Netflix Thai Cave Rescue Project Moving Forward With Two Asian Directors
Netflix has done something very right: They have Thai Director Nattawut “Baz” Poonpiriya on board for their Thai cave rescue project, plus Crazy Rich Asians Director Jon M. Chu.
Netflix and SK Global Entertainment have held the rights from 13 Thumluang Co. Ltd. for a while now to create a series or film based on the 2018 Thai cave rescue. Now, the Netflix Thai cave rescue project has two directors attached: Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians) and Nattawut “Baz” Poonpiriya (Bad Genius).
Is it a Netflix Thai Cave Rescue Movie? Series?
Exactly what Chu and Poonpiriya will develop for the Netflix Thai cave rescue project is unclear. Will it be a Netflix Original movie? Or a miniseries? One thing is certain, the Netflix project will tell the story of how the Thai soccer team Wild Boars became trapped in a Northern Thailand cave when monsoon rains flooded the cave. It took more than two weeks to rescue the entire 12-person Thai soccer team and their coach.
Many call the Thai cave rescue at the Tham Luang caves near Chiang Mai, Thailand, a miracle because every member of the team survived.
Poonpiriya and the Netflix Thai Cave Rescue Project
For Thai Director Poonpiriya, the Netflix Thai cave rescue project means more than simply telling a story: “This is an opportunity for me as a filmmaker – and also a Thai citizen – to write a thank-you letter to the rest of the world.”
Poonpiriya and Chu will direct the project with SK Global co-CEO John Penotti and Chu serving as producers with Lance Johnson at the Electric Somewhere Company. Starlight Culture Entertainment group is executive producing the Netflix Thai cave rescue project.
“We are immensely proud to be able to support the retelling of the incredible story of the Tham Luang cave rescue,” Erika North, director of international originals at Netflix, said. “The story combines so many unique local and universal themes, which connected people from all walks of life, from all around the world. Thailand is a very important country for Netflix, and we are looking forward to bringing this inspiring local but globally resonant story of overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds to life, once again, for global audiences.”
Penotti says the Thai cave rescue project on Netflix will bring a story that captivated the world to global audiences while celebrating the heroes and survivors – he finds it a true privilege and is humbled that SK Global Entertainment secured the rights.
A release date for the Netflix Thai cave rescue project is unknown at this time.
