Sci-Fi Genre Showcase DEEPEST, DARKEST Launch Crowdfunding Campaign

deepest darkest anthology film poster

Writer-producer Marc Bernardin is returning to directing with Deepest, Darkest and leading a large group of creators in making this sci-fi horror anthology around the theme of keeping secrets.

The WGA Award winner and Eisner-nominated Bernardin created the project alongside actress Tiffany Smith. Ghostbusters icon Ernie Hudson, Futurama’s Phil LaMarr, American Gods’ Yetide Badaki, and the rebooted Quantum Leap’s Raymond Lee and Caitlin Bassett are, among others, starring in the genre showcase. Akela Cooper, who co-wrote the horror hit M3GAN for Blumhouse Productions and worked on Star Trek: Strange New Worlds as well as Luke Cage, is executive producing. Deepest, Darkest is launching a crowdfunding campaign from August 27th.

“So many of my friends have shared the same experience that I have, being a person of colour in love with the kinds of worlds and genres that don’t always make room for us,” said Bernardin in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. “So we decided to be punk-rock and form a band. Kinda. The experience I had on my directorial debut on Splinter was transformative. And I wanted to create a platform that could also transform the homies.”

Those people stepping behind the camera – some for the first time – include LaToya Morgan, a writer on The Walking Dead and Turn: Washington’s Spies; Deric A Hughes and Benjamin Raab (Quantum Leap and The Flash);  DC’s Legends of Tomorrow executive editor and writer Ubah Mohamed; Star Wars: The Young Jedi Adventure co-creator and Black Lightning writer Lamont Magee; Insecure actress Sujata Day; and Kevin Avery, a writer on The Great North and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.

The hope is for the Kickstarter campaign to raise enough for principal production. Check out the posters for Deepest, Darkest below:

deepest darkest anthology film poster

Keanu Reeves Speeds Into SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3 Trailer

keanu reeves as shadow in sonic the hedgehog 3 trailer

Keanu Reeves steps into the light as Shadow in the first Sonic the Hedgehog 3 trailer. The latest instalment in the popular video game adaptation franchise speeds to the big screen this holiday season, and introduces Shadow as a sort of anti-Sonic: “Shadow’s story began a lot like yours, Sonic, but where you found family and friends, Shadow found only pain and loss,” says the trailer’s narrator.

Per the film synopsis, “Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails reunite against a powerful new adversary, Shadow, a mysterious villain with powers unlike anything they have faced before. With their abilities outmatched in every way, Team Sonic must seek out an unlikely alliance in hopes of stopping Shadow and protecting the planet.”

Director Jeff Fowler returns, with Ben Schwartz starring as the voice of Sonic opposite James Marsden as Tom Wachowski. Jim Carrey is back as Dr. Robotnik, and Idris Elba reprises his voice role as Knuckles. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 also stars returning actors Tika Sumpter, Colleen O’Shaughnessey, Natasha Rothwell, Shemar Moore, Adam Pally, Lee Majdoub, and franchise newcomers Alyla Browne, Krysten Ritter, and Keanu Reeves.

Watch the Sonic the Hedgehog 3 trailer below, ahead of its release to cinemas from December 21st, 2024.

Samara Weaving Stars In Survival Horror AZRAEL

samara weaving in azrael poster

Our favourite Scream Queen, Samara Weaving (Ready or Not, Scream VI) leads the cast of the upcoming Azrael from writer Simon Barrett (The Guest, You’re Next, Godzilla x Kong), with a new trailer from IFC Films ahead of the horror film’s release September 27th.

The high concept action-horror film is directed by E.L. Katz (The Haunting of Bly Manor, Cheap Thrills). The synopsis is as follows: “In a world in which no one speaks, a devout female-led community hunts down a young woman (Weaving) who has escaped her imprisonment. Recaptured by its ruthless leaders, Azrael is to be sacrificed to pacify an ancient evil that resides deep within the surrounding wilderness – yet she will stop at nothing to ensure her own freedom and survival. From the seeds of this gritty, relentless parable of sacrifice and salvation, comes an immersive, rela-time, action horror tale.”

Azrael had its world premiere earlier this year at the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas, before screening at the Overlook Film Festival and at the 28th Fantasia International Film Festival. It will release to cinemas on September 27th, 2024, before streaming on Shudder at a date to be confirmed.

Watch the trailer below, and scroll down to see the just-released poster art.

Jack Black and Paul Rudd To Star In ANACONDA Reimagining

jack black in jumanji film to star in anaconda reimagining opposite paul rudd

Jack Black and Paul Rudd are being squeezed into a new Anaconda movie. The actors are in early talks to star in a reimagining from Columbia Pictures of the 1977 horror movie that launched the snake-filled mini-franchise, including this year’s Chinese-language remake.

Tom Gormican, best known for directing the excellent Nicolas Cage meta comedy The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, is co-writing with collaborator Kevin Etten, and will reportedly direct the feature. The original film starred Jennifer Lopez, Owen Wilson, Ice Cube and Jon Voight, and followed a National Geographic film crew hunting the world’s largest and deadliest snake, only to find the tables turned on them.

