Crazy Rich Asians director says he will ensure that Thai cave movie is not "whitewashed"
Just days after a Thai cave rescue movie was announced, a second film on the same subject has also been announced. The second movie will be directed by Jon Chu, director of the four 'Step Up' movies, 'Now You See Me 2' and the acclaimed forthcoming comedy 'Crazy Rich Asians.' Chu has partnered with Ivanhoe Pictures for the project, and ensured that the movie will not be "whitewashed."
Flix Entertainment had previously announced its plans for a movie about the rescue. The CEO and co-founder Michael Scott, who lives in Thailand part-time, had been at the cave site for days before the team's rescue and has been negotiating for the rights to the story.
Chu took to Twitter on Wednesday to announce his plans for a competing film about the Wild Boars soccer team. “I refuse to let Hollywood #whitewashout the Thai Cave rescue story! No way. Not on our watch,” Chu said. “There’s a beautiful story abt human beings saving other human beings. So anyone thinking abt the story better approach it right & respectfully.”
Pure Flix is known for films with strong, faith-based storylines, such as 'God’s Not Dead', 'Woodlawn' and 'Do You Believe?' When the Hollywood Reporter reported the announcement, it stated that Pure Flix's version of the rescue would aim to be inspirational and uplifting. "This isn't just about a movie,” Scott said. “It's about honoring everybody involved, including the soldier who died.”
This bid to turn the daring rescue into an “inspirational” movie seems to have upset Chu, which is why he announced his intention to make his own film based on the saga, where 12 boys and their coach were rescued from a flooded cave network.
Retweeting a report of his plans for a competing film, Chu added, “Its a bit early 2 truly discuss but the biggest lesson I learned frm making #CrazyRichAsians is that we must tell our stories especially the important ones so history doesnt get it wrong. This one is too important 2 let others dictate who the real heroes are.” He added, “Why did it take me 38 years to realize … we can fight back.”
Earlier this week, all 12 members of the Wild Boars youth soccer team and their 25-year-old coach were finally rescued after spending over two weeks trapped underground in the Tham Luang Nang Non cave system. Thai Navy SEAL diver Saman Kunan died during the rescue effort.