TV: ABC Talks Canceling 'The River,' Transitioning To Netflix
Is network TV dying? We may finally be witnesses to the rise of streaming original content.
Netflix, who is already developing Eli Roth's original series "Hemlock Grove," and is in talks with 20th Century Fox TV about possibly picking up recently cancelled "Terra Nova," may also be eying another freshman drama that is facing cancellation: ABC's "The River."
Deadline reports that the streaming giant has had conversations with "The River" producer ABC Studios about the possibility of continuing the thriller/horror series on Netflix. Sources stress that the talks are exploratory at this point in the context of a larger conversation between ABC Studios and Netflix.
From my own perspective, this is exactly what "The River" should have been in the first place. The constant commercial breaks tear us away from any tension the show builds, while having it air on prime time forces the show to veer away from any violent content.
It should also b clear that, unlike "Terra Nova," "The River" has not been officially canceled by ABC, though that is considered a foregone conclusion. This could actually turn into a positive situation if transitioned correctly.
Have you been watching "The River"? What do you think?
Categories: Horror News
The Bride Revs Up For Some Family Dismemberment In Two Fresh '[REC]3 Genesis' Clips!
To the dismay of Paco Plaza (who is a fabulous filmmaker), I wasn't a huge fan of his solo-directed [REC]3 Genesis as he abandoned the found footage component of the franchise, while also injecting humor into an otherwise dead-pan serious trilogy (soon to be saga). Still, the Spanish-language film that opens in its home country next Friday, is pretty entertaining and has just enough blood and guts to warrant a viewing.
Getting fans in Spain hyped, Filmax has released another pair of clips from the blood-red wedding, one featuring the Bride (Leticia Dolera) as she rips the cord of her trusty chain saw and goes to work on an infected family member.
In other brief news, the quasi-prequel will be arriving in UK cinemas May 11, with a DVD/Blu-ray date unlisted for August. We can only assume Magnet will aim for a similar release plan theatrically, while Sony is completely unpredictable with home video (because they don't give a sh*t about it; seriously).
Categories: Horror News
First Look At 'House at the End of the Street,' 'Cabin in the Woods'
This coming week's EW is jam-packed with new imagery from upcoming horror starting with the above image of Kristen Connolly battling a creature in Lionsgate's The Cabin in the Woods (review), their high concept slasher opening in theaters April 13. We've also added a look at a bloodied up Connolly inside as well. Directed by Cloverfield's Drew Goddard, from a screenplay by "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" creator's Joss Whedon, "A group of friends at a cabin retreat scratch the surface of something so massive and horrific that they can only begin to fathom it as time quickly runs out. If you think you know this story, think again."
Using The Hunger Games as hype, Relativity has also unloaded the first ever look at Jennifer Lawrence in the Mark Tonderai-directed House at the End of the Street. The PG-13 horror flick opening September 26 "centers on a teen girl (Lawrence) who moves with her mom to a new town and learns that their home is across the street from a house where a double murder took place. Complications ensue when the teen befriends the massacre's sole surviving son (Max Thieriot). Elisabeth Shue costars as Lawrence's mom."
Categories: Horror News
TV: Maggie Grace Survives Kevin Williamson's Serial Killer
Pilot season continues to take over the front page as everyone's favorite "Lost" actress, Maggie Grace, has signed on for a key recurring role in Fox's still untitled serial killer drama project.
EW reports that Grace - who is no newbie to our genere having starred in The Fog and The Experiment - will play a young doctor whos the only surviving victim of infamous serial killer Joe Carroll (James Purefoy). The killer is being tracked by an FBI investigator played by Kevin Bacon.
The much buzzed-about untitled drama project from "Vampire Diaries" showrunnner and Scream writer Kevin Williamson and produced by Warner Bros. for Fox.
Categories: Horror News
Trailer Premiere For 'Would You Rather'!
Bloody already brought you a first look at the incredible one-sheet designed by Tom 'The Dude Designs' Hodge (Hobo With A Shotgun, The Innkeepers), now we have the exclusive premiere of the official trailer for David Guy Levy's Would You Rather!
Brittany Snow (Prom Night), Jeffrey Combs (Re-Animator) and Sasha Grey all star.