THR reports that this reimagined Anaconda film involves a group of friends facing mid-life crises who are remaking their favourite movie from their youth. They head to the rainforest, only to find themselves in a fight for their lives against natural disasters, giant snakes, and violent criminals.

Black had recent films roles doing voice work in Borderlands, Kung Fu Panda 4, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie (who can forget the “Peaches” song?). He is also set to star in the upcoming Minecraft film for Warner Bros. Rudd, meanwhile was most recently seen in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, and will next appear in the A24 horror feature Death of a Unicorn.

Temuera Morrison Joins Priyanka Chopra Jonas In Swashbuckler THE BLUFF

temuera morrison from boba fett to star in the bluff

Star Wars franchise veteran Temuera Morrison, alongside Zack Morris, David Field, Pacharo Mzembe and Gideon Mzembe, have joined the cast of Amazon MGM Studios‘ swashbuckler drama film The Bluff. They join previously announced stars Priyanka Chopra Jonas (Citadel, Quantico), Karl Urban (The Boys, Star Trek), Ismael Cruz Cordova (The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power), Safia Oakley-Green (The Origin), and Vedanten Naidoo.

The Bluff centres on a former pirate (played by Chopra Jonas) in the Caribbean during the 19th century, who attempts to keep her family safe when she is confronted with her dangerous past. The project will debut on Prime Video on a yet-to-be-announced date.

Frank E. Flowers, best known for helming Bob Marley: One Love, directs the film from a script he co-wrote with Joe Ballarini. Anthony and Joe Russo are aboard the movie to produce, alongside Angela Russo-Otstot and Michael Disco for AGBO, with Chopra Jonas and Cinestar Pictures’ Cisely Saldana and Mariel Saldana. Serving as executive producers alongside Flowers and Ballarini are Chris Castaldi, Ari Costa and Kassee Whiting for AGBO, Zoe Saldaña for Cinestar Pictures, and Thorsten Schumacher for Rocket Science.

Morris was recently seen in the Disney+ series The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett, as well as appearing in both Aquaman films and in the Goosebumps series for Disney+ and Hulu. Field’s previous projects include Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga and Mortal Kombat. Pacharo Mzembe was recently seen in Sleeping Dogs opposite Russell Crowe.

A24 Disaster-Comedy Y2K Releases Trailer

rachel zegler jaeden martell and julian dennison in a24 disaster-comedy trailer Y2K

Before she heads off to live with seven dwarves, Rachel Zegler must first party like it’s 1999 in the trailer for the A24 disaster-comedy, Y2K.

Saturday Night Live alum Kyle Mooney directs the film, which centres on two high school students who find themselves fighting for their lives after crashing a New Year’s Eve party on the last night of 1999, when electronic devices attempt to destroy humanity. Think toy cars using flame throwers, Tamagotchis drilling people’s brains, and VHS tapes turning into projectile launchers.

Also starring are Jaeden Martell (Knives Out, It), Julian Dennison (Deadpool 2, Hunt for the Wilderpeople), Lachlan Watson (The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina), The Kid Laroi, Fred Durst, Mason Gooding (Scream, Fall), Alicia Silverstone, and Mooney.

Rachel Zegler took over the role from Jenna Ortega due to scheduling conflicts. Zegler most recently starred in last year’s film The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Her upcoming projects include Netflix’s animated movie Spellbound and the Disney’s live-action remake Snow White. 

Mooney makes his directorial debut from a script he co-wrote with Evan Winter. Winter is also producing, alongside Matt Dines, Alison Goodwin, Jonah Hill, Christopher Storer, and Cooper Wehde.

Y2K releases in cinemas from December 6th. Watch the trailer below:

RUINER Video Game Adaptation To Be Directed By Wes Ball

artwork for video game Ruiner

Another video game has plans to be adapted for the big screen, with news that Wes Ball is set to direct an adaptation of Reikon’s popular video game Ruiner for Universal Pictures, with Michael Arlen Ross penning the screenplay.

Universal Pictures picked up the adaptation rights for the action shooter game and tapped Ball, known for his work on big blockbuster titles like Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes and the Maze Runner trilogy, to direct. The Ruiner video game is set in the year 2091 in the cyber metropolis Rengkok, and follows a wired psychopath who fights against a corrupt system to uncover the truth and retrieve his kidnapped brother. Guided by a mysterious hacker, the player battles through a world of brutal violence and cutting-edge technology, inching closer to the dark secrets hidden within the city’s neon-lit streets.

As we reported recently, Ball is already attached to direct The Legend of Zelda video game adaptation for Nintendo and Sony. Universal, meanwhile, counts The Super Mario Bros. Movie and Five Nights at Freddy’s among their own recent, successful video game adaptation. Kelly McCormick and David Leitch, who’ve produced The Fall Guy, Bullet Train, and Nobody, will produce Ruiner via 87North.

