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‘Talk to Me’ Banned Because of This Cast Member

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It’s not even a point in the horror movie Talk to Me that one of its actors is non-binary and trans, but the Middle Eastern country of Kuwait noticed and subsequently banned it from their cinemas.

Zoe Terakes, 23, plays Hayley in the film, just one of the curious teens who partake in the strange powers of an embalmed hand that when grabbed leads people into the spiritual realm. The movie has gotten positive reviews and there is even a sequel in the works.

But Kuwait probably won’t be seeing the sequel since banning the original. The decision was based on Terakes participation in the film, they are trans in real-life. The Hollywood Reporter ran the story about a week ago and Terakes responded to it on X (formerly Twitter).

They say the film never actually mentions their transness or queerness.

“I am a trans actor who happened to get the role. I’m not a theme. I am a person. Kuwait has banned this film due to my identity alone,” Terakes wrote.

Terakes adds: “As much as it is very sad to be on the receiving end of this, what is even more heartbreaking is what this precedent means for the queer and trans people of Kuwait.

Representation is hope. Representation is a light at the end of the tunnel, a reason to keep going, something to hold onto in the dark, a voice that whispers things can be better than they are.

Eliminating trans actors on screens will not eliminate trans people (as much as the government of Kuwait wishes it would) but it will eliminate a lot of hope.”

The actor also states they are concerned for trans folk in Kuwait who must endure the transphobia with few places to look for hope.

The Hollywood Reporter also claims that this is the first instance of discrimination in Kuwait where the decision to ban a film is based on an actors gender identity.

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‘Fall’ Team Finds ‘Daybreakers’ Brothers to Helm Follow-Up

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The sleeper hit Fall (2022) is getting not one, but two sequels. Written and directed by Scott Mann, Fall was slow out of the gate thanks to a crunchy CGI trailer, but thanks to the performances, writing and outstanding direction, it found its footing to pull in seven times its original $3 million budget. That cashfall was mostly thanks to word of mouth and VOD.

The Spierig Brothers, Michael and Peter, are taking over the reins for Fall 2, with Mann returning to the director’s chair for its sequel Fall 3.

The Spierig Brothers delved into horror movies starting with Undead in 2003, and after that the apocalyptic vampire action thriller Daybreakers (2009). Perhaps their biggest break was getting to add to the Saw universe in 2017 with Jigsaw which led them to Winchester (2018) starring Helen Mirren.

Variety got a statement from the directing duo, in which they said, “We’re extremely excited to helm the second installment of this franchise and bring to life another nail biting, vertigo inducing thrill ride.“

Mann said he can’t wait for Flawless (his production company) to work with the brothers on this latest installment. “I am so proud to hand over the reins to the Spierigs, two highly respected genre directors whose addition will undoubtedly make this follow-up even more of a must-see experience than we already knew it would be.”

Fall 2 is written by Mann and his co-writer of the first film, Jonathan Frank. No plot details are being released at this time, however, movie site JoBlo has said some characters from the first film will return for the sequel.

So what do you think? Will lightning strike twice for Fall 2 and Fall 3 or was the first one enough for you? Let us know.

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Alexandre Aja’s Latest ‘Never Let Go’ Drops Official Trailer

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Director Alexandre Aja (Crawl, High Tension) is sticking to form in his latest survival horror movie Never Let Go. The official trailer for it dropped this morning. Perhaps best known for his films Crawl and The Hills Have Eyes (2206), Aja has a penchant for using nature against people in his films.

This theme is further explored in Never Let Go a psychological thriller in which stars Halle Berry. “In this new psychological thriller/horror, as an evil takes over the world beyond their front doorstep, the only protection for a mother, played by Academy Award® winner Halle Berry (Actress in a Leading Role, 2001 –Monster’s Ball), and her twin sons is their house and their family’s protective bond. Needing to stay connected at all times – even tethering themselves with ropes – they cling to one another, urging each other to never let go. But when one of the boys questions if the evil is real, the ties that bind them together are severed, triggering a terrifying fight for survival.”

Never Let Go will be released only in theaters on September 27.

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‘Violent Night’ Director’s Next Project is a Shark Movie

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Sony Pictures is getting in the water with director Tommy Wirkola for his next project; a shark movie. Although no plot details have been revealed, Variety confirms that the movie will start filming in Australia this summer.

Also confirmed is that actress Phoebe Dynevor is circling the project and is in talks to star. She is probably best known for her role as Daphne in the popular Netflix soap Bridgerton.

Dead Snow (2009)

Duo Adam McKay and Kevin Messick (Don’t Look Up, Succession) will produce the new film.

Wirkola is from Norway and utilizes a lot of action in his horror films. One of his first films, Dead Snow (2009), about zombie Nazis, is a cult favorite, and his 2013 action-heavy Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters is an entertaining distraction.

Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters (2013)

But 2022’s Christmas blood fest Violent Night starring David Harbour made wider audiences familiar with Wirkola. Coupled with favorable reviews and a great CinemaScore, the film became a Yuletide hit.

Insneider first reported this new shark project.

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