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This week in horror: 15.08.21

Host director Rob Savage unveils details about new film with Blumhouse Productions


Host was certainly the most talked about film of last year, with its soaring reputation going down in horror history. Rob Savage’s feature debut soon gained buzz amongst major production companies, particularly Blumhouse Productions. When news broke last year that Savage had set up a three film deal with Blumhouse everyone was more than excited to learn more about this upcoming hit, especially since he joins forces yet again with Host writer’s Gemma Hurley and Jed Shepherd!

Although the details have been kept very much underwraps, it has been revealed that the title of his second feature is Dashcam. Based on the sneak preview image, Dashcam is presumably conveyed as vehicle dashcam footage. The innovative filming technique is very similar to the desktop method used in Host, but this isn’t where the similarities stop as Dashcam is kept short and sweet with the length only totalling 77 minutes. 

Dashcam is set to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival this year. 

Head Count’s Elle Callahan brings us ‘Witch Hunt’’ 

Head Count was one of the most surprising horror’s to come out of 2018. The looming atmosphere coupled with impeccable performances, and tense thrills quickly gained buzz within the horror community. Now, the mind behind Head Count, Elle Callahan delivers another soon to be success ominously titled ‘Witch Hunt’. The film follows Claire (Gideon Adlon), and her family who help fleeing women across the border to seek asylum in Mexico.

However their operation meets a bitter halt when they are stopped by witch hunters. The reviews have definitely aired on the positive side with Callahan cementing a strong reputation as a young horror auteur. Audiences can now get a taste of the action as Witch Hunt will be released via video-on-demand on the 1st October, in perfect time for those Halloween movie marathons. 

The latest ‘Scream’ earns itself an R-rating 

Scream 5 has been the talk of the horror scene ever since its production began in early 2020. The return of Ghostface is getting closer and closer as it is scheduled for release in early January 2022, however, the question lingering on everyone’s minds has surrounded whether or not Scream 5 will carry on the series reputation of getting an R rating? Our questions have finally been answered as Scream producer Chad Villella has revealed that the fifth installment will be as gory as it gets. 

Filming on Chucky wraps

Everyone’s favorite maniacal doll Chucky will be back later this Halloween as the upcoming Child’s Play TV series ‘Chucky’ has finished filming. The series will go back to the earlier days of the franchise as Jennifer Tilly reprises her role as Tiffany, Chucky’s devilishly dark companion. Whilst the return to what made Chucky so iconic has been welcomed by fans, the show will also dive into uncharted territory as the episodes will take a focus on Chucky’s unexplored backstory. 

Chucky will premiere on October 12th on SYFY.

This weeks article comes via Grace from Film Overload, you can check out more of her work here.

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This week in horror: 07.08.21

10/31: Part II hits VOD this August 

Anthology horror 10/31 quickly became a fan favourite after its 2017 release, so much so that 10/31: Part II will be coming to video-on-demand this August. Staying true to its predecessor, Part II’s segments will be directed by indie filmmakers including Brett DeJager, Max Groah, John Hale III, Zane Hershberger, Robert Lanphere, Jennifer Nangle, Tory van Buskirk, and Stephen Wolf. Part II is said to be even more explorative as we are treated to a varied mix of short films which range from possessed nuns and serial killers to vampires and hatchet wielding maniacs. Enveloping the segments is a wrap-around story told by an Elvira-like host called Malvolia: Queen of Screams. 

10/31: Part II premieres on VOD on August 13th. 

Trick or Treat Studios releases House of 1000 Corpses figures 

Trick or Treat Studios are known for their masks, film props, costumes, and figures, now adding to their boastful collection is four new figures based on Otis Driftwood, Baby Firefly, The Professor, and Doctor Satan all from Rob Zombie’s House of 1000 Corpses (2003). The figures stand at 5” tall and will feature individual accessories appropriate to each character. Baby Firefly dons her iconic silver dress, whilst Doctor Satan wears his blood stained surgical apron with his oxygen mask. The figures will be joining Trick or Treat’s Captain Spaulding figure whose release was announced back in may. 