Exclusive: Arrow Films Picks up CRUMB CATCHER

Arrow Films has acquired rights in the UK and Eire to the deliciously dark Crumb Catcher. The film had its World Premiere at Fantastic Fest and went on to screen at the Woodstock Film Festival and Brooklyn Horror Film Festival, where it won the Best Ensemble and the Gold Audience Award.

Director of Acquisitions Selin Kilic at Arrow commented: “A newlywed couple face a home invasion-cum-Dragon’s Den pitch from Hell as a psychotic pair try to raise finance for their invention. The performances across the board are fantastic; with constant power shifts, the suspense continues to serve tense twists until the end in this awkward, funny thriller.”

Writer-director Chris Skotchdopole notes: “Excited to bring Crumb Catcher across the pond to the coolest genre label out there. I have loved Arrow for years and am thrilled to be included in their legendary lineup. To the moon!”

Producer Larry Fessenden of Glass Eye Pix shared: “Very pleased that Crumb Catcher has landed a home at Arrow releasing, guaranteeing that a discerning community of cinefreaks will get wind of our gonzo heartfelt picture.”

After blacking out on his wedding night, Shane and his wife head to a remote estate for their honeymoon. That night, there’s a knock at the door; a waiter and bartender from the reception blackmailing Shane for something he can’t remember doing. But the blackmailers don’t just want money. They’re after business partners for their invention, an outlandish device called…the Crumb Catcher. The film stars Rigo Garay (The Leech), Ella Rae Peck (Blackout), John Speredakos (The Mind’s Eye) and Lorraine Farris (Follow Her) and was produced by Larry Fessenden (The House of the Devil) at Glass Eye Pix and Brian Devine (Private Property) at Gigantic Pictures.

Selin Kilic at Arrow Films and Joe Tufano at Submarine Entertainment negotiated the deal. Arrow will release the film on digital in the UK and Eire and as a deluxe collector’s edition Blu-ray as part of its celebrated Arrow Video brand. In the US, following a 60-city theatrical release, Crumb Catcher arrives on Apple TV and other VOD platforms starting August 20th via Doppelgänger Releasing.

NYX UK Celebrates Dario Argento’s Birthday in September

The free online horror channel NYX UK has announced its September line-up, which includes fantastic documentaries, modern and classic horror, and a double bill celebrating the maestro Dario Argento’s birthday.

Another big announcement is NYX UK will be moving to Freeview channel 289 from August 21st. Corrine Furgeson, CEO, NYX Media Corporation, said: “This move is part of a plan for bigger and better things ahead, and even more exciting ways for Horror fans to watch. Meanwhile, thank you for your support!”

Depraved

Back to the films, and in September, you can catch genre legend Larry Fassenden’s Depraved (2019), a modern take on the Frankenstein tale on September 27th. There’s also the supernatural Mercy Black (2019) on Sept 20th, She Never Died (2019) on Sept 3rd, and the anthology All Hallow’s Eve 2 (2015) on Sept 12th. Other channel premieres are The Chair (2016), based on a comic book miniseries (Sept 10th), and Blood Covered Chocolate (2022), Monte Light’s Nosferatu homage (Sept 5th).

Blood and Chocolate

A pair of fascinating documentaries are also being shown for the first time. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre: The Shocking Truth (2000) is David (Enter the Clones of Bruce) Gregory’s informative look at Tobe Hooper’s seminal classic, while Woodlands Dark and Days Bewitched (2021) explores the ethereal world of folk horror.

September 9th is the birthday of the legendary Dario Argento, and NYX UK screens two classics, Phenomena (1985) and Deep Red (1975).

For more information and full listings, head over to https://www.nyxtv.co.uk/

TOMB RAIDER: THE LEGEND OF LARA CROFT Premieres Teaser Trailer

hayley atwell voices lara croft in animated series tomb raider: the legend of lara croft teaser trailer

Netflix and Legendary Television have released the first teaser trailer for the animated series Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft, ahead of its premiere on October 10th, 2024.

The animated series picks up after the events of the Tom Raider video game Survivor trilogy, and will follow the heroine on her next chapter as she explores ancient mysteries and uncovers lost truths across breath-taking and perilous destinations. Lara Croft, voiced here by Agent Carter star Hayley Atwell, must return home when a dangerous and powerful Chinese artifact is stolen from Croft Manor by a thief with an uncanny personal connection. “Her daring pursuit will take her on an adventure around the world and to the depths of forgotten tombs, where she will be forced to confront her true self and decide just what kind of hero she wants to become.”

Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft is executive produced and written by Red Sonja and The Witcher: Blood Origin’s Tasha Huo. Executive producers include dj2 Entertainment Founder and CEO Dmitri M. Johnson, along with Timothy I. Stevenson; Jacob Robinson under his company Tractor Pants; Dallas Dickinson and Noah Hughes for Crystal Dynamics; as well as Howard Bliss and Jen Chambers. Powerhouse Animation is the Animation Studio with Brad Graeber serving as executive producer.

Watch the teaser trailer below: