluang Man movie, Astro Shaw and Iconic Animation Studio are committed to honouring the fans' nostalgia whilst ensuring the legacy of Keluang Man continues to live on with the new and future generations.
Malay Nusantara Business vice-president and Astro Shaw head Raja Jastina Raja Arshad said: “We are very honoured to be entrusted with this opportunity to work with Iconic Animation Studio to bring this legendary animation to a bigger platform, that is the silver screen.
"We trust that the Keluang Man brand is highly esteemed in the local animation scene and has its loyal following, many of which who grew up with the animation series.
"Even though the series first aired a long time ago, it is still beloved by many Malaysians, and we see high demand and huge anticipation from the fans for the return of Keluang Man, proving that this superhero has a special place in the audiences’ hearts and is indeed evergreen.
"We hope that this good news would excite the fans and show that local animation has the potential to be elevated to greater heights.”
Iconic Animation Studio Sdn Bhd director Muhamad Firdaus Omar said, “The Keluang Man brand has been in the local animation scene for 26 years, and it is still remembered and talked about by many fans today.
"We believe that many fans are anticipating the return of Keluang Man. The plan to adapt this animation into a film has long been in the works.
"Alhamdulillah, we’ve finally achieved the aspiration to realise this, and we are very honoured and excited to make it happen with Malaysia’s leading producer, Astro Shaw. Be sure to catch the return of Keluang Man soon.”
Meanwhile Iconic Animation chief executive officer Ida Rahayu Md Noor added: "Iconic believes upon the combined strength of Astro Shaw's highly talented creative team with Keluang Man brand and IP owners guidance, we shall create a world-class Malaysian animation legend soon."
Former Keluang Man assistant animation director and Animation Society of Malaysia (Animas) president Amir Hamzah Hashim welcomes the good news of Astro Shaw in refreshing the iconic brand.
“As the assistant animation director in the original production, this news is very encouraging and gives us all the more energy to continue creating for fans of this local superhero. I hope that fellow fans can give their full support when the film is released.”
Development for the Keluang Man movie is ongoing, and the producers will announce the estimated release date at a later time. Follow the development of the Keluang Man movie through Astro Shaw and Astro Gempak’s Instagram, Facebook and Twitter accounts. – The Vibes, May 24, 2022