"In the wake of her parent's death, Iris (Snow) struggles to make ends meet while caring for her terminally ill younger brother. Shepard Lambrick (Combs), a seemingly philanthropic aristocrat, expresses an interest in helping them. When he invites her to an exclusive dinner party, she accepts. Also attending the dinner party are seven more desperate individuals. They soon find themselves trapped in Lambrick's mansion and forced to play a sadistic game of Would You Rather, where the winner will be awarded untold amounts of money. As the game progresses, the dilemmas Iris and the other players face grow increasingly deadly."
Watch the film's official website for more.
Categories: Horror News
Abigail Breslin Was Serious About Taking Darker Roles, Joins 'The Hive'
Abigail Breslin (pictured below; Zombieland, Little Miss Sunshine) is the latest to join Troika Pictures' thriller The Hive, which Brad Anderson will direct this summer. She had previously stated that she had been wanting to pursue darker material.
Per Variety "Abigail Breslin, the Oscar-nominated 'Little Miss Sunshine' star who just wrapped the crime drama 'Perfect Sisters', will continue to explore dark material, as she's set to join Halle Berry in Troika Pictures' thriller 'The Hive'."
In the film, "Set against the backdrop of a 911 call center, fast-paced suspense pic will find Berry playing a 911 emergency operator who must face her own fears in order to save a teenage girl from a disturbed killer."
Rich D'Ovidio wrote the script, which is based on an original story by Nicole D'Ovidio, Jon Bokencamp and the scribe. Robert Stein and Michael Helfant will produce for Troika Pictures, whose Bradley Gallo will co-produce. Jeff Graup will also produce the pic, while Philip M. Cohen and William Gallo will exec produce.
Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions has domestic rights, with foreign sales being handled by Sierra/Affinity. Production is skedded to start in late June in Los Angeles.
Categories: Horror News
TV: Helena Mattsson Moves To "666 Park Avenue" After Making Babies
There are like 5 projects never seem to stop casting. "666 Park Avenue" is one of them. ABC's supernatural-tinged drama pilot. has now added Helena Mattsson (pictured inside; Iron Man 2, Seven Psychopaths) to its roster of talent. She just recently wrapped the upcoming Babymakers. She joins the previously announced Vanessa Williams, Rachael Taylor, Dave Annabele and Terry O'Quinn.
Per Variety, "Mattsson, who will play the role of Alexis, recently appeared in the CW's "Nikita" and also had a recurring role in "Desperate Housewives." She will next be seen in the film "The Babymakers," opposite Aisha Tyler and Olivia Munn."
The thriller, based on the Gabriella Pierce book series of the same name, "centers on a young couple (Rachael Taylor and Dave Annable) that accepts an offer to manage one of the most historic apartment buildings in New York City. They unwittingly begin to experience supernatural occurrences, which complicate and endanger the lives of everyone in the building."
The pilot was written by "Fringe" scribe David Wilcox.
Categories: Horror News
Dr. Dre To 'Thaw' Out Horror Pic For New Line
Music mogul Dr. Dre is heating up horror-thriller Thaw, tapping Vik Weet to script the film for his Crucial Films banner, says Variety.
"The story will center on an ancient evil that emerges from the rapidly melting ice in the Yukon."
Dre is producing the project with Crucial Films partner Daniel Schnider, who originated the idea.
Weet penned the script for another untitled thriller about an investigation into the 1959 Dyatlov Pass incident, in which nine experienced hikers were found dead in Russia's Ural Mountains. Renny Harlin is directing that film.
Dre launched Crucial Films in 2007 with a first-look deal at New Line.
Dre's produced albums have sold more than 80 million worldwide and he's been involved with artists such as Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent, Eve and the Game after beginning his career in 1986 as founding member of the rap group N.W.A. He's the CEO of Aftermath Records.
Categories: Horror News
Trippy Official Poster For Magnet's 'Apartment 143'
With a stack of new images already added, we've now landed the creeptacular poster for Magnolia Pictures and Magnet Releasing's Apartment 143 (Emergo), opening on VOD April 27 with a limited theatrical run slated for June 1.
