Viet Kieu director Victor Vu, whose films have been hits among local audiences, is looking to adapt the blockbuster ghost play “Qua tim mau” (The bloody heart) into a thriller.

Local film distributor Galaxy recently announced that they’re set to make a thriller out of the play, which was scripted and directed by Thai Hoa and debuted as a smash hit in 2008.

The film is expected to hit local screens this Christmas.

The project will feature cooperation between Vu and Hoa, who will also play one of the lead roles in the film, for the first time.

“I watched the play twice, and could see in it the elements that will make a good thriller, though there will certainly be several changes. After the comic film “Co dau dai chien” (Battle of the Brides), which is set for screening late this year, I’m eager to get back to my favorite film type: thriller,” shared Vu.

“The film will certainly surprise theater goers who have watched my play,” said Hoa.

The new film script revolves around a young man who takes his newly-wed to Da Lat to recover from her heart transplant operation.

But the wife’s new heart keeps racing wildly, yearning for revenge. Then the ghost of a girl leads the couple through horrors to finally unveil a murky secret hidden in a deserted house.

Film production will begin in early July and screenings ares scheduled for late this year.

Born and raised in southern California, Victor Vu, 38, is a film director and screenwriter who is widely known for successfully covering a wide range of film genres. Shifting between action, horror, comedy and thrillers, he is one of the most prolific filmmakers in Vietnam today.

His films, including the martial arts action fantasy film “Blood letter” (2012), thriller “Scandal” (2012) and romantic comedy “Passport to Love” (2009) have pocketed numerous Golden Kite Awards (Vietnam's equivalent to the Oscars).

His other films, such as the thriller “Spirits”, the drama “First Morning”, and the psychological thriller “Inferno”, have also been local hits.

Meanwhile, Thai Hoa has established himself as a famed comedian and director, and has acted in the blockbuster films “De mai tinh” (That can wait) and “Long ruoi”. "Nguoi vo ma" (The ghostly wife), another ghost play directed by Hoa, was also a smash hit in 2008.