Earlier this year, we learned that, forty-nine years after playing a major role in the Steven Spielberg classic Jaws (and fourteen years after making an appearance in Alexandre Aja’s Piranha 3D), Richard Dreyfuss had been cast in another film that promises to be packed with aquatic thrills, Vigilante Diaries director Christian Sesma’s Into the Deep. The film is set to receive a digital, On Demand, and limited theatrical release on January 24th – and with that date just one month away, a trailer has arrived online! You can check it out in the embed above.
Scripted by Chad Law and Josh Ridgway – who have previously collaborated on the alligator movie The Flood, the Dolph Lundgren action thriller Section 8 (which was also directed by Sesma), the biker werewolf movie Howlers, and the mystery Miss Willoughby and the Haunted Bookshop – Into the Deep has the following synopsis: A group of divers searching for sunken treasure witness the murder of drug dealers by modern-day pirates, but a killer great white is determined not to let any of them escape its waters.
Dreyfuss is playing a character named Seamus and is joined in the cast by Scout Taylor-Compton (Rob Zombie’s Halloween), Stuart Townsend (Queen of the Damned), Jon Seda (La Brea), AnnaMaria Demara (The Princess and the Bodyguard), Ron Smoorenburg (Meg 2: The Trench), Lorena Sarria (Apache Junction), Callum McGowan (The Gallery), Maverick Kang Jr. (The Creator), Tom O’Connell (Obi-Wan Kenobi), Tofan Pirani (My Dear Donovan), and Quinn P Hensley (Dhar Mann). Not surprisingly, it doesn’t look like Dreyfuss will have to deal with any of the shark or pirate action directly – but Taylor-Compton sure does.
Daemon Hillin produced Into the Deep, with Sesma and Law serving as executive producers alongside Jonathan Bross, Matthew E. Chausse, Jordan Dykstra, Joe Simpson, Amar Singh, Ellen S. Wander, and Simon Williams. Brooklen Bruce was an associate producer, Evangelo Kioussis a co-producer, and Svetlana Stella Dreyfuss Wolf a co-executive producer.
What did you think of the Into the Deep trailer? Will you be checking out this shark thriller when it’s released next month? Let us know by leaving a comment below.
Marvel Rivals’ 33 heroes each have a high-impact ultimate ability to wipe a team, save allies from near death, or power up your friends and tip the scales of a fight. One of the most important skills to learn is how to react when you hear one of these abilities coming, whether that’s running for cover when you hear Sca…
Marvel Rivals’ 33 heroes each have a high-impact ultimate ability to wipe a team, save allies from near death, or power up your friends and tip the scales of a fight. One of the most important skills to learn is how to react when you hear one of these abilities coming, whether that’s running for cover when you hear Sca…
This episode holds a special place in the hearts of Buffy fans everywhere. Angel’s back from the dead and grappling with the why of it all. Haunted by the ghosts of his tortured past, he can’t help but pull Buffy into his spiral. Meanwhile, the Scoobies are navigating their own weirdness because, let’s face it, Sunnydale doesn’t exactly lend itself to peaceful holidays or any days. Christmas may already be an uncomfortable time for many, but throw in the Hellmouth and, honestly, it’s just another Tuesday.
Angel is, understandably, on everyone’s naughty list, but in this episode, he’s less brooding antihero and more tortured little boy. It’s always been hard for me to reconcile hardcore Angel with the guilt-ridden “new and improved” version we get here. (Much like Buffy’s baby bangs—which predated Gale Weathers’ infamous Scream 3 ‘do. Buffy pulls them off better, but let’s all agree: don’t grab the kitchen scissors during a menty b. We’ve all been there.)
For fans, Amends isn’t always about the pop culture references and one-liners—it’s about hope, redemption, and finding light in the darkness, even in the dead of winter. Angel’s torment and Buffy’s unwavering belief in his strength collide in an emotionally charged moment that captures the heart of the series. When Angel confesses his love but insists he’s irredeemable, their tearful exchange hits like a gut punch. Buffy challenges him to prove he’s stronger than his demons, to step in from the sun—or, if he truly believes he doesn’t belong, to burn.
And then it happens. The snow begins to fall unexpectedly, adding a touch of magic that makes an already perfect moment even more perfect. The snow spares Angel from the sun’s deadly rays, offering him a celestial reprieve and reaffirming Buffy’s faith in him. For one brief, magical moment, they walk side by side through the falling snowflakes, and everything feels, well, normal. It’s the kind of ending that stays with you long after the credits roll, reminding us why Buffy is one of the best.