Directed by Carles Torrens, and starring Kai Lennox, Michael O'Keefee, Gia Mantegna, Rick Gonzalez, Fionna Glascott, and Francesc Garrido, "All types of cameras are used video, HD, 8mm, 16mm, and 35mm as we follow scientists footsteps through a haunted house, casting a frightening spell over the audience. Brace yourself for this terrifying experience!"
Shot entirely in English, Emergo is the descendant of The Blair Witch Project and REC, but breaks away from tradition by revolutionizing filmmaking altogether.
Categories: Horror News
Making Popcorn With 'Chernobyl Diaries'!
Last week we got a look at the trailer and poster for Chernobyl Diaries, the Oren Peli and Brian Witten-produced horror survival film directed by Brad Parker. Today the LA Times has a brief interview with Andrew Kosove of Alcon Entertainment, who owns the North American rights.
It's an interesting read because it at least attempts to tackle the inherent issues of fashioning a piece of entertainment out of a real-world tragedy. Kosove asserts that offending survivors of the disaster (families of the victims) is not on his agenda. "It's a popcorn film. I don't think the movie takes itself so seriously as to tread on those real disasters." I don't really have an opinion about this. The film's tagline is "experience the fallout" which I suppose could be read as kind of tacky, but then again I don't think there's much that should be off limits. Humor heals, I suppose.
As for why he thinks its a good setting for a film? "It's not like going to Club Med in Barbados. It's frozen in time, and it's visually arresting." The article also touches upon the extreme tourism industry that has cropped up around the site. Apparently you can purchase a day pass to check out the city of Prypiat. As someone who avoids the backscatter mating at the airport, I don't think I'll be signing up for that one.
In theaters May 28 from FilmNation, "A group of friends become stranded in an eerie and desolate city. Years before in the aftermath of a nuclear disaster, nature has begun to reclaim everything. As the sun sets on this radioactive ghost town, inhuman cries cut through the night air. It seems they are not alone." It stars Jonathan Sadowski, Devin Kelley, Jesse McCartney, Olivia Taylor Dudley, Nathan Phillips, Ingrid Bolso Berdal and Dimitry Diatchenko.
Head inside for the film's trailer. You can check out the article here.
Categories: Horror News
Killers Prey Online In 'Cyclical Effect'
Michael Wade Johnson and his film company Faux Pas Films (Brimstone and the horror anthologies Killer Shorts 1 & 2) return with a new feature called Cyclical Effect, which is a meld of horror, comedy, and drama. Filming begins in May in the Nashville, Tennessee, area.
The cast includes Shannon Sylvia ("Ghost Hunters International"), Bianca Barnett (Albino Farm), Michelle Tomlinson (George's Intervention), Danica DeCosto (The Vampires of Zanzibar), Kayla Perkins ("The Simple Life"), and Melantha Blackthorne (Countess Bathoria's Graveyard Picture Show) as well as newcomer Dustin Risley playing the lead.
"Ian goes through a downward spiral as he loses control of everything solid in his life. He must reinvent himself, but can he find a perfect match on a dating website and get to where he needs to be before the costumed killer preys on him?"
More as shooting commences.
Categories: Horror News
Video Interview With James Nguyen From The Set Of 'Birdemic 2: The Resurrection'
One of the biggest disappointments I have with Birdemic: Shock and Terror is that there isn't any behind-the-scenes footage of James Nguyen working his "magic".
Nguyen had been quietly hard at work on Birdemic 2: The Resurrection, with both Alan Bagh and Whitney Moore reprising their roles. Filming is now completed, but that doesn't mean we didn't learn from past mistakes. Elric from "Inside Horror" was lucky enough to catch Nguyen on the final day of his shoot (at the Le Brea Tar Pits) where he talks on how the sequel differs from the original. Watch it below.
"A platoon of eagles and vultures attack Hollywood, California. Why did the eagles and vultures attack? Who will survive?"
Categories: Horror News
Project 'Prometheus' Blasts Out New Still(s)
*Updated with a second image that I'm sure other sites will claim they unearthed. Fact is, credit goes to @Jason_Diaz and the folks at @Unfiction. Thanks guys!
While we'd never sink as low as to act like WE discovered the following, the online community has cracked a code that unveiled a brand new look at Prometheus, albiet one that's not so special.
