Iconic Malaysian superhero ‘Keluang Man’ makes its comeback on the big screen

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 Haji Kamarudin Bin Ismail, also known as Kamn Ismail alongside his founding partner Natashah Datuk Hj Md Noor and started airing in 1998.

This classic animation series of 7 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 honour the fans’ nostalgia whilst ensuring the legacy of Keluang Man continues to live on with the new and future generations.

Vice President, Malay Nusantara Business & Head of Astro Shaw, 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 own 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.”

Director of Iconic Animation Studio Sdn Bhd, Muhamad Firdaus Bin 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.

In fact, 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 Ida Rahayu Md Noor, Iconic Animation Chief Executive Officer 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 President of Animation Society of Malaysia (ANIMAS) Amir Hamzah Hashim welcomes the good news and gives his full support to Astro Shaw in refreshing the iconic brand and exploring new opportunities in the market for Keluang Man.  “As one of the pioneers, being 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 currently ongoing, and the producers will announce the estimated release date at a later time.