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Vlogger Finds Lost Filming Locations for Craven’s ‘The Hills Have Eyes’

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The Hills Have Eyes (1977)

Travel vlogger Justin Scarred has done the impossible and found the actual filming locations from Wes Craven’s The Hills Have Eyes (1977)The YouTube star incorporated the help of his brother to search out and document the rural California desert locations and produced a 44-minute video of his findings on his popular Randomland Fright docuseries

Their exhaustive journey and fervent determination paid off and using split screens and shot for shot overlays capture what might be the holy grail of horror locations. What makes this such an important discovery for movie fans is the remote location and repetitiveness of landscape which made it nearly impossible for explorers to pinpoint.

Justin Scarred- Randomland

Justin Scarred- Randomland

Here’s what Justin has to say about his search:

“For two decades I searched and hoped someone would post the filming locations online, but after waiting and searching all this time, I finally found the correct spot, just northeast of Los Angeles, in the Mojave Desert outside of Apple Valley.

This video is the culmination of weeks of searching and returning to the desert multiple times, combing over the mountains and washes to locate the filming locations of the Carter family trailer, Pluto’s dog attack scene, Beauty’s disappearance and Bobby’s search, Pluto’s entrapment, the Rattlesnake Canyon, the Mars Chase scene, Ruby’s revenge and the Baby’s reunion! My brother and I are happy to present the end result of all the blisters and cactus wounds, THE LOST FILMING LOCATIONS OF THE ORIGINAL HILLS HAVE EYES!!!”

The Hills Have Eyes (1977)

The Hills Have Eyes (1977)

The Hills Have Eyes was “officially” shot just outside Victorville California in the iconic craggy desert landscape which has come to signify the uneven California desert in a lot of films.

wes craven michael berryman | Tumblr

Craven’s actors, including Dee Wallace (E.T., Cujo), have notoriously said that location shooting was a hellish experience; often filming in120-degree weather during the day and nearly freezing temperatures at night.

Randomland Fright - YouTube

Randomland Fright – YouTube

Michael Berryman who plays Pluto and has become the literal poster child for the film had an especially hard time since he suffers from many birth defects including the absence of sweat glands.

The cast provided their own make-up because of the limited budget and Wallace has said that the dogs in the film were treated better than their human counterparts.

Despite the MPAA having a fit over some of the graphic violence and at one point giving it an X-rating, The Hills Have Eyes went on to become a great box office success. In 1984 the director re-visited his cannibalistic mutants in the widely panned sequel The Hills Have Eyes Part II.  

Of course, the franchise got a reboot in 2006 with Alexander Aja (High Tension, Crawl) at the helm. It got yet another sequel in 2007.

Life Between Frames: The Remake Comparison Project - Wes Craven's Nuclear Family Meltdown

Even though the franchise has become a cult mainstay (there’s even been talk of a mutant origin story) the original is still one of the true horror gems spanning generations.

With Justin’s video documentation of the film’s location that reverence is still in good standing among fans, filmmakers, and American cinema in general. Plus it’s a testament to the actors (and one intrepid vlogger) who endured the extreme elements for their craft and the genre itself.

Take a look:

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1994’s ‘The Crow’ Coming Back to Theaters for A New Special Engagement

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The Crow

Cinemark recently announced that they will be bringing The Crow back from the dead once again. This announcement comes just in time for the film’s 30th anniversary. Cinemark will be playing The Crow in select theaters on May 29th and 30th.

For those unaware, The Crow is a fantastic film based on the gritty graphic novel by James O’Barr. Widely considered one of the best films of the 90s, The Crow’s lifespan was cut short when Brandon Lee died of an accidental on set shooting.

The official synapsis of the film is as follows. “The modern-gothic original that entranced audiences and critics alike, The Crow tells the tale of a young musician brutally murdered alongside his beloved fiancée, only to be risen from the grave by a mysterious crow. Seeking revenge, he battles a criminal underground that must answer for its crimes. Adapted from the comic book saga of the same name, this action-packed thriller from director Alex Proyas (Dark City) features hypnotic style, dazzling visuals, and a soulful performance by the late Brandon Lee.”

The Crow

The timing of this release couldn’t be better. As a new generation of fans eagerly awaits the release of The Crow remake, they can now see the classic film in all of its glory. As much as we love Bill Skarsgard (IT), there is something timeless in Brandon Lee’s performance in the film.

This theatrical release is part of the Scream Greats series. This is a collaboration between Paramount Scares and Fangoria to bring audiences some of the best classic horror films. So far, they are doing a fantastic job.

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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Hugh Jackman & Jodie Comer Team Up for a New Dark Robin Hood Adaptation

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A report from Deadline details director Michal Sarnoski’s (A Quiet Place: Day One) newest project, The Death of Robin Hood. The film is set to feature Hugh Jackman (Logan) and Jodie Comer (The End We Start From).

Michael Sarnoski will write and direct the new Robin Hood adaptation. Jackman will be reunited with Aaron Ryder (The Prestige), who is producing the film. The Death of Robin Hood is expected to be a hot item at the upcoming Cannes film market.

Hugh Jackman, The Death of Robin Hood
Hugh Jackman

Deadline describes the films as the following. “The film is a darker reimagining of the classic Robin Hood tale. Set of its time, the film will see the title character grappling with his past after a life of crime and murder, a battleworn loner who finds himself gravely injured and in the hands of a mysterious woman, who offers him a chance at salvation.”

Lyrical Media will be financing the film. Alexander Black will produce the film alongside Ryder and Andrew Sweet. Black gave Deadline the following information about the project. “We are thrilled to be part of this very special project and to be working with a visionary director in Michael, a phenomenal cast in Hugh and Jodie, and producing with our frequent collaborators, Ryder and Swett at RPC.”

“This is not the story of Robin Hood we’ve all come to know,” Ryder and Swett stated to Deadline “Instead, Michael has crafted something far more grounded and visceral. Thanks to Alexander Black and our friends at Lyrical along with Rama and Michael, the world is going to love seeing Hugh and Jodie together in this epic.”

Jodie Comer

Sarnoski seems to be excited by the project as well. He offered Deadline the following information about the film.

“It has been an incredible opportunity to reinvent and freshly innovate the story we all know of Robin Hood. Securing the perfect cast to transform the script to screen was essential. I could not be more thrilled and trusting in Hugh and Jodie to bring this story to life in a powerful and meaningful way.”

We are still a long way away from seeing this Robin Hood tale. Production is expected to begin in February of 2025. However, it does sound like it will be a fun entry into the Robin Hood canon.

That’s all the information we have at this time.

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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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