Clicking over to ProjectPrometheus.com/Eridu and typing in "tell abu shahrain" revealed the above image from Ridley Scott's Alien prequel that blasts into space June 8.
Eridu references one of the oldest cities in the world and ties into the Weyland Corporation viral campaign.
Starring Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Logan Marshall-Green, Charlize Theron, Idris Elba, Sean Harris, Kate Dickie and Guy Pearce, "A team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a thrilling journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race."
Categories: Horror News
Ensemble Builds For 'The Making of Psycho'
The cast of Fox Searchlight's Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho continues to build as Toni Collette (Fright Night), Danny Huston (pictured; 30 Days of Night, Wrath of the Titans), Michael Stuhlbarg (Men in Black 3) and Michael Wincott (Strange Days, The Crow) are now in negotiations to star, reports Variety.
As previously reported, James D'Arcy will play Anthony Perkins and Scarlett Johansson is set to play Janet Leigh. Anthony Hopkins stars as Hitchcock in the pic, which follows the iconic helmer's struggles during the filmmaking of his horror classic Psycho. Helen Mirren is set to co-star as Hitchcock's wife, Alma Reville, while Jessica Biel is in talks to play actress Vera Miles.
Collette would play Peggy Robertson, Hitchcock's longtime assistant; Huston would play Whitfield Cook, Alma's friend; Stuhlbarg would play Lew Wasserman, Hitchcock's charismatic agent and Hollywood-savvy friend; and Wincott would play Ed Gein, the serial killer upon whom the "Psycho" book and movie are based.
Sacha Gervasi (Anvil! The Story of Anvil) is directing from a script by John McLaughlin.
Categories: Horror News
Queen Latifah Starring In Serial Killer Pic 'House of Bodies'?
Here's a bit of left field casting as Variety reports that Queen Latifah, Terrence Howard (Iron Man) and Peter Fonda (pictured; Ghost Rider, Easy Rider) are set to star in the indie thriller House of Bodies, which is just starting production on Queen Latifah and Shakim Compere's Miami-based soundstage Flavor Unit Studios.
"Story follows Kyle, a deaf child who enjoys chatting online with Nicole (Latifah), a relay operator at a telephone service for the hearing-impaired. Kyle's fascination with the macabre leads him to explore the House of Bodies, a voyeur website based out of the former home of a serial killer named Henry Lee Bishop (Fonda), who is now on Death Row.
When police discover a string of grisly copycat murders, a detective (Howard) must race to uncover the mystery. Meanwhile, Kyle strikes up an unlikely friendship with Kelli, a new performer at the House of Bodies who's forced to rely on him for survival as the killings hit closer to home."
Categories: Horror News
First Ever Official Image From 'The Devil's Carnival' Reveals Terrance Zdunich As Lucifer!
Bloody Disgusting has been given the exclusive first official still from Darren Lynn Bousman's The Devil's Carnival, his 55-minute short film experience hitting the road April 5 as a 30-city rock tour turning venues into environments that tie to the movie and that will encourage audience participation. There will also be a 13-song album that gets released.
The first still is the debut of Terrance Zdunich (co-creator and star of both Repo! The Genetic Opera and The Devil's Carnival) as Lucifer, lord of the underworld!
Terrance Zdunich, who co-wrote Repo, also wrote the music for Carnival with Saar Hendelman. Zdunich stars alongside Taryn Manning, Bill Moseley, Briana Evigan, Emilie Autumn, J. Larose, Alexa Vega, Ogre, Paul Sorvino, Marc Senter, Sean Patrick Flanery and Slipknot's The Clown.
In the film, "sinners are invited to a theme park where they endure the repetition of their transgressions. What chances do a conniving kleptomaniac, a gullible teenager, and an obsessed father stand when facing their own moral failings? Lucifer and his colorful cast of singing carnies invite you to grab a ticket to The Devil's Carnival to find out!"
Head inside for the image along with detailed info on the film's upcoming roadshow! Get your tickets here now!