Twilight Zone, Night of the Meek (Season 2, ep 11):
Of course, I had to include this one! What Christmas Horror TV list would be complete without it? It’s probably the first episode that comes to mind when you think of holiday-themed episodes of The Twilight Zone. Watching it this year hit differently, though. The speech Henry Corwin gives to Mr. Dundee feels more poignant than ever—a reminder of what the season should be about, especially in times when it feels like compassion is in short supply. There’s something timeless about Corwin’s transformation from a downtrodden, disillusioned department store Santa to someone who can bring joy and magic to those in need. It’s a stark reflection of how much—or how little—our world has changed since this episode first aired.
What makes Night of the Meek so enduring is its ability to mix melancholy with hope. It starts in a grim place, with Corwin drowning in his own despair, but Rod Serling doesn’t leave us there. Instead, he guides us away from the darkness, offering a tale of wonder, imagination, and the fragile yet enduring spark of hope, even for those who feel beyond saving. That outro with Serling in the snow just makes me miss his presence more than I already do.
The Haunting Hour, A Creature Was Stirring (Season 1, ep 3):
These kids are the worst. Honestly, I wasn’t even mad they were being terrorized by a creature. The episode opens with them tearing into presents, only to come across their parents’ divorce papers—arguably the cruelest way to find out about a split. Then again, after five minutes with these kids, are you even surprised? That’s the real horror here. However, this is all very classic R.L. Stine. There’s got to be a couple bratty kids, or teens, and normally, there’s at least one cool underdog to root for, but not this time. It’s just agonizing. Somehow, though, the creature does what their parents couldn’t—it brings the kids together. And in a bizarre, Christmas miracle kind of way, it even stops their parents from going through with the divorce.
And like many Goosebumps books, there is a twist. Turns out the creature wasn’t just out there causing havoc—it was working for Santa. Yep, the big guy sent it to make little Timmy’s Christmas wish come true.
Are You Afraid of the Dark, The Tale of the Frozen Ghost (Season 2, ep 7):
Is this a Christmas episode? Not even close. You guys know I will use any excuse to squeeze in an episode of one of my all-time favorite YA Horror anthologies. But it feels wintry enough to be a bonus addition, and how could we leave out one of the most talked-about episodes of the series? Everyone remembers the ghost of the little boy whispering, “I’m cold.” It’s all any 90s kid talks about, and while I think it’s sort of corny, it apparently scarred many of you for life.
Let’s not forget the hype surrounding Melissa Joan Hart’s guest appearance. For many of us, seeing Clarissa Darling cross over into the spooky world of Are You Afraid of the Dark? felt like a match made in Nick Heaven. Cue the Clarissa Explains It All theme song in the background. Hart brought a lot of attention to the episode, and for some fans, it remains one of their top three. I’m watching Tale of the Whispering Walls right now and that one is WAY more eerie! For me? It didn’t hit quite as hard as it did for others, but I can absolutely respect its iconic status. Was the main kid annoying? Yes. Was it funny when he did a double take in the mud puddle? Also yes. Creepy kids are always a reliable horror trope, and this episode is no exception. From Damien to Gage to Caillou, we’ve learned that small humans can be deeply unsettling. ALSO, why did I never notice that Nana was cross stitching an axe with blood running down it?
This one’s not defunct—thankfully—and what better way to wrap things up? Directed by the legendary Greg Nicotero, Shapeshifters Anonymous is an insane holiday special based on J.A. Konrath’s short story, and it’s just as ridiculous and delightful as it sounds. If you’re already a Creepshow fan, you know the kind of chaos to expect. If you’re not, what are you even doing here? Pause, go watch it, and come back when you’re ready to talk about killer mechanical Santas. Merry Christmas, and see you next year—where I just might go full sci-fi.
Now, let’s get into it: Adam Pally casually holding his own poop in a spaghetti tub? Anna Camp transforming into a cat and licking herself? And a murderous, mechanical Santa who exists solely to eliminate shapeshifters, only to get decapitated by a furry? You can’t make this stuff up—except, apparently, J.A. Konrath did, and Greg Nicotero goes fully unhinged.
And can we talk about Frank Nicotero for a second? He plays Andy, and he’s criminally underutilized. Add him to the next season of White Lotus or something. This episode is one of the wildest things you can behold and I’ve seen a lot of things. I’m not sure that anyone expected that ending either. If you sat on a decapitated Santa’s lap, what would you wish for? I’m not telling.
Maybe next year we aim for Sci-Fi Christmas? Don’t get me started on Doctor Who. Rose taking her new journey with Ten, or when the end comes and the last face Ten sees is Rose’s on New Year’s in 2005. Or Doomsday or Journey’s End. I think that seals it then. Maybe I’ll be your Dark Explorer in 2025.
Until then my Cosmic Companions. Have an excellent Christmas and Happy New Year. I’ll be rooting for you.
