Thai Cave Rescue Film in Works at Netflix with Jon Chu Directing

Jon is known for the global smash ‘Crazy Rich Asians.’

Thai rescue teams arrange a water pumping system at the entrance to the flooded cave complex.

(Photo: AP)

The miraculous true story of last year's Thai cave rescue is being developed into a film at Netflix, with Jon M Chu of Crazy Rich Asians fame attached to direct.

According to trade mag Variety, Netflix is teaming up with SK Global Entertainment, Jon and Thai filmmaker Nattawut 'Baz' Poonpiriya on the story after the 13 Thumluang Company Limited granted the rights to it and SK Global.

The movie will follow the true story of how 12 teammates and the coach from a soccer team were rescued after being trapped for two weeks inside of the flooded Tham Luang caves near Chiang Mai, Thailand during the summer of 2018.

They were found 10 days later by a pair of British divers, huddled together in the pitch dark cave. The rescue operation lasted three days and was a joint effort with many countries extending help.

“Like the rest of the world, we were riveted by the news of the Thai cave rescue. With the entire globe watching, this tragic human drama transformed into a beautiful, inspirational story of human beings saving other human beings. Not only did this show the best of the human spirit overcoming even the worst of circumstances, it proved that we are stronger when we work together.

Jon M Chu

Jon will co-direct alongside Poonpiriya.

Jon said, with the support of the Thai government, Netflix, SK Global and Starlight, the team will be able to share the story of the herculean international effort in a unique multi-lingual format that will allow us to work with filmmakers from all around the world, like Poonpiriya.

Jon will also serve as a producer alongside John Penotti and his producing partner Lance Johnson, under Jon and Johnson's Electric Somewhere Company banner.

Assistant coach Ekkapol "Coach Ake" Chantapong, spokesperson of 13 Thumluang Co Ltd, said they are grateful for the opportunity to thank the people and organisations from Thailand and around the world who came together to retell their story.

“We look forward to working with all involved parties to ensure our story is told accurately, so that the world can recognise, once again, the heroes that made the rescue operation a success,”

Coach Ake

Other films on the rescue have either already completed, like indie film "The Cave" or are in the works.

Universal Pictures acquired the life rights to Coach Chantawong, Dr Richard Harris, Dr Craig Challen, and the players on the Wild Boar soccer team back in September and is currently developing a movie.

The story will be getting another film treatment from Pure Flix Entertainment in the US, which has produced Christian dramas like God's Not Dead in the past. Additionally, National Geographic is developing a documentary on the incident.

(Inputs: PTI)