Categories: Horror News
Full Gallery For Magnet's Haunter 'Apartment 143'
By clicking here you'll find the full image gallery for Magnolia Pictures and Magnet Releasing's Apartment 143 (Emergo), opening on VOD April 27 with a limited theatrical run slated for June 1.
Directed by Carles Torrens, and starring Kai Lennox, Michael O'Keefee, Gia Mantegna, Rick Gonzalez, Fionna Glascott, and Francesc Garrido, "All types of cameras are used video, HD, 8mm, 16mm, and 35mm as we follow scientists footsteps through a haunted house, casting a frightening spell over the audience. Brace yourself for this terrifying experience!"
Shot entirely in English, Emergo is the descendant of The Blair Witch Project and REC, but breaks away from tradition by revolutionizing filmmaking altogether.
Categories: Horror News
Russian Teaser Trailer For Animated 'Hotel Transylvania'
While we wait for something official here Stateside, we've just now embedded the Russian trailer (no subs, sorry) for Genndy Tartakovsky's Hotel Transylvania 3D, Sony Pictures Animation's 3-D family monster pic in theaters September 21.
"Welcome to the Hotel Transylvania, Dracula's (Adam Sandler) lavish five-stake resort, where monsters and their families can live it up, free from meddling from the human world. But here's a little known fact about Dracula: he is not only the Prince of Darkness; he is also a dad. Over-protective of his teenage daughter, Mavis, Dracula fabricates tales of elaborate dangers to dissuade her adventurous spirit. As a haven for Mavis, he opens the Hotel Transylvania, where his daughter and some of the world's most famous monsters Frankenstein and his bride, the Mummy, the Invisible Man, a family of werewolves, and more can kick back in safety and peace. For Drac, catering to all of these legendary monsters is no problem but his world could come crashing down when one ordinary guy stumbles on the hotel and takes a shine to Mavis."
Miley Cyrus, Kevin James, Fran Drescher, David Spade, David Koechner, Steve Buscemi, and Molly Shannon also star.
Categories: Horror News
Bad Things Happen In New 'For Blood Or Justice' Teaser
A few weeks ago we brought you a bunch of stills from For Blood Or Justice, and now we have a look at the film's teaser.
Written and directed by Todd Kniss (Blood Deep) the film, "tells the story of Cotton De La Croix, an eccentric Texas lawman who will stop at nothing to bring Alex and Angel a pair of rampaging, psychotic killers, to justice. But when he illegally crosses the border into Mexico he is not only alone and out of his jurisdiction, but also in over his head in a bizarre and horrific new world. Confronted by an avenging ex-Luchador, a terrorized deaf stripper, a crusading Mexican detective, and a deranged scientist with a laboratory full of murderous creatures, he must use every skill he has to stop a relentless tide of death and destruction."
For Blood Or Justice is being shot by cinematographer Dan Hertzog (Roadside, Blood Deep) and produced by Bomani Story and Ace Marrero, who brought you Madison County and Roadside.
Head inside for a teaser that provides a look at the film's tone.
Categories: Horror News
UPDATED: Jessica Biel Joins The Incredibly Attractive 'Making Of Psycho' Cast!
Fox Searchlight's Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho just landed Jessica Biel (The Tall Man, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2003) in a key role.
Per Deadline, "Jessica Biel committed today to the second female lead in the Sacha Gervasi-directed 'Alfred Hitchcock And The Making Of Psycho'. Biel will play the role of Vera Miles, who played Lila Crane in the 1960 classic."
*Updated: Variety reports that Toni Collette (Fright Night 2011), Danny Huston (30 Days Of Night), Michael Stuhlbarg (Lincoln) and Michael Wincott have also been cast. Wincott is of particular interest to me since he's be playing Ed Gein. Gein, of course, was the notorious serial killer on whom portions of Psycho and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre were based.
As previously reported, Anthony Hopkins will play the iconic director, while Helen Mirren will play his wife, Alma. Scarlett Johansson and James D'Arcy are to play Psycho stars Janet Leigh and Anthony Perkins.
Gervasi's pic follows Hitchcock and his struggles during the filmmaking of the horror classic. John McLaughlin penned the script. Ivan Reitman, Joe Medjuck and Tom Pollack will produce through their Montecito Picture Company along with Tom Thayer.
Categories: Horror News