A Terrifying Legacy Continues: Stars Align for 'Inherit' Sequel
The Return of a Horror Powerhouse: Davika Hoorne and Banjong Pisanthanakun Reunite
Banjong Pisanthanakun, acclaimed for his work on horror blockbusters like “Shutter” and “Pee Mak,” revealed that his psychological horror movie, “Inherit,” will receive a sequel. Davika Hoorne, who plays a pivotal role in the original, is confirmed to reprise her character. The initial film, “Inherit,” made its global debut at the Toronto Film Festival in September as a Centrepiece selection and is now concluding the Jakarta World Cinema festival, drawing considerable attention.
A Familiar Collaboration: Building on Past Successes
Pisanthanakun and Hoorne's professional relationship dates back to their 2013 horror-comedy hit, “Pee Mak,” which remains Thailand’s most successful local film at the box office. Their previous collaboration showcased their ability to deliver compelling and popular genre films, setting high expectations for the "Inherit" sequel.
Unveiling Woranart: Hoorne's Character and Director's Vision
In “Inherit,” Hoorne portrays Woranart, an ancient grandmother with a youthful appearance who moves in with her granddaughter’s affluent family. The family soon uncovers her secret: she hosts a centuries-old centipede entity with malevolent intentions towards the youngest member of the household, Oui (played by Baipor Thitiya Jirapornsilp). Pisanthanakun expressed that Hoorne was his definitive choice for the ageless grandmother, envisioning a character that is simultaneously captivating, elegant, and humorous. He described her as a modern style icon, adaptable and contemporary in her interactions.
Inspiration and Performance: Crafting a Complex Role
During the film's production, Pisanthanakun guided Hoorne to draw inspiration from iconic cinematic figures such as Catherine Tramell, Sharon Stone's character in “Basic Instinct,” and Anthony Hopkins’ portrayal of Hannibal Lecter in “The Silence of the Lambs.” This direction aimed to help Hoorne embody the intricate nature of Woranart's character. Hoorne also featured in “A Useful Ghost,” a satirical Thai thriller that earned the Critics’ Week Grand Prix at Cannes in 2025, marking both “A Useful Ghost” and “Inherit” as her significant return to the big screen.
The Art of Choosing Roles: Hoorne's Dedication to Cinema
Hoorne articulated her selective approach to film projects, noting that each production demands a year-long commitment. She emphasizes the importance of choosing roles that resonate deeply and allow her to fully immerse herself as an actress. Her meticulous selection process reflects her dedication to delivering impactful performances to her audience.
The Evolution of Horror: A Director's Perspective
Pisanthanakun reflected on the transformation of the horror genre over the past two decades. He recalled a time when horror primarily revolved around conceptual scares, such as ghosts appearing in photographs or videotapes. However, after creating films like “Shutter” and “Alone,” he found himself growing weary of the traditional horror format. The emergence of films like “Hereditary” and “It Follows” reinvigorated his interest, revealing innovative and refreshing avenues for horror storytelling. He views modern horror, particularly from Hollywood, as a fertile ground for creativity, setting it apart as a uniquely evolving genre.
International Collaboration and Authenticity: "The Medium" Experience
Pisanthanakun’s film “The Medium” was produced in collaboration with Korean director Na Hong-Jin. Pisanthanakun highlighted how Na Hong-Jin consistently offered insights into how the film would be received by international audiences, even as Pisanthanakun maintained his distinctive filmmaking style. Pisanthanakun's priority is to ensure that the foundational concepts and narrative of his films are robust, striving for an authentic and unique atmosphere in every aspect of his work.
Challenges and Innovations in Thai Cinema: AI and Funding
Addressing the current state of the Thai film industry, Pisanthanakun acknowledged its struggles, expressing his hope that “Inherit” will encourage Thai audiences to return to cinemas. He pointed out the inconsistent and insufficient public funding for Thai film production, noting that support primarily goes to horror films. Regarding artificial intelligence, he believes its integration into the system is inevitable, provided it respects individual rights.
Expanding Horizons: Hoorne's Ventures into Production and Future Plans
Davika Hoorne has diversified her career by venturing into producing girls' love (GL) titles, a genre of romance popular in Thailand that features relationships between women. She underscored the difficulties in securing funding for films and series, and the challenge for Thai cinema to attract talent for diverse genres beyond horror, as smaller dramas and comedies often struggle to draw audiences to theaters. Hoorne has also recently completed directing a family short film titled “Soap Opera” and plans to focus on television series in the coming year, while Pisanthanakun is currently involved in a Thai-Korean horror co-production.
