Astro Shaw has officially taken its first concrete step into shared‑universe storytelling with the release of Astro Shaw Cinematic Universe: The Beginning, a near four‑minute first look that offers the clearest vision yet of how its ambitious long‑term plan will unfold.

Unveiled nationwide last night across Astro Shaw’s digital platforms, the first look acts as a prologue rather than a trailer for any single film or series. Instead of promoting an upcoming title, it answers long‑standing questions about how Astro Shaw plans to link its diverse slate of characters under one cinematic umbrella.

Image Credit: Astro Shaw

First announced in December 2024, the Astro Shaw Cinematic Universe (ASCU) is designed as a multi‑year project that will eventually build towards a major crossover event projected for around 2028. 

A universe first look, not a movie trailer

At three minutes and 44 seconds, the first look introduces familiar faces from across Astro Shaw’s film and television catalogue, including Inspektor Sani and Inspektor Khai from the Polis Evo franchise and Kahar from Projek: High Council. The final moments strongly hint at the arrival of a rebooted Keluang Man, using visual cues rather than a full reveal.

Image Credit: Astro Shaw

The ASCU first look is spearheaded by Astro Shaw Creative Director Alfie Palermo and co‑directed by Sofyank and Mshaffuan, a collaboration that reflects the studio’s emphasis on scale and craft. Sofyank, widely regarded as one of Malaysia’s leading digital content creators and VFX specialists, brings experience from both local productions and high‑profile international collaborations. He is joined by Mshaffuan, a creative director with a strong background in commercial and branded storytelling.

Elevating the project further is Director of Photography Nicholas Chin, who won Best Cinematography at the 34th Malaysian Film Festival. Together, the trio delivers a polished, cinematic first look that feels intentionally premium, underscoring Astro Shaw’s ambition to position ASCU as a long‑term, internationally competitive storytelling platform.

Image Credit: Astro Shaw

What Astro Shaw is promising with ASCU

Head of Astro Shaw Raja Jastina Raja Arshad said the response to the ASCU vision has been encouraging since its initial announcement.

“Since announcing the Astro Shaw Cinematic Universe, we’ve received overwhelmingly positive feedback from production studios and creative talents, highlighting cross‑industry collaboration opportunities,” she said.

She shared, “This ASCU first look marks the official launch of the ASCU world, paving the way for iconic characters and unexpected story intersections that will change the way audiences experience each narrative. The first look is our way of sharing ASCU’s development and inviting fans to be part of this journey since our first media briefing in 2024.”

Image Credit: Astro Shaw

Jastina added that the creative partnership behind the first look reflects Astro Shaw’s broader commitment to empowering local talent.

“Collaborating with Sofyank, Mshaffuan, and Nicholas Chin allows us to combine creative storytelling, cinematic visuals, and digital technology to craft an introduction that lays the foundation for ASCU’s universe,” she said.

“This partnership reflects Astro Shaw’s commitment to giving local creative talents the space to explore storytelling on a grander scale, in line with our vision for the Astro Shaw Cinematic Universe,” she explained.

Malaysians react with excitement

Social media reactions following the release were overwhelmingly positive, with many viewers praising its production quality and ambition.

Netizens described being “stunned” by the visuals, with particular attention paid to its VFX work and cinematic polish. Several comments singled out Sofyank’s involvement as a major reason for the first look's high standard, noting that it did not look out of place alongside international studio productions.

Image Credit: Astro Shaw

Others expressed excitement at seeing familiar Malaysian characters treated with blockbuster‑level seriousness. Meanwhile, there was also a strong sense of national pride in the reactions with some viewers commenting that it was “about time” Malaysian films were presented with this level of ambition, while others said the first look raised expectations for the future of local storytelling.

Image Credit: Astro Shaw

Watch Astro Shaw Cinematic Universe: The Beginning below:

Featured Image Credit: Astro Shaw