Miramax Secures Remake Rights To Thai Blockbuster ‘How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies'
The deal for English-language remake rights, struck with the film's director Pat Boonnitipat and Thai powerhouse studio GDH 559, followed an intense bidding war with several other studios. Since its release in April 2024, the comedy drama has become one of the hottest properties out of Asia, grossing more than $55m, including $17m in China.
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In the U.S., the film premiered last summer at the New York Asian Film Festival, where it picked up the audience award, and has since earned a 98% Tomatometer score and 95% Popcornmeter rating. Well Go USA gave the original film a theatrical release in North America.
Starring Thai singer and actor Putthipong Assaratanakul (a.k.a. Billkin), the film follows a college dropout who moves in with his ailing grandmother after her cancer diagnosis, hoping to secure her million-dollar inheritance. However, he soon finds she is no pushover and what started as a cynical race to secure her fortune soon transforms into a powerful reminder of family bonds.
The remake deal was negotiated on behalf of GDH by Nelson Mok of Mokster Films, a Singapore-based investment and sales company with a primary focus on Asia-produced content. Yvette Zhuang, Miramax's SVP of International Production and Distribution who is transitioning out of her current role at the end of May, will remain closely involved as a producer on the film.
Miramax said it was confident the film's 'universal appeal and deeply relatable themes' will resonate with A-list talent and audiences globally.
'A masterclass in storytelling, this is the kind of film that reminds us why we make movies,' said Miramax CEO Jonathan Glickman. 'How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies is a rare gem that manages to be hilarious, surprisingly poignant, and moving all at once. Like the original, we hope our adaptation brings generations of families to the cinema together.'
The film's director Pat Boonnitipat said: 'Its success worldwide surprises me, yet it warms my heart to know that people across the world share this value—or some kind of core—that connects us beyond the identities of countries or cultures.'
Producer Vanridee Pongsittisak said: 'The heart of a family is universal, but each home holds an entirely different story. That's why I'm excited to see How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies come to life once again — this time in an American household.'
Miramax is coming into Cannes with a film slate that also includes the sequel to hit action film The Beekeeper, again starring Jason Statham and this time directed by Indonesia's Timo Tjahjanto; Roofman, starring Channing Tatum, Kirsten Dunst and Peter Dinklage; and Colman Domingo's directorial debut Scandalous, starring Sydney Sweeney and David Jonsson.
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