A couple previous episodes of Horror TV Shows We Miss can be seen below. If you’d like to see more, and check out the other shows we have to offer, head over to the JoBlo Horror Originals YouTube channel – and subscribe while you’re there!
Al Pacino has played the Devil before (in the 1997 film The Devil’s Advocate), and earlier this year we learned that he would be playing an enemy of the Devil in the exorcism horror film The Ritual. Taking on the role of a troubled priest, Pacino stars in the film alongside Dan Stevens of Abigail and Godzilla x Kong, who also plays a troubled priest. We’ll get to see how well this troubled duo fares against Satan when XYZ Films gives The Ritual a theatrical release on April 18th, 2025 – and with that date just four months away, a teaser poster for The Ritual has been unveiled. You can check it out at the bottom of this article.
Based on a true story, The Ritual will center on two priests — one questioning his faith (Stevens) and one reckoning with a troubled past (Pacino) — who must put aside their differences to save a possessed young woman through a difficult and dangerous series of exorcisms. The film is an authentic portrayal of Emma Schmidt, an American woman whose demonic possession culminated in harrowing exorcisms. Her case remains the most thoroughly documented exorcism in American history. Wikipedia confirms that Emma Schmidt (March 23, 1882 – July 23, 1941) was “an American woman whose alleged demonic possession and exorcism occurred over several decades, culminating in an extensive exorcism that lasted from August 18 to December 23, 1928, in Earling, Iowa. Ecklund was said to have exhibited symptoms akin to possession beginning at age fourteen, and was forty-six years old during her final exorcism by Father Theophilus Riesinger, a Roman Catholic priest.” So, sure, we’ve seen exorcism movies before, but the exorcisms don’t usually last as long as the one in the Emma Schmidt case.
Ashley Greene (Twilight) and Abigail Cowen (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) join Pacino and Stevens in the cast.
David Midell directed the film from a screenplay he wrote with Enrico Natale. He previously directed the 2014 drama NightLights and the 2019 thriller The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain. Natale is producing The Ritual with Andrew Stevens and Mitchell Welch.
Are you looking forward to The Ritual? Check out the teaser poster, then let us know by leaving a comment below.
Sony has just released the trailer for Karate Kid: Legends. The film stars Ben Wang (American Born Chinese) as a young teenager from China who finds identity and strength in martial arts. During his journey of self-discovery, Wang’s character meets a disciplined martial arts master. Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio reprising their roles of Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso. Joshua Jackson (Fatal Attraction) and Ming-Na Wen (The Mandalorian) also appear in the movie, alongside Sadie Stanley (Cruel Summer) as the romantic lead. Jonathan Entwistle (The End of the F***ing World) directed the movie from a script by Rob Lieber (Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day).
The official plot synopsis reads, “In Karate Kid: Legends, after a family tragedy, kung fu prodigy Li Fong (Ben Wang) is uprooted from his home in Beijing and forced to move to New York City with his mother. Li struggles to let go of his past as he tries to fit in with his new classmates, and although he doesn’t want to fight, trouble seems to find him everywhere. When a new friend needs his help, Li enters a karate competition – but his skills alone aren’t enough. Li’s kung fu teacher Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) enlists original Karate Kid Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) for help, and Li learns a new way to fight, merging their two styles into one for the ultimate martial arts showdown.”
Daniel-San himself couldn’t help but share his enthusiasm for this new entry into the series. “I’m not allowed to say a lot about it, except another awesome chapter is on its way,” Macchio said. “Ben Wang is a young kid in the show, he’s very exciting to watch. And working with Jackie [Chan], he’s a legend. They found, you know, it’s its own story in the vast universe, you know, so it’s another chapter in a different area that connects the mythology of where it all began. And fortunately, I was the guy that was there when it all began.“
Cobra Kai recently came to a close, and returning for Karate Kid: Legends wasn’t an easy choice for Macchio after spending so many years on the Netflix show, reprising his iconic role. However, in the end, it felt right. “It was not a quick decision, because it was about protecting the Daniel LaRusso character, and finding where he would be at that point, and then protecting the whole legacy in the Miyagi-verse,” Macchio told Variety. “Once we were able to line that up, for the ‘Cobra Kai’ story to lead into the new film — even though they’re separate ecosystems — it all made sense for me. Then, working with Jackie was just super exciting. I started this on the big screen. How cool is it to get it back to the big screen?” As for whether this will be the last time we see Daniel LaRusso, Macchio wouldn’t say. “I don’t want to overstay the welcome of a character that’s so beloved,” he said. “But he’s aging like I am, so there could be other areas to explore as well. Never say never.“
Marvel Rivals might not feature a post-match ”Play of the Game” like Overwatch, but every match highlights the most valuable player, or MVP at the end. You can also see the MVP highlighted on the match summary screen if you were on their team. If you weren’t, you would instead see another player with an SVP title.
