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‘Spooky Empire’ Returns to Orlando This Halloween Weekend

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As you might imagine, we freaks here at iHorror tend to be huge fans of horror conventions. After all, where else can a horror lover meet their favorite stars, buy awesome memorabilia, hang out with like-minded maniacs, and watch kickass independent horror films in a single weekend? On that note, Spooky Empire is preparing to bring its infamous blood-soaked hijinks back to Orlando, FL this Halloween, and we’ve got the skinny on who and what you can expect to see there.

First off, here’s a tip from a long-time con attendee. If at all possible, get there when the event starts. Spooky Empire’s events draw thousands of horror fans from both in and outside the state of Florida every year, and the crowds only seem to increase in size with each passing Halloween. Getting there early will give you time to park, gather up your belongings and/or loved ones, and get inside before the lines for the biggest stars have gotten huge.

scream-4-neve-campbell-photo

As for which genre stars Spooky Empire attendees can expect to meet this time out, the list is incredibly varied, and is likely to please just about every segment of the horror fanbase. First off, Neve Campbell and Skeet Ulrich – Sidney and Billy respectively – will reunite at Spooky Empire just in time to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Scream. While the passing of Wes Craven has made this somewhat of a bittersweet milestone, the late director is likely to get a fond remembrance from the two actors.

Romero World War Z

Also attending Spooky Empire is film and TV legend Burt Reynolds, star of such films as Smokey and the Bandit, Boogie Nights, Deliverance, and Striptease. One could argue how tied to the horror genre Reynolds is, but this is Burt freaking Reynolds. When Burt Reynolds says he’s willing to appear at your con, you say yes sir. Of course, those wishing to spend time hobnobbing with legends more directly tied to horror can feel free to say hi to people like zombie godfather George Romero, Candyman star Tony Todd, and director/actor/make-up virtuoso Tom Savini.

Candyman

If one wishes to engage in a little bit of the ol’ ultraviolence – or at least have a spirited discussion about it – Spooky attendees can rub elbows with A Clockwork Orange and Halloween (2007) star Malcolm McDowell, share some quality time with Danny “Machete” Trejo, or perhaps have an encounter with the Warlock himself, Julian Sands.

Pet Sematary - Gage

Those who wish to see what some of their favorite child stars have grown up to look like can head over to see Pet Sematary’s Miko Hughes, or perhaps chat with The Shining’s twin terrors Lisa and Louise Burns, who are rumored to want to talk to you forever, and ever, and ever. Although not all former kid stars in attendance began life giving us nightmares, such as Child’s Play hero Alex Vincent, and the child cast of legendary musical Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

Tales from the Crypt

If all those names aren’t enough to entice you to get your Spooky on, maybe you’ll be excited to meet much of the cast of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, or the non-Jerry Dandridge leads of Fright Night, or The Devil’s Rejects’ Bill Moseley and William Forsythe, or voice of “The Cryptkeeper” John Kassir. Seriously, if you love horror, have the financial means, and choose not to attend Spooky Empire, what the heck is wrong with you?

Spooky Empire’s Ultimate Horror Weekend 2015 takes place for the first time at the beautiful Hyatt Regency on International Drive in Orlando. The event is being held from October 30th-November 1st, meaning you can actually spend your Halloween night with tons of fellow fans. Tickets and VIP Packages are on-sale now.

Fright Night poster

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“Mickey Vs. Winnie”: Iconic Childhood Characters Collide in A Terrifying Versus Slasher

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iHorror is diving deep into film production with a chilling new project that’s sure to redefine your childhood memories. We’re thrilled to introduce ‘Mickey vs. Winnie,’ a groundbreaking horror slasher directed by Glenn Douglas Packard. This isn’t just any horror slasher; it’s a visceral showdown between twisted versions of childhood favorites Mickey Mouse and Winnie-the-Pooh. ‘Mickey vs. Winnie’ brings together the now-public-domain characters from A. A. Milne’s ‘Winnie-the-Pooh’ books and Mickey Mouse from the 1920s ‘Steamboat Willie’ cartoon in a VS battle like never before seen.

Mickey VS Winnie
Mickey VS Winnie Poster

Set in the 1920s, the plot kicks off with a disturbing narrative about two convicts who escape into a cursed forest, only to be swallowed by its dark essence. Fast forward a hundred years, and the story picks up with a group of thrill-seeking friends whose nature getaway goes horribly wrong. They accidentally venture into the same cursed woods, finding themselves face-to-face with the now monstrous versions of Mickey and Winnie. What follows is a night filled with terror, as these beloved characters mutate into horrifying adversaries, unleashing a frenzy of violence and bloodshed.

