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1,369 Vampires Descend on England for Record-Breaking Turnout

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What could be more appropriate than hundreds of vampires gathering at a 13th-century English abbey to honor the author who started it all? Well, actually, there was another reason. And no, it wasn’t a blood drive.

The vampire-costumed crowd not only wanted to give their respects to the 125th anniversary of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. They also wanted to break the world’s record for the largest assembly of people dressed as vampires and take their place in the pages of the Guinness Book of World Records.

On May 26, 2022, hordes of the “undead” made their way to Whitby Abbey. Organizers hoped that 1,897 bloodsuckers would show their fangs at the event, but 1,369 showed up — in direct sunlight! Still, that number was enough to break the previous world record of 1,039 people originally set in Virginia in 2011.

World Dracula Day

The record attempt happened to also fall on World Dracula Day. Now a decade old, the celebration draws in fans of Stoker’s novel Dracula which some feel has inspirational roots in Whitby Abbey, especially pertaining to its gothic architecture. With its towering facade and remaining walls, it’s easy to imagine the centuries-old structure as home to the bloodthirsty Count Dracula.

Every year people gather at the site in appreciation of Stoker’s literary work through cosplay and socialization.

Inspiration for the novel Dracula

When Stoker visited Whitby, he was reportedly overcome with its atmosphere. The abbey ruins, in particular, were of interest and upon a visit to the local library, Stoker discovered a book that told of Vlad Tepes, a 15th-century prince who allegedly impaled his enemies with wooden stakes. A legend was born.

Courtesy The Independent : YouTube

The costume of the day

Unlike the modern depiction of vampires with their glitter skin and H&M fashion sense, the original Count was a little more conservative when it came to style. It is widely accepted that Bela Lugosi’s costume in the 1931 adaptation of Dracula is the accepted garb. His high-collared shirt with matching vest, black pants, and cape might be how most people envision the Transylvanian.

Participants in the World Dracula Day celebration were encouraged to mimic that classic look and pair that with a set of fangs.

“We’d like to say a BIG thank you to everyone who has supported us and joined us at Whitby Abbey to help make this happen — you all looked fang-tastic,” English Heritage said in a Facebook post.

The future of Dracula in film

Perhaps the most anticipated adaptation of Dracula in recent years is the upcoming movie Renfield. The movie stars Nicolas Cage as Dracula and Nicholas Hoult as his titular assistant. In the novel, Renfield is often manipulated by Dracula to do his bidding all with the promise of everlasting life. His appetite for bugs and small creatures makes him just as bloodthirsty as his ward, but he seems a bit more unhinged.

Plot details about Renfield are not widely available, but reportedly it follows the toxic relationship between the endured servant and his controlling boss. Having had enough of Dracula’s abuse, Renfield turns on his master and decides to take him down. The film is also reportedly being told in modern times. Chris McKay directs the film with a script penned by Rick and Morty creator Robert Kirkman.

Not the first time Nic Cage has been a vampire

Before Nic Cage became an Oscar-winning actor and later on an action star, he was a staple in 80s teen comedies. One of those titles was 1988s Vampire’s Kiss in which he thinks he’s slowly becoming a vampire after a sexual encounter with a beautiful woman.

The movie wasn’t exactly a box office smash, but there was enough interest that it became a cult classic.

Record Broken

In the end, fans of Bram Stoker, his monster, and the reported site of his inspiration were able to break the record of most people dressed as vampires in one place. Whether that number will be beaten next year obviously remains to be seen, but for now, the count and the Count, count.

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

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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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