The Shining TV show halts development as HBO Max cancels its release

Back in 2019 it was reported that production company Bad Robot would be producing Overlook, a TV series based on Stephen King’s The Shining. Overlook would focus on the hotel itself and its undiscovered history. Dustin Thomason (Castle Rock) and Scott Brown took on the role of writers of the show which would have focused on the untold stories of The Overlook’s lingering ghosts. However, although Stephen King’s novels are taking over the horror genre HBO Max has cancelled the show, completely halting its development. Rumours have speculated as to why, but sources have revealed that the cancellation is due to a matter of timing. But all hope is not completely lost as Overlook is still looking for streamers…

Night of the Animated Dead announces cast, release date, and cover artwork 

Night of the Animated Dead follows siblings Barbara and Johnny as they take a trip to visit their fathers grave in Pennsylvania. However, the graveyard doesn’t stay quiet for long as they are attacked by zombies. Barbara manges to escape and hides out in an abandoned farmhouse with a group of survivors and a lost motorist. Over the course of the night the group have to battle their own prejudices whilst tackling the undead.

The animated retelling of George A. Romero’s 1968 classic has been highly anticipated ever since its initial announcement, now zombie fans only have to wait until 21st September to get their hands on this soon to be hit. Starring is Josh Duhamel (Jupiter’s Legacy), Katharine Isabelle (Ginger Snaps), Dulé Hill (Psych), James Roday Rodriguez (A Million Little Things), Katee Sackhoff (Riddick), Jimmi Simpson (Westworld), and Nancy Travis (Last Man Standing). Although the animated take will visually differ from the original, plenty of suspenseful action is still guaranteed as the poster illustrates the survivors running from ghastly looking zombies. 

This weeks article comes via Grace from Film Overload, you can check out more of her work here.

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This week in horror – 01.08.21


Jordan Peele announces his latest project
‘Nope’ 

Since the successful releases of Get Out (2017) and Us (2019) everyone has been waiting to see what Jordan Peele will come up with next, that long wait is now finally over as Peele has announced his latest project simply titled Nope. The details surrounding the secretive Nope have been kept very hushed, as we only know the cast and the release date.

Nope reunites Daniel Kaluuya (Get Out) with Peele, alongside Keke Palmer (Hustlers), Steven Yeun (The Walking Dead), Barbie Ferreira (Euphoria), Brandon Perea (The OA), and Michael Wincott (The Crow). The plot for Nope has already been heavily debated as the mystifying poster reveals a stormy blue sky casting over a mountain setting, with a large cloud floating above dangling a kite string. The muddled setting hints at a sci-fi horror, but then the landscape hooks onto folk horror vibes… 

Nope is set for release on July 22nd 2022. 

I Know What You Did Last Summer TV series gets a release date

An exciting new slasher TV series is headed to Amazon Prime Video this October based on Kevin Williamson and Jim Gillespie’s 1997 teen horror I Know What You Did Last Summer. The plot is identical to its original material as we follow a group of teenagers who are stalked by a mysterious killer after they committed a fatal act on the night of their graduation a year prior. The TV series will be directed by horror legend James Wan, with Sara Goodman signing on as the writer. The modern spin on this 1990s classic will star Madison Iseman (Annabelle Comes Home), Brianne Tju (47 Meters Down: Uncaged), Ezekeil Goodman, Ashley Moore, Fiona Rene, and Sebastian Amoruso. 

Filming has wrapped on Paranormal Activity 7 

Paranormal Activity is possibly one of the most widely known found footage franchises, with the first film gaining its entire budget back within a week of its release. It has been six years since the last Paranormal Activity film, which was not necessarily met with much acclaim as the success of each film dwindled as the series went on. But, the upcoming seventh film is set to have a wide release via Paramount+, forgoing the typical theatrical release. William Eubank (Underwater) directs the new paranormal horror, with Christopher Landon (Happy Death Day) writing the script. The new film will tackle some new and innovative themes as producer Jason Blum aims to refresh the series for a younger generation. Paranormal Activity 7 is set for release on March 22nd 2022. 

