Taiwan‘s most successful horror franchise is heading to Indonesia for its fourth installment, incorporating the local “Kuntilanak” folklore into its established supernatural mythology.
Producer Jeff Tsou’s “The Rope Curse 4″ has commenced principal photography in Jakarta, with Shih-Han Liao returning to direct. Vera Chen and Wilson Hsu star in the production, which represents the franchise’s first venture outside of Taiwan. The move signals an ambitious pivot for a series that has become a box office powerhouse in its home territory.
The three previous “Rope Curse” films have collectively grossed over NT$200 million ($6.5 million) at the Taiwanese box office, making it the highest-grossing horror franchise in the country. The series’ most recent entry, “Rope Curse 3,” found additional success on Netflix, reaching the Number 1 or Number 2 spot in the streamer’s film rankings across multiple territories.
The story centers on a man who travels to Pontianak carrying his deceased sister’s remains, hoping to honor her dying wishes while tracking down the father who deserted them. The narrative takes a darker turn when a family member becomes supernaturally afflicted after witnessing a death, prompting a desperate search for spiritual intervention. The quest for answers draws the characters deeper into Indonesian territory, where they encounter the Kuntilanak, a vengeful spirit from regional folklore.
“With ‘Rope Curse 4,’ we are seeding the curse into new lands,” Tsou said. “Indonesia holds deep spiritual and supernatural traditions — it’s fertile ground for horror that resonates locally and globally. We believe this film will not only thrill fans of the franchise, but also introduce ‘Rope Curse’ to a whole new audience across Southeast Asia and beyond.”
The Jakarta-set production aims to weave Indonesian folklore and supernatural traditions into the franchise’s established mythology. The strategic location shift reflects both production considerations and narrative opportunities as the series looks to broaden its regional footprint.
“The Rope Curse 4” is slated for theatrical release in 2026. WOWing Entertainment Group is producing.
variety.com
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