Month: March 2024

Genre icon Barbara Crampton makes sure to keep busy in the horror world. As we covered earlier today, a character with her voice and likeness will soon be added to the Texas Chainsaw Massacre video game, and now a trailer for another Crampton project – the horror film Snow Valley – has arrived online. You can check it out in the embed above. Gravitas Ventures holds the worldwide rights to Snow Valley and are planning to give the film a March 26th release.

The feature directorial debut of writer Brandon Murphy, who sadly passed away while the movie was in post-production, Snow Valley tells the following story: A newly engaged couple’s swank ski weekend goes horribly awry, when an unexpected guest arrives and the house’s dark supernatural forces begin to rise on the anniversary of a tragic event.

Crampton, whose credits include Re-Animator, From Beyond, Castle Freak, and Suitable Flesh, is joined in the cast by Rachel Michiko Whitney (The Card Counter), Cooper van Grootel (One of Us Is Lying), Tom Williamson (The Fosters), David Lambert (Aaron Stone), Paige Elkington (Wobble Palace), Ali Fumiko Whitney (Cabin Girl), newcomer Zachary Bird, Graham Watanabe (Mistletoe Mixup), Nicholas Schutt (The Wackness), and Clint Vanderlinden (Mythica: The Godslayer).

Rachel Michiko Whitney also produced Snow Valley with Chris Abernathy, Aaron B. Koontz, and Justice Laub. She told Rue Morgue, “It’s been a cathartic journey to find a home for the film to honor Brandon’s memory and celebrate the incredible work the entire cast and crew put into his directorial debut.

Executive producer Andrea Chung added, “Wes Craven, who I worked with before his passing, once told me, ‘A good horror story can find humor in the most scary moments.’ I believe writer/director Brandon Murphy does a fantastic job in adding a humorous touch to the film’s darker themes that makes the film an enjoyable ride.

What did you think of the Snow Valley trailer? Will you be watching this movie when it’s released later this month? Let us know by leaving a comment below – and take a look at the poster while you’re scrolling down:

Snow Valley

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Our Flag Means Death, new home dead

Our Flag Means Death was cancelled by Max earlier this year, which was hugely upsetting for fans of the pirate comedy. There was hope that Our Flag Means Death might find a new home on another streaming service, but creator David Jenkins has confirmed that the series is on its way to Davy Jones’s locker.

I can officially confirm that we’ve reached the end of the road,” Jenkins wrote on Instagram. “At least as far as this sweet show is concerned. After many complimentary meetings, conversations, etc it seems there is no alternate home for our crew. Thank you to all of you who sent us out with tremendous love and care. Your campaign was noticed across the industry. But more importantly it made all of us who worked on this show better able to deal with the loss.

Jenkins continued, “To you wonderful fans: thank you. You are lovely and earnest. Those kinds of things feel in short supply at times. But they aren’t. A love like ours can’t disappear in an instant. When we see each other off in mystic, say hello. We won’t say goodbye, because we’re not leaving. We’re just taking a breather until next time we can share something together.” As Jenkins only had three seasons in mind for the series, it’s a shame he wasn’t able to finish it on his own terms.

I love things in threes,” Jenkins told Variety last year about his three-season plan for the series. “That first act, second act, third act structure is so satisfying when it is done well, and you don’t overstay your welcome. I think this world of the show is a big world, and if the third season is successful, we could go on in a different way. But I think for the story of Stede and Ed, that is a three-season story.

Our Flag Means Death is set in the early 18th century during the Golden Age of Piracy and follows the misadventures of gentleman-turned-pirate Stede Bonnet (Rhys Darby) and his crew aboard the Revenge as they try to make a name for themselves as pirates and cross paths with fame pirate captain Blackbeard (Taika Waititi).

The post Our Flag Means Death creator couldn’t find a new home for the series, which is now officially on its way to Davy Jones’s locker appeared first on JoBlo.

Akira Toriyama, Dragon Ball, death

The manga and anime community is in mourning today after hearing about the untimely death of Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama. As one of the art arena’s most influential and best-selling manga authors to ever walk the Earth, Mr. Toriyama leaves a legacy that will echo through the ages and generations. Toriyama died on March 1 of a blood clot in his brain, a representative from his production company Bird Studio said on Friday. A funeral service for close friends and family has already occurred, with news of Toriyama’s passing circulating through the communities he’s touched during his legendary career.

Mr. Toriyama’s Dragon Ball series debuted in 1984, sharing the story of a boy named Son Goku who aims to collect magical dragon balls to protect Earth from an alien humanoid race called Saiyans. Over the years, Dragon Ball has evolved into a global phenomenon, with multiple animated series, manga, video games, and merchandise depicting Goku’s mission and strive for victory. Toriyama’s Dragon Ball manga has sold over 260 million copies, making it one of the most iconic offerings in the action genre. Toriyama worked on Dragon Ball and other projects for 45 years and still has unfinished work waiting in the wings.

“It’s our deep regret that he still had several works in the middle of creation with great enthusiasm,” his studio said. “He would have had many more things to achieve. However, he has left many manga titles and works of art to this world.” Adding, “We hope that Akira Toriyama’s unique world of creation continues to be loved by everyone for a long time to come.”

News about Mr. Toriyama’s death is still making the rounds to his vast network of fans and admirers. Knowing Dragon Ball is a significant presence in the Fortnite community, players can expect to see their favorite characters from the time-honored series mass-populating Season 5, Chapter 2 of the battle royale multiplayer sensation (once the servers are back up).

We here at JoBlo wish Mr. Toriyama safe passage into the hereafter and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and fans. Rest well, Mr. Toriyama. You will be sorely missed.

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Last year, author Grady Hendrix contributed the 29 page short story Ankle Snatcher (you can read it HERE) to the Amazon Original Stories Creature Feature collection, which also featured stories by Joe Hill, Josh Malerman, Paul Tremblay, Jason Mott, and Chandler Baker. Now, Deadline reports that Sony has acquired the rights to make a feature film adaptation of Ankle Snatcher.

Hendrix’s story follows Marcus, who grew up believing his father killed his mother — then blamed it on the boogeyman under the bed. Always leave the lights on, his father warned, or the boogeyman will get you. Marcus still heeds the superstition, especially when he invites his new girlfriend over. Is Marcus haunted by a creature or has he just inherited his father’s murderous delusions? The night will tell.

Hendrix will be producing the film alongside Escape Artist’ Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, and Tony Shaw, and Aperture Entertainment’s Adam Goldworm.

The author’s works include BadAsstronauts (formerly known as Occupy Space), Satan Loves You, Horrorstör, My Best Friend’s Exorcism, Paperbacks from Hell: The Twisted History of ‘70s and ‘80s Horror Fiction, We Sold Our Souls, The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires, The Final Girl Support Group, These Fists Break Bricks: How Kung Fu Movies Swept America and Changed the World, and How to Sell a Haunted House. My Best Friend’s Exorcism was turned into a feature film that was released through Prime Video, and Horrorstör adaptations have been in the works for years. At first it was intended to be a TV series, now producers are aiming to turn it into a movie. A film adaptation of How to Sell a Haunted House is set up at Legendary Entertainment, and TV series adaptations of both The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires and The Final Girl Support Group are in the works.

Hendrix also co-wrote the films Mohawk and Satanic Panic, as well as the documentary Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks.

Are you a fan of Grady Hendrix’s work, and are you glad to hear Ankle Snatcher is getting the feature film treatment? Share your thoughts on this one by leaving a comment below.

Grady Hendrix Ankle Snatcher

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