The Exorcist trilogy is happening 

Rumours regarding a reboot of William Friedkin’s The Exorcist (1973) had been circling the horror scene for a while, but the question on everyone’s lips was finally answered earlier this month when it was revealed that David Gordon Green (Halloween ‘2018’) would be revisioning the genre defining classic. Now, it has been revealed that not only will we be getting a modern retake on The Exorcist, but a full trilogy!

Ellen Burstyn who played Chris MacNeil will be returning to her role, alongside The Exorcist ‘newbie’ Leslie Odom Jr. who will be playing a distressed father who seeks the help of MacNeil in healing his possessed child. The Exorcist trilogy has only just entered the earliest stage of production, so an expected release date is hard to predict, but with Gordon Green’s final Halloween installment reaching cinemas in 2022, it can be predicted that The Exorcist reboot will be premiered in 2023. 

This weeks article comes via Grace from Film Overload, you can check out more of her work here.

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This week in horror – 24.07.21

First Look: James Wan’s Malignant 

James Wan has certainly built up a stellar reputation within genre cinema, with titles such as Saw (2004) and The Conjuring (2013) being created under his name. Wan’s latest venture is Malignant, which follows Madison, who is constantly terrorised by terrifying visions of ghastly murders, but when she unearths a sinister secret it is revealed that these dreams are in fact realities.

The trailer released just this week hints at a looming intense thrill focusing on developing a close character study whilst ensuring plenty of scares are had. Malignant has been described as a supernatural slasher, which is certainly a bold take. Audiences will be able to make up their own minds on this new exciting descent into madness when it hits cinemas in September 2021. 

Ari Aster to direct new A24 horror 

Ari Aster has been a hot topic within the last couple of years as both Hereditary (2018) and Midsommar (2019) exceeded expectations. Earlier this year it was revealed that Aster would be directing Disappointment Boulevard, a heavy drama following the story of an entrepreneur. There was definitely a mixed reception over his next voyage drifting away from horror, but now it has been revealed that he hasn’t abandoned the genre just yet as he joins forces with the aesthetically beloved A24 to direct another unsettling film. However, unlike his other films, he will not be penning the script, instead, Pulitzer Prize winner Michael R. Jackson will be writing this untitled project. Little detail has been released as the production is at the earliest stage possible, but be sure to check back here in the future for further information. 

Julia Ducournau receives the Palme d’Or at Cannes Film Festival for new body horror ‘Titane’ 

Julia Ducournau is the first solo woman to win the most prestigious award at Cannes Film Festival. It’s not the first time the French director has turned heads as her 2016 film Raw received great acclaim. Winning her the award is Titane, a disturbing body horror that centers on Alexia (Agathe Rousselle), who has a metal plate installed in her head after a tragic car accident when she was younger, but her true story lies within her sexual desires for automotive vehicles. Titane is beyond transgressive as it has been likened to Cronenberg’s early filmography through its courageous and zealous exploration into the human psyche. The eccentrically driven film will be available theatrically and via VOD later this year. 

The Final Girl Support Group TV series to be directed by Andy Muschietti 

Grady Hendrix’s novel The Final Girl Support Group was only published this month, but already HBO has picked the novel up to be adapted into a TV series. The project already has It (2017) director Andy Muschietti tied to direct the pilot, with his production company ‘Double Dream’ also co-producing the show alongside Charlize Theron.

The Final Girl Support Group is sure to please horror audiences as it takes on one of the genres most quintessential topics, the final girl. The novel follows a group of women who meet up in their support group to discuss the horror movie-like events that they have miraculously survived through, but when one of them doesn’t show up they suspect that something sinister must be at play. 

