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A Look Back At Margot Kidder’s Extensive Career in Horror

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Margot Kidder

Earlier today, we shared the tragic news of the death of iconic actress Margot Kidder. Kidder was perhaps best known for her role as Lois Lane in Superman I-IV, but the Canadian-born actress has strong roots in the horror genre. We all share the loss of such a bright and vibrant star.

Margaret Ruth Kidder – aka Margot Kidder – was born in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. One (or, rather, two) of her earliest roles was in Brian De Palma’s Sisters where she played Danielle Breton and Dominique Blanchion. The 1973 psychological horror film focuses on a French Canadian model whose separated Conjoined twin is suspected of a brutal murder (as witnessed by a newspaper reporter).

Margot Kidder in Sisters via AIP (American International Pictures)

Kidder’s performance was praised by critics who noted the film’s homage to the works of Alfred Hitchcock. She plays the roles of Danielle and Dominique with a coy balance of coquettish grace and unhinged mania, creating a division between the two sisters.

In 1974, Kidder burst onto the scene with the Canadian cult classic, Black Christmas. Bob Clark’s festive horror film is one of the first conventional slasher films and successfully passes the Bechdel Test. It features a group of strong women whose characters are fully fleshed out as they deal with their own personal concerns and growth (while being systematically hunted down by a crazed killer).

Kidder’s performance as sassy, foul-mouthed fan favorite Barb won her a Canadian Film Award for Best Actress, as well as the admiration of audience members for decades to come.

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via The Mary Sue

A year after Kidder’s debut as Lois Lane in Superman, she solidified her scream queen status as matriarch Kathy Lutz in the hugely successful The Amityville Horror. Though the 1979 film received mostly negative reviews from critics (at the time), it has since been regarded by film scholars as one of the classics of the horror genre.

Kidder was nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of a mother in terrified turmoil. The film’s success (it was the highest grossing independent film up until 1990, raking in a total of over $86 million) spawned a slew of sequels, remakes, and genre fan obsessions over the architecturally identifiable (and questionably haunted) house.

Kidder further embraced genre roles with horror anthology series like Deadly Nightmares in 1985 (in which she played the episode lead, Jane Reynolds, in Season 3’s Nightshift), The Outer Limits in 2000 (in the Season 6 episode Revival, alongside Gary Busey), and R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour in 2014 (as the titular character in Season 4’s Mrs. Worthington, for which she won an Emmy Award). Kidder also featured in the anthology film Death 4 Told in 2004 (in the segment titled The Psychic).

Her range extended to the critically acclaimed To Catch a Killer in 1992, the two-part, made-for-TV-movie about the gruesome true story of serial killer John Wayne Gacy. The miniseries was nominated for the American Television Awards for Best Miniseries, and Kidder’s co-star, Brian Dennehy, was nominated for an Emmy Award for his performance as Gacy.

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Smaller roles in The Clown At Midnight in 1999 (alongside Christopher Plummer) and Rob Zombie’s Halloween II in 2009 (playing Laurie Strode’s therapist) continued her work through the genre.

Lois Lane aside, Margot Kidder was a name you’d know with a bright and exuberant face you instantly recognize.

She was versatile. She was resilient. And she will be missed.

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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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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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