Hollywood eyes Thai rescue film

Saga compared to trapped Chilean miners in 2010

The dramatic rescue of a Thai boys soccer team and their coach from a flooded cave complex this week transfixed news viewers around the world for more than two weeks, and the story is already headed for a retelling by Hollywood.

Divers freed the last four of the 12 boys and their adult coach on Tuesday.

The saga is reminiscent of the 2010 rescue of 33 Chilean miners who were trapped for 69 days, a tale that was turned into the 2015 movie The 33 starring Antonio Banderas.

Two production companies are now looking to put together movies about the Thai soccer team rescue.

Thailand’s Navy, whose SEAL unit led the rescue, and the Thai government have selected Ivanhoe Pictures to develop a film that would be directed by John M. Chu, the president of Ivanhoe Pictures, John Penotti, said in a statement.

Ivanhoe Pictures, which has offices in the United States and in Asia, focuses on Asia and North America. It is the coproducer of the upcoming film Crazy Rich Asians, based on the novel by Kevin Kwan and directed by Chu.

“I refuse to let Hollywood #whitewashout the Thai Cave rescue story!” Chu, who was born in California and has Chinese heritage, tweeted.

“There’s a beautiful story abt human beings saving other human beings. So anyone thinking abt the story better approach it right & respectfully,” added Chu.

The other company looking to develop a movie on the event is US-based Pure Flix, which specializes in Christian and family films.

Pure Flix co-founder Michael Scott, who lives in Thailand part of the year, said producers from his company were on the ground interviewing rescue workers for a potential film. He said his wife grew up with Samarn Poonan, the former Thai navy SEAL who died during the mission.

“It’s Thai, Westerners, Europeans, Aussies – people from all over the world who helped bring these kids to safety,” Scott told Reuters. “I think there is a worldwide appeal which I think will inspire millions across the globe.”

Like the Chilean rescue, the Thai drama showcases real-life courage in the face of harrowing circumstances, said Mike Medavoy, the Oscar-nominated producer of The 33.

“It’s about the triumphs of individuals and groups of human beings over tragedy,” Medavoy said. “It’s a terrific story.”

Photo: VCG Students celebrate in front of Chiang Rai Prachanukroh hospital, where the 12 soccer players and their coach rescued from the Tham Luang cave complex are being treated, in Chiang Rai, Thailand on Wednesday.