Waxwork records unveil exclusive Fear Street soundtrack vinyls 

Waxwork Records are known for their specialisation of cult and genre cinema soundtrack releases. To add to their repertoire is the Fear Street trilogy soundtrack featuring the score composed for all three films. The vinyl’s embody the film’s neon-lit aesthetic, with bright pink, green, and blue covering the exterior.

Also included in the release are liner notes by Leigh Janiak, the writer and director of Fear Street, as well as new and exciting artwork by the very talented Sam Gilbey, who has clearly been inspired by the iconic 1990s covers of R.L. Stine’s original Fear Street novels in which the trilogy is based on. The vinyl package is available to pre-order right now at https://waxworkrecords.com/products/fear-street

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This week in horror – 10.07.21

First look: New images released from the Slumber Party Massacre remake 

Slumber Party Massacre is one of horror’s lesser-known trilogies, with its reputation still living on mainly via its cult status. Earlier last year news began to circulate about this slasher gem being remade, and it was not long until these rumours were confirmed as Shout! Studios announced that an official remake was in the works.

Recreating the sleepover based slasher is Danishka Esterhazy, known for The Banana Splits Movie (2019). Joining Esterhazy is writer Suzanne Keilly, who has written an episode of Ash vs. Evil Dead, and the screenplay for Leprechaun Returns (2018). The remake acts similarly to the original having been directed and written by women (Amy Holden Jones and Rita Mae Brown), but this is not the only essence remaining true to the original 1982 classic, as it has been revealed that the new slasher will follow a contemporary perspective, whilst still gorging in all the gruesome twists and turns. 

Scream Factory releases the Halloween movies on 4K Ultra HD 

Scream Factory is known for their ambitious and creative physical media releases, especially their exciting limited edition runs of horror favourites. Just this week it was revealed that the Halloween franchise would be joining the Scream Factory’s calibre as they release the first five Halloween films on 4K Ultra HD. The exclusive cover work hones in on Michael Myers terrifying look, accompanied with the autumnal iconography that makes Haddonfield’s on-screen appearances so timeless. Each film release comes with an array of extra features, including a 4K scan from the original negatives, audio commentary from Jamie Lee Curtis & John Carpenter, theatrical trailers, tv spot & radio spot footage, deleted scenes, alternative endings, additional commentary from Rick Rosenthal, behind the scenes action featuring location tours, and a brand new accompanying Dolby Atmos Track. 

Halloween 1-5 will be released on the 28th September 2021. 

Lovecraft Country has been disappointedly cancelled 

Lovecraft Country was an amalgamation of lovecraftian horror and mysterious drama, with craftful performances and innovative writing seeping throughout every episode. However, it seems that this was not enough to keep Lovecraft Country on air as HBO will no longer continue its development. After the commendable first series a second was already in the midst, titled Lovecraft Country: Supremacy, which would have delved deep into a fictionalised America where the country would evolve into a segregated sovereign state. There has been no news as to whether any streaming sites, including Netflix have picked it up for further continuation. 

 George A. Romero’s abandoned Goosebumps script has been archived

It is undeniable that George A. Romero’s legacy has continued long after his passing, with his previously unreleased film The Amusement Park only receiving a release this year. The presence of Romero’s continuing work has only been furthered as the University of Pittsburgh Library System’s Horror Studies group has unearthed an undeveloped script based on R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps novels. Of course, the material that Romero would use as an adaptation source was the zombie-based book Welcome to the Dead House (1992), which focuses on siblings Amanda and Josh Benson as they move into an old eerie house situated in the creepy town of Dark Falls. Romero closely followed R.L. Stine’s work rather than run with the basic outline, but in his archetypal style, he transgressed vital plot elements further, including the essences of hierarchy within work-towns, where townspeople’s independence withers to corporate superiority. 

