Miramax has won remake rights to Thailand’s comedy-drama How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies after outbidding rival studios. Directed by Pat Boonnitipat and produced by GDH 559, the original earned over $55 million worldwide—including $17 million in China—and became the first Thai film shortlisted for Best International Feature at the Oscars.
The story follows a college dropout who moves in with his ailing grandmother to secure her inheritance. What begins as a cynical money grab becomes an examination of family loyalty. Since its April 2024 debut, the film picked up the audience award at the New York Asian Film Festival and holds a 98 percent Tomatometer score and 95 percent Popcornmeter rating. Well Go USA released it theatrically in North America.
Nelson Mok of Singapore’s Mokster Films negotiated the deal for GDH 559. Yvette Zhuang, Miramax’s senior vice president of international production and distribution, championed the acquisition and will serve as producer even after she leaves her executive post later this month.
Jonathan Glickman, Miramax CEO, said the film “strikes a rare balance of wit and heart” and added, “We expect the remake to draw multigenerational audiences.” Pat Boonnitipat noted the movie’s success shows how “core human values cross cultural borders.” Producer Vanridee Pongsittisak said relocating the plot to an American household will reveal new family dynamics.
Miramax is promoting this project at Cannes alongside its upcoming titles: The Beekeeper 2 with Jason Statham, Roofman starring Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst, and Colman Domingo’s directorial debut Scandalous.
