Keluang Man Prepares to Take Flight: 5 Things We Know About M'sia's First Animated Hero in Live-Action

For many Malaysians who grew up in the 90s, Keluang Man wasn’t just a cartoon — he was a icon of quirky heroism, local humour, and unexpected depth. Now, nearly three decades later, the iconic animated vigilante is making a bold leap from 2D nostalgia to the big screen in full live-action glory as Malaysia’s first animated superhero to be reimagined in live-action.

With a star-studded cast, a visionary director, and a storyline that dives deeper into the psyche of its unlikely hero, the upcoming film is more than just a reboot — it’s a revival. Here are five things we know so far about the highly anticipated Keluang Man movie in cinemas starting 29 May 2025.

1. A nostalgic icon reimagined

For many Malaysians, Keluang Man wasn’t just another Saturday morning cartoon — he was a cultural icon. First aired in the late 1990s, the animated series stood out with its premise unlike any other: a psychiatric patient who moonlights as a masked vigilante.

Now, over two decades later, Keluang Man is being reintroduced to a new generation — not as a cartoon, but as a fully realised live-action hero. The upcoming film pays homage to the original’s charm while reimagining it for a modern audience.

Image Credit: Astro Shaw

This adaptation doesn’t just aim to entertain — it seeks to bridge generations. For older fans, it’s a nostalgic revival of a childhood favourite. For younger audiences, it’s a fresh, homegrown superhero story. Keluang Man is poised to become more than a cult classic — he’s ready to be a national icon once again.

2. A hero who’s not afraid to be human

Let’s be real — most superheroes come with some kind of tragic backstory, but Keluang Man takes it to a whole different level. Borhan isn’t a billionaire with gadgets or an alien from another planet. He’s a patient at a psychiatric hospital who decides to put on a mask and fight crime. It’s a wild premise, but one that hits deeper than you’d expect.

The live-action film doesn’t shy away from this. Instead, it leans into Borhan’s mental health journey, showing both his struggles and strengths in a way that feels honest and grounded. He’s not just battling bad guys — he’s battling his own mind.

Image Credit: Astro Shaw

This kind of storytelling is a refreshing change for superhero movies. It proves that sometimes the hardest battle is the one you fight within yourself — something many of us can relate to. It’s a theme we’ve also seen recently in Marvel’s Thunderbolts, which dives into characters with emotional baggage and heroes trying to find their place in a world that doesn’t always make sense.

3. A star-studded cast & visionary director

One of the biggest reasons Keluang Man is generating so much buzz is its stellar cast and visionary director.

Leading the charge is Nas-T as Borhan/Keluang Man. Known for his versatility and emotional range, Nas-T is set to bring his raw intensity to the role, balancing Borhan’s inner turmoil with the quiet strength of a reluctant hero— a far cry from the over-the-top superhero tropes we’re used to.

Joining him is Remy Ishak as Shamsir, a mysterious figure from Borhan’s past whose presence adds tension and intrigue to the story, Rosyam Nor stepping in as Ahmad — Borhan’s silat mentor.

Image Credit: Astro Shaw

Behind the camera is Anwari Ashraf, the man who gave us Projek: High Council and Polis Evo. If you’ve seen his work, you know he’s all about gritty vibes, slick visuals, and stories that hit hard. He’s the perfect fit to bring Keluang Man into today’s world — not just with cool action scenes, but with real emotional weight.

4. The start of something bigger

If you thought Keluang Man was just a one-off film, think again. Anwari Ashraf has confirmed that this is only the beginning — the first of six films planned as part of the franchise’s Phase One. That’s right, Malaysia is officially getting its own homegrown superhero universe.

The first film will focus on the Kluang district in Johor, paying tribute to the birthplace of the original animated hero. But the story won’t stay in one place for long. The next five titles — Baling, Patani, Keluang Man 2, Besut, and Kataha (Kedah Tua) — will expand the universe across Peninsular Malaysia, each introducing new legends or superheroes rooted in local culture and folklore.

Image Credit: Astro Shaw

It’s a bold and exciting move, echoing the way global franchises like the MCU built their worlds — but with a uniquely Malaysian twist. Instead of aliens and multiverses, we’re getting stories grounded in our own geography, history, and identity. It’s not just about creating a superhero saga — it’s about building a cinematic world that reflects the richness of Malaysia itself.

5. Release date, trailer & what’s next

The trailer has already sparked excitement with its mix of action, emotion, and stylised visuals. The soundtrack, featuring a modern rock rendition of the original theme by Krisya and Sekumpulan Orang Gila, adds to the film’s edgy, contemporary vibe. With strong early buzz, this could be a turning point for local superhero cinema.

Catch Malaysia’s first original superhero film, Keluang Man, in cinemas starting 29 May 2025. The film is produced by the powerhouse Astro Shaw, in collaboration with GSC, Idea River Run, and strategic partner Wonda Coffee, alongside production house Pasal Productions. Directed by Anwari Ashraf, the film features a stellar cast led by Nas Muammar Zar, Dato’ Remy Ishak, Datuk Rosyam Nor, Shweta Sekhon, Anwaar Beg Moghal, Halim Othman, Amelia Henderson, Sham Sunder, Dennis Yin, and many more.

Image Credit: Astro Shaw

While waiting for the movie release, both long-time fans and new audiences can enjoy the animated Keluang Man series – from Season 1 to Season 3 – now available on www.keluangman.com.

Stay tuned for more updates and exciting clips on Keluang Man through Astro Shaw and Astro Gempak's TikTok, Instagram, X (Twitter), and Facebook. Don’t forget to use #KeluangMan and #KeluangManMovie to share your thoughts and excitement about the film.

Watch the trailer below:

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