More details can be found at the University of Pittsburgh Library System’s Horror Studies website: https://horrorstudies.library.pitt.edu/content/george-romeros-goosebumps

Youtuber and film critic Chris Stuckmann set to direct upcoming horror ‘Shelby Oaks’

Chris Stuckmann is a pillar in the online horror community with his honest and entertaining reviews and film commentary captivating audiences, and amassing nearly 2 million YouTube subscribers. Stuckmann has recently made a deal with production company Gotham Group to develop a handful of horror scripts. His first project under them will be Shelby Oaks, which is based in the early 2000s and follows a missing group of ghost hunters named The Paranormal Paranoids. Aaron B. Koontz (The Pale Door) will be producing alongside Ashleigh Snead (Scare Package), and Cameron Burns (Camera Obscura). Shelby Oaks is quickly gaining traction as although filming has not yet begun, a viral marketing strategy has already started creating hype. A series of ‘found footage’ clips are being slowly released showing The Paranormal Paranoids in a mission gone wrong.

Production begins in late 2021. 


Scream 5
has wrapped production 


It seems that nearly everybody has been eagerly waiting for the new Scream movie release, now we’re one step further as director’s Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett have announced that production has finally finished after months of filming via an Instagram post showing Scream 5’s title screen card in an ultra flash editing suite. Although the stages of release are nearing we still have a little bit more to wait as the theatrical release date is scheduled for January 22nd 2022. The film will follow the franchise’s typical structure, with Scream 5 following on from its predecessor (Scream 4, 2011).

This weeks article comes via Grace from Film Overload, you can check out more of her work here.

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This week in horror – 04.06.21

Norman Nordstrom is back in the latest Don’t Breathe 2 trailer 

The Blind Man Returns in First Trailer for 'Don't Breathe 2' Tomorrow! -  Bloody Disgusting

It seems like forever ago when it was revealed that Fede Álvarez’s 2016 home invasion horror Don’t Breathe would be getting a sequel. However, the long wait was worth it as Dont Breathe 2 will finally be released in August. Following the announcement of the release date was the highly anticipated trailer which dropped just this week. The trailer does reveal a hefty portion of the film, with a running time of nearly three minutes, but what the clips most excitedly show is the change of character. Norman Nordstrom (Stephen Lang), who mercilessly protected his property and the secrets that lie within it in the predecessor seems to now be the victim, as we see him fight in vengeance over intruders attempting to abduct his adopted daughter, Phoenix (Madelyn Grace). 

Dont Breathe 2 will be released on the 13th August 2021. 

The Exorcist remake is officially happening 

Director Freidkin deleted the famous 'spider walk' scene from THE EXORCIST  - DarkmoonDarkmoon

It can be accurately said that The Exorcist is possibly one of the most universally well known horror films ever. Since it’s 1973 release The Exorcist’s reputation has only grown into worldwide success. Now, it has been officially revealed that Blumhouse Productions will be bravely producing this fan favorite. Blumhouse has made an effort to gain over the very negative presence that has stuck with the news of William Friedkin work being regenerated by enlisting David Gordon Green as the director, who successfully tackled Halloween (2018), and the upcoming Halloween Kills. So far The Exorcist has spawned four sequels, but Blumhouse’s upcoming project will abandon any continuation from the sequels, with the new film only following directly from the original. 

Werewolves Within adaption from Josh Ruben opens with beaming reviews 

Werewolves Within': How Josh Ruben Accidentally Made a Great Video-Game  Movie | Vanity Fair

Josh Ruben released the delightfully frightful Scare Me early last year, which gained immediate praise from fans and critics alike. Soon after it was revealed that Ruben would be directing Werewolves Within, an adaption of the 2016 video game of the same name. The premise follows Finn (Sam Richardson) and Cecily (Milana Vayntrub) as they attempt to restore harmony and unmask the secret behind a mysterious being that has started to terrorize the small town of Beaverfield. Michael Chernus, Michaela Watkins, Cheyenne Jackson, George Basil, Sarah Burns, Catherine Curtin, Wayne Duvall, Harvey Guilen, Rebecca Henderson also feature in the film. Similarly to Ruben’s preceding film Scare Me, Werewolves Within is an exciting combination of classic scares and hilarious comedy which only certain talents can achieve so well. So it’s of no surprise that the film has received such attention already. 