Marvel Rivals might not feature a post-match ”Play of the Game” like Overwatch, but every match highlights the most valuable player, or MVP at the end. You can also see the MVP highlighted on the match summary screen if you were on their team. If you weren’t, you would instead see another player with an SVP title.
Flying Lotus has directed the experimental comedy Kuso and the Ozzy’s Dungeon segment of the horror anthology V/H/S/99, and next up for the rapper and filmmaker (who is a.k.a. Steven Ellison) is the sci-fi thriller Ash, starring Eiza González (Baby Driver) and Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad). When González and Paul were cast in the film, Flying Lotus released a statement saying, “We are building something fresh and unique with Ash and having Eiza and Aaron in this world just makes it flames. They are absolute magic makers, brave and equally inspiring. All that to say… We ‘bout to kill this.” We won’t have to wait much longer to see how well they did kill it, as RLJE Films will be giving Ash a nationwide theatrical release on March 21st – and in anticipation of that release, a teaser trailer and a teaser poster have been unveiled. You can watch the trailer in the embed above, and the teaser poster can be found at the bottom of this article.
Ash will also be reaching the Shudder streaming service sometime after its March theatrical release. Prime Video secured the international rights to the film in a high-seven figure pact, nearing $10 million.
González plays a woman who wakes on a far-flung planet to find her crew mysteriously murdered. When a man (Paul) comes to investigate the scene, she must decide if she can trust him or if he’s responsible for her series of unfortunate events. Here’s the official synopsis: On the mysterious planet of Ash, Riya (González) awakens to find her crew slaughtered. When a man named Brion (Paul) arrives to rescue her, an ordeal of psychological and physical terror ensues while Riya and Brion must decide if they can trust one another to survive.
Beulah Koale (Hawaii Five-O), Kate Elliott (The Gulf), and Iko Uwais of the Raid films are also in the cast. At one time, Tessa Thompson and Joseph Gordon-Levitt were signed on to star in the film, but they both had to drop out and were replaced by González and Paul.
Flying Lotus – who some may know as the FlyLo FM DJ featured in the video game Grand Theft Auto Online – directed the film from a screenplay by Jonni Remmler and is also be composing the score. XYZ Films and GFC Films are producing Ash, with Neill Blomkamp and Echo Lake serving as executive producers. XYZ Films is co-financing the project with IPR.VC. Blomkamp is known for his own directing endeavors, including the films District 9, Elysium, Chappie, and Demonic. Individual producers are Nate Bolotin of XYZ Films and Matthew Metcalfe of GFC Films.
Are you looking forward to seeing Ash in March? Let us know by leaving a comment below.
Krysten Ritter is currently making the promotional rounds for the upcoming anticipated Sonic the Hedgehog 3. She joins the series as a new cast member, along with James Wolk, Sofia Pernas, Cristo Fernández, and Jorma Taccone, as well as Alyla Browne, who is said to be playing Maria. The reactions to this new entry are generally positive, with one reviewer exclaiming, “LEGENDARY!! Keanu’s Shadow is PERFECT. Fun & BOMBASTIC adventure with emotional stakes. Balances humor with such gravitas. Also thrilling action that edges your hog. Not just another sequel, it’s the BEST Sonic film ever!“
Ritter was also part of the Marvel family at one point, as she starred as Jessica Jones in the Netflix series of the same name. According to Deadline, Brad Winderbaum, who is the Head of Streaming, Television, and Animation at Marvel Studios, had made comments at the D23 Brazil Expo that he wants Jessica Jones to return. Ritter caught wind of this comment and told ComicBook.com,
Brad Winderbaum said that? That’s really exciting to hear. Isn’t that the guy who makes the call? Come on, Brad! Let’s get it going. Let’s do it. I’ll be ready.”
While the Netflix Marvel shows like Daredevil and Luke Cage were considered to be part of the universe, now that Disney+ has launched and the studio has aggressively combined the movie world with the TV world, these characters are officially crossing over with the cinematic counterparts. Jessica Jones would end its run in 2019 and Ritter would state her passion to play Jones again not long after the series ended.
Back in 2021, Ritter would say, “I would absolutely just die to play Jessica again. I had the best time doing it and I just love her so much. I’m so proud of that character. Not only because it was like a great role and she’s such a bad-ass, but that character has really resonated with people in a way that I don’t know who else has. Really, really resonated with women and girls, trauma survivors. It’s just so, so big and such a thing I’m so grateful to have been a part of. So if there’s ever an opportunity for me to put on those boots, I will be there in a flash.”