Glenn Douglas Packard, an Emmy-nominated choreographer turned filmmaker known for his work on “Pitchfork,” brings a unique creative vision to this film. Packard describes “Mickey vs. Winnie” as a tribute to horror fans’ love for iconic crossovers, which often remain just a fantasy due to licensing restrictions. “Our film celebrates the thrill of combining legendary characters in unexpected ways, serving up a nightmarish yet exhilarating cinematic experience,” says Packard.

Produced by Packard and his creative partner Rachel Carter under the Untouchables Entertainment banner, and our very own Anthony Pernicka, founder of iHorror, “Mickey vs. Winnie” promises to deliver an entirely new take on these iconic figures. “Forget what you know about Mickey and Winnie,” Pernicka enthuses. “Our film portrays these characters not as mere masked figures but as transformed, live-action horrors that merge innocence with malevolence. The intense scenes crafted for this movie will change how you see these characters forever.”

Currently underway in Michigan, the production of “Mickey vs. Winnie” is a testament to pushing the boundaries of the horror genre. As iHorror ventures into producing our own films, we’re excited to share this thrilling, terrifying journey with you, our loyal audience. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to transform the familiar into the frightful in ways you’ve never imagined.

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Mike Flanagan Comes Aboard To Assist in Completion of ‘Shelby Oaks’

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shelby oaks

If you have been following Chris Stuckmann on YouTube you are aware of the struggles he has had getting his horror movie Shelby Oaks finished. But there’s good news about the project today. Director Mike Flanagan (Ouija: Origin Of Evil, Doctor Sleep and The Haunting) is backing the film as a co-executive producer which might bring it much closer to being released. Flanagan is a part of the collective Intrepid Pictures which also includes Trevor Macy and Melinda Nishioka.

Shelby Oaks
Shelby Oaks

Stuckmann is a YouTube movie critic who’s been on the platform for over a decade. He came under some scrutiny for announcing on his channel two years ago that he would no longer be reviewing films negatively. However contrary to that statement, he did a non-review essay of the panned Madame Web recently saying, that studios strong-arm directors to make films just for the sake of keeping failing franchises alive. It seemed like a critique disguised as a discussion video.

But Stuckmann has his own movie to worry about. In one of Kickstarter’s most successful campaigns, he managed to raise over $1 million for his debut feature film Shelby Oaks which now sits in post-production. 

Hopefully, with Flanagan and Intrepid’s help, the road to Shelby Oak’s completion is reaching its end. 

“It’s been inspiring to watch Chris working toward his dreams over the past few years, and the tenacity and DIY spirit he displayed while bringing Shelby Oaks to life reminded me so much of my own journey over a decade ago,” Flanagan told Deadline. “It’s been an honor to walk a few steps with him on his path, and to offer support for Chris’ vision for his ambitious, unique movie. I can’t wait to see where he goes from here.”

Stuckmann says Intrepid Pictures has inspired him for years and, “it’s a dream come true to work with Mike and Trevor on my first feature.”

Producer Aaron B. Koontz of Paper Street Pictures has been working with Stuckmann since the beginning is also excited about the collaboration.

“For a film that had such a hard time getting going, it’s remarkable the doors that then opened to us,” said Koontz. “The success of our Kickstarter followed by the on-going leadership and guidance from Mike, Trevor, and Melinda is beyond anything I could have hoped for.”

Deadline describes the plot of Shelby Oaks as follows:

“A combination of documentary, found footage, and traditional film footage styles, Shelby Oaks centers on Mia’s (Camille Sullivan) frantic search for her sister, Riley, (Sarah Durn) who ominously disappeared in the last tape of her “Paranormal Paranoids” investigative series. As Mia’s obsession grows, she begins to suspect that the imaginary demon from Riley’s childhood may have been real.”

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New ‘MaXXXine’ Image is Pure 80s Costume Core

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A24 has unveiled a captivating new image of Mia Goth in her role as the titular character in “MaXXXine”. This release comes approximately a year and a half after the previous installment in Ti West’s expansive horror saga, which covers more than seven decades.

MaXXXine Official Trailer

His latest continues the story arc of freckle-faced aspiring starlet Maxine Minx from the first film X which took place in Texas in 1979. With stars in her eyes and blood on her hands, Maxine moves into a new decade and a new city, Hollywood, in pursuit of an acting career, “But as a mysterious killer stalks the starlets of Hollywood, a trail of blood threatens to reveal her sinister past.”

The photo below is the latest snapshot released from the film and shows Maxine in full Thunderdome drag amid a crowd of teased hair and rebellious 80s fashion.

MaXXXine is set to open in theaters on July 5.

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