News

‘Bird Box’ Author Josh Malerman Talks Lofty Concepts and Adaptation

Published

5 years ago

December 23, 2018

If you ask author Josh Malerman how his novel Bird Box came into being, he’ll freely admit that the original concept sounds pretty high-minded.

It all began when two rather interesting yet totally disparate thoughts collided, and earlier this week, he sat down with iHorror to discuss just how they came together, and his excitement at how Netflix has helped bring his novel to a new audience in an exciting adaptation.

“What if a concept came to your town, the concept of infinity, and it was solid enough to be called a creature and to knock on your door,” Malerman explained. “That idea was really powerful to me because our minds are ill-equipped to comprehend infinity. Trying to make sense of it would drive us mad.”

At around the same time, the author had another image in his head that he could not quite get rid of that involved a mother and two children attempting to navigate a river blind-folded. He began to write about the three of them, but he was blocked as to how they ended up in this precarious situation.

Suddenly, like two pieces of a puzzle, the ideas joined. Something unfathomable was all around them, and to escape the danger, they had to move, but they had to do it blind.

“The idea just kind of exploded in my mind,” he said. “I wrote about 4300 words a day for 26 days; it was one of the most fluid experiences of my life. I felt like I was reading the book while I was writing it!”

And soon, the story of Malorie, a pregnant woman who finds herself sharing a house with the other survivors of an enigmatic plague of creatures whose very presence causes madness and her eventual bid for escape to a safe haven, was written, edited, and picked up by Harper Collins for publishing.

Author Josh Malerman at a signing for *Bird Box*

The author’s head was already spinning at his good fortune when three months later his agent, Ryan Lewis, called to inform him that Universal had purchased the rights to adapt his novel into a film. Soon after, Netflix purchased the rights from Universal and the process of adaptation was taken on by screenwriter Eric Heisserer (Arrival, Light’s Out).

“A lot of people have used the word ‘surreal’ to describe all of this and it seems like the right word to turn to, but there’s also something that is hyper-real about it,” the author explained. “We’re children of a movie generation, so there’s a sense while writing…you see it cinematically.”

Still, even though he had envisioned what an adaptation would look like, he never dreamed it would involve star caliber like Sandra Bullock and John Malkovich.

Malerman admits it was the character of Malorie that he related to more than any other while writing the book, comparing her to what one might feel for a twin sister, and he was surprised to find that kinship extended onto the screen.

“I knew her very well; I knew she could do this, and I knew she could survive,” he said. “When I was watching the movie, I found myself feeling the same way. She’s smart; she’s strong, and I had that same connection.”

Malorie, herself, is a very complex character, a terrified mother raising children in an environment where survival is more important than affection which can, he points out give people the wrong impression initially, and he was happy that in the adaptation, they followed his example of allaying those fears early.

He was also pleased that Netflix was racially diverse in casting Bird Box, perhaps taking a cue from something that was absent in the novel.

“Someone pointed out to me early on in the life of the book that they didn’t think I ever mentioned any racial descriptors in there,” he said. “Are they white? Are they African American? Are they Jewish? They could be anyone, I left those descriptors out intentionally and I’m glad that Netflix did the same.”

When all was said and done, when he’d watched the first screening of the film at the Netflix offices, Malerman admits he could not stop smiling. Necessary changes were made, and some he admits he even wished he had written himself.

And what would he tell fans of the novel who are reticent about trying the film?

“I’m so honored this adaptation happened and the way I see it is this,” Malerman explained. “If I had directed the film, which I didn’t…if I had starred in the film, which I didn’t…if I had written the screenplay, which I didn’t…it would still not be the book. There are things that would have to be different. I’m just glad it was in their hands.”

Bird Box is currently available on Netflix, and the novel is available in bookstores and in multiple formats from online sellers.

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News

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

Published

6 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Cameron McFarland

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.

“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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News

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

Published

7 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Cameron McFarland

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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Lists

New to Netflix (U.S.) This Month [May 2024]

Published

9 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Timothy Rawles

atlas movie Netflix starring Jennifer Lopez

Another month means fresh additions to Netflix. Although there aren’t many new horror titles this month, there are still some notable movies well worth your time. For instance, you can watch Karen Black try to land a 747 jet in Airport 1979, or Casper Van Dien kill giant insects in Paul Verhoeven’s bloody sci-fi opus Starship Troopers.

We are looking forward to the Jennifer Lopez sci-fi action movie Atlas. But let us know what you are going to watch. And if we have missed something, put it in the comments.

May 1:

Airport

A blizzard, a bomb, and a stowaway help create the perfect storm for the manager of a Midwestern airport and a pilot with a messy personal life.

Airport ’75

^{Airport ’75}

When a Boeing 747 loses its pilots in a midair collision, a member of the cabin crew must take control with radio help from a flight instructor.

Airport ’77

A luxury 747 packed with VIPs and priceless art goes down in the Bermuda Triangle after being hijacked by thieves — and time for a rescue is running out.

Jumanji

Two siblings discover an enchanted board game that opens a door to a magical world — and unwittingly release a man who’s been trapped inside for years.

Hellboy

^Hellboy

A half-demon paranormal investigator questions his defense of humans when a dismembered sorceress rejoins the living to wreak brutal vengeance.

Starship Troopers

When fire-spitting, brain-sucking bugs attack Earth and obliterate Buenos Aires, an infantry unit heads to the aliens’ planet for a showdown.

May 9

Bodkin

^Bodkin

A ragtag crew of podcasters sets out to investigate mysterious disappearances from decades earlier in a charming Irish town with dark, dreadful secrets.

May 15

The Clovehitch Killer

^{The Clovehitch Killer}

A teenager’s picture-perfect family is torn apart when he uncovers unnerving evidence of a serial killer close to home.

May 16

Upgrade

After a violent mugging leaves him paralyzed, a man receives a computer chip implant that allows him to control his body — and get his revenge.

Monster

_Monster

After being abducted and taken to a desolate house, a girl sets out to rescue her friend and escape from their malicious kidnapper.

May 24

Atlas

^Atlas

A brilliant counterterrorism analyst with a deep distrust of AI discovers it might be her only hope when a mission to capture a renegade robot goes awry.

Jurassic World: Chaos Theory

The Camp Cretaceous gang come together to unravel a mystery when they discover a global conspiracy that brings danger to dinosaurs — and to themselves.

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