Davika Hoorne Returning for ‘Inherit’ Sequel, Director Banjong Pisanthanakun Confirms (EXCLUSIVE)

Following the international debut of the psychological horror film "Inherit," acclaimed Thai director Banjong Pisanthanakun has revealed that the project will continue with a sequel featuring Davika Hoorne returning to her pivotal role. The film, which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival as part of the Centrepiece selection and recently closed the Jakarta World Cinema festival, has marked a significant milestone in contemporary Thai horror cinema.

Banjong Pisanthanakun, known for his influential works "Shutter" and the record-breaking local hit "Pee Mak," reunited with Davika Hoorne for "Inherit." This collaboration draws on their previous partnership from 2013’s horror-comedy "Pee Mak," which remains the highest-grossing Thai film domestically. In "Inherit," Hoorne portrays Woranart, a mysteriously youthful grandmother who integrates into her granddaughter’s affluent family. The character houses an ancient centipede spirit, menacing the family’s youngest member, Oui, played by Baipor Thitiya Jirapornsilp.

The director sought Hoorne for this role due to her unique ability to blend allure, humor, and a contemporary flair, envisioning her character as a fashion-forward and adaptable figure who embodies modern femininity. His creative direction encouraged Hoorne to channel the complexity of iconic cinematic personas such as Sharon Stone’s Catherine Tramell and Anthony Hopkins’ Hannibal Lecter to craft a memorable and multidimensional antagonist.

Hoorne’s involvement in "Inherit" aligns with her selective approach to film projects, emphasizing roles that resonate deeply with her artistic identity. She regards this film alongside her Cannes Critics’ Week Grand Prix-winning satirical thriller "A Useful Ghost" as significant returns to cinema. Her commitment reflects the extensive preparation and emotional investment required by her craft, underscoring the significance of "Inherit" in her career trajectory.

The evolution of horror in Thailand is a crucial backdrop to this film’s emergence. Pisanthanakun noted a period of creative stagnation in the genre, once dominated by conventional ghost motifs common in early 2000s Thai cinema. However, he credits international modern horror, notably films like "Hereditary" and "It Follows," with revitalizing the genre through innovative storytelling. His aspiration with "Inherit" and his previous works was to craft narratives with strong conceptual foundations and authentic atmospheres that resonate globally.

His collaborative experience with Korean filmmaker Na Hong-Jin during the production of "The Medium" informed his awareness of international market dynamics. This cross-cultural partnership reinforced his focus on delivering distinctive, culturally grounded cinematic experiences that maintain universal appeal.

The Thai film industry currently faces significant challenges, including inconsistent public funding that predominantly favors horror films. Pisanthanakun expressed a desire for "Inherit" to rekindle domestic audiences' enthusiasm for cinema. Both he and Hoorne advocate for broader support of diverse genres and independent themes to elevate Thai films on the international stage.

In parallel with her acting, Davika Hoorne has expanded her role in the industry by producing titles within the girls’ love (GL) genre, a popular category in Thailand featuring romantic narratives between women. Despite its appeal, securing funding and audience engagement for such niche genres remains difficult, highlighting systemic obstacles within the national film production landscape.

Hoorne also recently completed directing a family-oriented short film titled "Soap Opera" and has plans to focus on television series development starting in 2027. Meanwhile, Pisanthanakun is spearheading a Thai-Korean horror co-production, signaling continued cross-border collaborations in genre filmmaking.

"Inherit" is scheduled for release across Thailand on November 19, embodying both a creative milestone and a strategic effort to revitalize local cinematic interest. Details surrounding the sequel remain limited, but the confirmed return of Hoorne and Pisanthanakun’s leadership suggest a sustained commitment to evolving Thai horror with fresh narratives and strong production values.