Jamie Lee Curtis nearly auditioned for the role of Regan in 'The Exorcist' at age 12, but her mother Janet Leigh declined, preferring to protect her childhood; Linda Blair ultimately played the role.
James Ransone, an actor known for his roles in 'The Wire' and horror films like 'It: Chapter Two,' died by suicide at age 46 in Los Angeles. He was praised for his work and openness about his struggles with addiction and past abuse. His death has been met with condolences from colleagues and fans, highlighting his contributions to television and film.
Eli Roth's new horror company, The Horror Section, is launching with a focus on extreme horror films like 'Jimmy & Stiggs,' which is opening in theaters. Roth aims to revive interest in theatrical horror by working directly with theater chains, offering unique experiences and supporting emerging filmmakers, inspired by his childhood love for shocking, visceral movies.
The trailer for "28 Years Later," the anticipated sequel to "28 Days Later" and "28 Weeks Later," has sparked speculation about Cillian Murphy's return as his character Jim, despite his absence from promotional materials. The film, set for release in June, stars Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes, and follows survivors of a "rage virus" on a quarantined island. The trailer hints at a possible zombie version of Murphy's character, with fans eagerly debating his involvement.
Robert Eggers' upcoming 2024 remake of "Nosferatu" is inspired by his childhood obsession with the 1922 silent film, which he first encountered as a grainy bootleg. The original film, directed by F.W. Murnau, was nearly lost due to legal issues with Bram Stoker's estate but survived through bootlegs and restorations. Eggers' passion for the film led him to create a high school stage production and eventually pursue a career in filmmaking, culminating in his dream project of remaking "Nosferatu." The new film, starring Lily-Rose Depp and Bill Skarsgård, has already received positive early reviews.
Tony Todd, the American actor renowned for his role as the titular character in the Candyman horror film series, has passed away at the age of 69 at his Los Angeles home. Todd's portrayal of the ghostly Candyman, a character summoned by saying his name five times in front of a mirror, spanned four films from 1992 to 2021. His career included roles in the Transformers and Final Destination films, as well as numerous stage and television appearances. Tributes have poured in, with co-star Virginia Madsen remembering him as a "truly poetic man."
The 45th American Film Market (AFM) kicks off in Las Vegas amid the backdrop of a tense U.S. presidential election and a surge in horror film offerings. The move from Santa Monica to the Palms Casino Resort has drawn mixed reactions, with some attendees concerned about the venue's suitability and potential political unrest. Despite these concerns, AFM has sold out its exhibition space and is hosting 286 companies from 34 countries. The market is heavy on genre films, particularly horror, though some buyers express concerns about the originality and quality of the projects.
Mike Flanagan is set to write, direct, and produce a new film in The Exorcist universe for Blumhouse and Morgan Creek, following the underperformance of The Exorcist: Believer. This project marks the fourth collaboration between Flanagan and Blumhouse, promising a fresh and bold take on the classic horror franchise.
Nia DaCosta is in talks to direct the second film in the upcoming 28 Years Later trilogy at Sony Pictures, following Danny Boyle's return to direct the first film. The new trilogy is a reimagined series based on the iconic horror films, with Alex Garland penning each installment. DaCosta, known for her impactful directing style in horror thrillers like Candyman, is seen as an ideal fit for the franchise. Her previous works include the critically acclaimed Little Woods and the successful contemporary sequel Candyman.
Malayalam cinema has seen a surge in inventive and fear-inducing horror films in the past few years, including Romancham, a blend of humor and horror, Bhoothakaalam, a chilling exploration of psychological horror, Kumari, a fresh take on the supernatural genre, Praana, a legitimately scary solo act by Nithya Menen, and Nine, an experimental journey through alternate realities.
"Five Nights at Freddy's" has broken Blumhouse and Halloween box office records, earning $130 million worldwide. The article also lists six of the scariest scarecrows in horror films, including "Husk," "Messengers 2: The Scarecrow," "Batman Begins," "Kakashi/Scarecrow," "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark," and "Dark Night of the Scarecrow."
Universal Destinations & Experiences has announced that its first-ever permanent horror experience, "Universal Horror Unleashed," will open in Las Vegas. The attraction, occupying a 110,000-square-foot space as the anchor tenant of the 20-acre expansion of AREA15, will bring to life Universal's classic horror films and contemporary terrifying tales. It will feature unique immersive experiences, eerie eateries, and bone-chilling bar areas, providing year-round frightful fun for horror fans.
Director Renny Harlin and producer Courtney Solomon revealed their ambitious plans for The Strangers trilogy at New York Comic Con 2023. The films, based on the 2008 home invasion thriller, are not remakes or reboots but an extension of the franchise. All three movies have been shot and are planned for release in 2024, with the first chapter starring Madelaine Petsch and Froy Gutierrez. The trilogy will tell one interconnected story, with the third film revealing the origin of the Strangers. Harlin emphasized using sound instead of jump scares to scare the audience, and the masks worn by the killers were recreated faithfully to the originals.
The Exorcist: Believer, the reboot/sequel directed by David Gordon Green, opened to a global box office of $45.1 million, with a $17.9 million international debut. The film performed well in markets like Mexico, the UK, and Italy, but received mixed reviews. Meanwhile, Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie continued its solid performance with an additional $14 million from overseas markets, bringing its global total to $87.1 million. Warner Bros celebrated surpassing $2 billion at the international box office for the year.
A24 is partnering with AMC Theaters for a one-month-only film series called "A24 Presents: October Thrills & Chills Film Series." Every Wednesday in October, participating AMC Theaters will screen A24 horror hits, including "The Witch," "X," "Under the Skin," and the Director's Cut of "Midsommar." Ticket buyers will receive a free month subscription to the newly launched AAA24 membership. A24 also has upcoming horror titles in the works, including the "X" trilogy installment "MaXXXine" and Alex Garland's "Civil War."