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‘No Escape Room’ is a Supernatural Puzzler

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Director Alex Merkin is bringing his style to SyFy’s annual 31 Days of Halloween block with No Escape Room. The filmmaker knows how to construct a good thriller and those talents are put to use in this ghostly puzzler.

“I think it feels different from the more classic horror films you usually see this time of year,” Merkin told iHorror. “Its kind of a Psychological Horror film if that makes sense.”

He directed last year’s House of the Witch which also played with this idea, but with a supernatural touch.

As in Witch, Merkin sets the action inside a house where once again he delves into history and lore.

“We wanted to play with the idea that this house where the escape room was set up has a unique history to it – built and designed around the turn of the century by a man obsessed with the idea of bridging our world with the one beyond.”

For those who don’t know, escape rooms are a current trend in cultural entertainment where groups of people pay to be locked in a room and given clues to find a way out before time is up.

In his film, he says the house in which it’s set is an elaborate device itself; a “piece of clockwork filled with a macabre collection of devices, artifacts, and relics that have been used throughout the centuries to contact the dead.”

Merkin joins House of the Witch writer Neil Elman to bring to life this tale of mystery. And they’ve done their research. The story introduces its characters to cultural techniques used to contact the dead from psychotropic plants to old radios that may be a direct link to the things on other side.

“Everything inside seems intended to boost or amplify the spiritual connection,” says Merkin.

But this revelation is initially lost on the team of friends who have entered the mansion until they begin to realize they might be being plied with puzzles to set something else free.

“As they solve the house’s puzzles, moving deeper and deeper inside,” explains Merkin, “they could be unlocking more than just the next room: they could be turning the clockwork that slowly opens the door to the world beyond, unleashing something terrible that’s waiting to get through.”

No Escape Room is a part of SyFy’s 31 Days of Halloween.

It premieres on Saturday, Oct. 6 at 9 pm ET on SyFy Channel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-evw31NBm4

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Mike Flanagan In Talks to Direct New Exorcist Movie for Blumhouse

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Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House) is a national treasure that must be protected at all costs. Not only has he created some of the best horror series to ever exist, but he also managed to make a Ouija Board movie genuinely terrifying.

A report from Deadline yesterday indicates that we may be seeing even more from this legendary storysmith. According to Deadline sources, Flanagan is in talks with Blumhouse and Universal Pictures to direct the next Exorcist film. However, Universal Pictures and Blumhouse have declined to comment on this collaboration at this time.

Mike Flanagan
Mike Flanagan

This change comes after The Exorcist: Believer failed to meet Blumhouse’s expectations. Initially, David Gordon Green (Halloween)was hired to create three Exorcist films for the production company, but he has left the project to focus on his production of The Nutcrackers.

If the deal goes through, Flanagan will take over the franchise. Looking at his track record, this could be the right move for the Exorcist franchise. Flanagan consistently delivers amazing horror media that leave audiences clamoring for more.

It would also be perfect timing for Flanagan, as he just wrapped up filming the Stephen King adaptation, The Life of Chuck. This isn’t the first time he has worked on a King product. Flanagan also adapted Doctor Strange and Gerald’s Game.

He has also created some amazing Netflix originals. These include The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, The Midnight Club, and most recently, The Fall of the House of Usher.

If Flanagan does take over, I think the Exorcist franchise will be in good hands.

That’s all the information we have at this time. Make sure to check back here for more news and updates.

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A24 Creating New Action Thriller “Onslaught” From ‘The Guest’ & ‘You’re Next’ Duo

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It’s always nice to see a reunion in the world of horror. Following a competitive bidding war, A24 has secured the rights to the new action thriller film Onslaught. Adam Wingard (Godzilla vs. Kong) will be directing the film. He will be joined by his longtime creative partner Simon Barret (You’re Next) as the scriptwriter.

For those unaware, Wingard and Barret made a name for themselves while working together on films such as You’re Next and The Guest. The two creatives are card carrying horror royalty. The pair have worked on films such as V/H/S, Blair Witch, The ABC’s of Death, and A Horrible Way to Die.

An exclusive article of out Deadline gives us the limited information we have on the topic. Although we don’t have much to go on, Deadline does offer the following information.

A24

“Plot details are being kept under wraps but the film is in the vein of Wingard and Barrett’s cult classics like The Guest and You’re Next. Lyrical Media and A24 will co-finance. A24 will handle worldwide releasing. Principal photography will begin in Fall 2024.”

A24 will be producing the film alongside Aaron Ryder and Andrew Swett for Ryder Picture Company, Alexander Black for Lyrical Media, Wingard and Jeremy Platt for Breakaway Civilization, and Simon Barret.

That’s all the information we have at this time. Make sure to check back here for more news and updates.

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Director Louis Leterrier Creating New Sci-Fi Horror Film “11817”

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Louis Leterrier

According to an article from Deadline, Louis Leterrier (The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance) is about to shake things up with his new Sci-Fi horror film 11817. Leterrier is set to produce and direct the new Movie. 11817 is penned by the glorious Mathew Robinson (The Invention of Lying).

Rocket Science will be taking the film to Cannes in search of a buyer. While we don’t know much about what the film looks like, Deadline offers the following plot synopsis.

“The film watches as inexplicable forces trap a family of four inside their house indefinitely. As both modern luxuries and life or death essentials begin to run out, the family must learn how to be resourceful to survive and outsmart who — or what — is keeping them trapped…”

“Directing projects where the audience gets behind the characters has always been my focus. However complex, flawed, heroic, we identify with them as we live through their journey,” said Leterrier. “It’s what excites me about 11817‘s wholly original concept and the family at the heart of our story. This is an experience that movie audiences won’t forget.”

Leterrier has made a name for himself in the past for working on beloved franchises. His portfolio includes gems such as Now You See Me, The Incredible Hulk, Clash of The Titans, and The Transporter. He is currently attached to create the final Fast and the Furious film. However, it will be interesting to see what Leterrier can do working with some darker subject material.

That’s all the information we have for you at this time. As always, make sure to check back here for more news and updates.

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