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Interview: Discussing the Making of GHOST IN THE CELL With Writer & Director Joko Anwar

2026/09/29 21:20:20 +00:00 | Jonathan James

After wowing Matt Donato and many more attendees of the film's recent Fantastic Fest screening, Joko Anwar's Ghost in the Cell will be released in the US theaters on October 2nd. This week, I had a chance to catch up with Joko Anwar to discuss the origin of the story, the practical effects behind the movie's "ghost," and balancing the film's humor, horror, and heart:

"Director Joko Anwar plunges viewers into a high-security prison ruled by feuding gangs and a tyrannical warden. The arrival of a new inmate kicks off a series of mysterious gruesome murders that leave its victims on morbid display. The hapless inmates trapped in the prison must overcome their rivalries to unmask an invisible, otherworldly enemy. No one is safe as the cells cage in the horrors and a ghost roams the prison with murderous intent."

  • Written & Directed by: Joko Anwar
  • Produced by: Tia Hasibuan
  • Cast: Abimana Aryasatya, Almanzo Konoralma, Aming Sugandhi, Arswendy Bening Swara, Bront Palarae, Dimas Danang Suryonegoro
  • Genre: Action / Comedy / Horror / Thriller
  • Runtime: 106 minutes
  • U.S. Release Date: October 2, 2026

For more information on the film and local screening options, visit: https://wellgousa.com/films/ghost-cell

*Note: While we do encounter some connection quality issues during the interview, I felt it was more important to hear directly from Joko Anwar so that you could see Anwar's passion and excitement for filmmaking and this movie.

  • Jonathan James
    About the Author - Jonathan James

    After more than a decade as a consultant in the entertainment industry, Jonathan James launched Daily Dead in 2010 to share his passion for horror. He takes immense pride in Daily Dead's talented team of writers, who passionately explore and celebrate horror as a respected art form capable of telling complex, character-driven stories with deep emotional and cultural impact.

    Over the course of his career, Jonathan has written more than 10,000 articles and hosted panels at major conventions, including New York Comic Con and San Diego Comic-Con. He is also consulted with as an expert on horror and pop culture, offering insights on horror history and the latest trends through media outlets, film festivals, and conventions.

  • Jonathan James
    About the Author : Jonathan James

    After more than a decade as a consultant in the entertainment industry, Jonathan James launched Daily Dead in 2010 to share his passion for horror. He takes immense pride in Daily Dead's talented team of writers, who passionately explore and celebrate horror as a respected art form capable of telling complex, character-driven stories with deep emotional and cultural impact.

    Over the course of his career, Jonathan has written more than 10,000 articles and hosted panels at major conventions, including New York Comic Con and San Diego Comic-Con. He is also consulted with as an expert on horror and pop culture, offering insights on horror history and the latest trends through media outlets, film festivals, and conventions.