Werwolves Within is released via VOD on July 2nd 2021. 

Iconiq Studios unveils new American Psycho figure 

American Psycho – 1/6 Scale Patrick Bateman Collectible Figure | Iconiq  Studios


American Psycho’s Patrick Bateman has become a horror household name, as his eccentric and delirious persona has certainly left its mark across cinema. Iconiq Studios has officially released a marvelously detailed figure of Bateman, including various accessories and alternative pieces. The ultra exciting figure is brimming with precise detail including that terrifying menacing grin that Bateman wears so well. The release comes standard with the infamous pinstripe suit, but for variation includes a full length blazer coat, briefcase, headphone set (for all of his Huey Lewis and the News listening), three extra pairs of hands, knife, phone, watch, nail gun, axe, blood splatter piece, two business cards, and most importantly that clear raincoat.

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This week in horror – 27.06.21

Full Candyman trailer is finally unleashed

Candyman has been the word on everyone’s lips since it’s teaser trailer release late last year, and now that buzz has only heightened with the brand new trailer released earlier this week showing Nia DaCosta’s take on revamping the iconic Candyman franchise. The Jordan Peele produced film brings Candyman back to where it all started with Tony Todd returning to his iconic role, but as the trailer reveals, this reboot will be far from anything we’ve already seen as it’s more of a spiritual sequel than a direct continuation. Scenes of inner turmoil, forgotten communities, and frightful legends all make an appearance, with the brief clips revealing a new Candyman with a strong message taking the forefront on societal constructions.

Universal Pictures releases Candyman on the 27th August. 

V/H/S/94 set for a late summer release on Shudder

News recently broke of a fourth installment in the V/H/S saga. V/H/S/94 is the upcoming horror showcasing exciting talent within the genre, with the anthology essence creating something for everyone. The ‘94’ essence is a direct nod to the year that handheld cameras came about, which means that we’ll probably be in for a nostalgic ride into horrors most absurd short films. V/H/S/94 will be curated in the franchises typical anthology method, with the segments being directed by Ryan Prows, Chloe Okuno, and Jennifer Reeder. It has not been disclosed whether this list will continue, but we do know that it won’t be long until we find out as the official premiere will be held on Shudder late this summer. 

Filming is wrapped on Mainframe Pictures latest horror ‘She Came from the Woods’

It has been revealed that Ten Minutes to Midnight creators Erik and Carson Bloomquist will be adapting their 2017 short film ‘She Came from the Woods’ into a feature film. The film focuses upon a group of camp staff members conjuring an old legend on the final day of camp in 1987. Already the film has an impressive lineup, with Adam Weppler who starred in Ten Minutes to Midnight reuniting with Bloomquist, alongside Cara Buono (Stranger Things), Clare Foley (Gotham), Spencer List (The Miseducation of Cameron Post), Ehad Berisha (Billions), Juliana Davis (The Post), and William Sadler (The Shawshank Redemption). Mainframe Pictures (founded by the Bloomquist brothers) has announced that production has just wrapped, with post production stages commencing shortly. 

Halloween Kills is one step closer to its release with the new trailer dropping this week

When it was announced years ago that David Gordon Green would be delivering the eleventh movie in the Halloween franchise, fans of the classic horror were not overly happy with yet another entry, however once Halloween (2018) was released the consensus changed entirely as the series went back to its roots for the first time since the early 1980s. So it’s safe to say that the long awaited Halloween Kills is one of this year’s most anticipated films.

After continued delays due to restrictions, the full trailer has finally been released. Although Michael Myers was left burning in Laurie’s trapped basement, the trailer shows Myers rising from the flames to go on yet another murderous rampage. The official release date is the 15th October, perfect timing for All Hallows’ Eve. 

This weeks article comes via Grace from Film Overload, you can check out more of her work here.