Horror vendors, Hex Studios, is applying a good dollop of splatter in a practical-effects-laden sword and sorcery adventure in the style of the video store classics from the ‘80s. Head honcho and director Lawrie Brewster has launched a Kickstarter for the film The Slave and the Sorcerer with a tongue-in-cheek pitch video.  

The film’s synopsis is:
When Princess Meyra is kidnapped by the evil wizard Akaris, the slave Tyrol volunteers to lead a mission to his cursed dungeon lair to save her from his clutches. Along with a band of heroes of questionable loyalties, he must battle the ancient and diabolical creatures that protect Akaris’ fortress and overcome his devious tests. Ultimately, Tyrol must slay a dragon to save the princess, and the realm, from a reign of endless darkness.

Said to be inspired by cult favourites such as Deathstalker, The Beastmaster, and The Sword and the Sorcerer, the film promises to be an “action-packed horror-fantasy brimming with muscle-bound heroes, seductive sorceresses, and iconic villains true to the era”.  An elaborate dungeon set has been built by Hex, and the movie boasts practical gore effects from the legendary Shaune Harrison (Nightbreed).

Producer Lawrie Brewster had this to say:

“I’ve always been a fan of gritty fantasy movies, especially those that might be described as ‘Sword and Sorcery’. Films such as The Sword and the Sorcerer, directed by Albert Pyun, to whom we’ve dedicated our film, were formative inspirations for me. Likewise with Deathstalker. In fact, you might describe our film as Deathstalker meets The Evil Dead. It’s time to champion fantasy films that are allowed to be fun, sexy, and gloriously violent.”

The film stars Scottish up-and-comer Chris Black as Tyrol, along with Jonathan Hansler (The Devil’s Business), Briony Monroe (The Black Gloves), Megan Tremethick (Ghost Crew), Richard Pate (The Black Gloves), Chris Capaldi (The Necromancer), Stephen Kerr (For We Are Many), and rugby star Dean Schofield in his first feature role.

The Slave & the Sorcerer is due for release in winter 2023. You can pledge for some great rewards at Kickstarter here.