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A24’s Leap into Commercial Horror with ‘Crystal Lake’

Published

7 months ago

October 11, 2023

In the dimly lit corridors of the horror genre, A24 has carved a niche, crafting tales that have not only haunted audiences but also garnered a cult-like devotion from its fans. Known for its meticulous selection of projects like The Witch and Midsommar, A24 has been a beacon for those who seek the unconventional in the cinematic world. However, a shift is looming, as A24 is subtly altering its strategy, expanding from its beloved arthouse gems to more commercial films.

A24’s horror films, such as Hereditary, which amassed over $81 million domestically, have demonstrated a capacity to blend artistic storytelling with commercial success. The studio has also ventured into more straightforward commercial horror with Ti West’s X and its prequel Pearl, and has ordered a sequel to the horror hit Talk to Me, which grossed nearly $90 million worldwide. These films have not only terrified audiences but have also showcased A24’s ability to navigate the treacherous and often unpredictable domain of horror cinema.

The strategic shift towards more commercial films, including a pursuit of rights to established franchises like Halloween, and taking on intellectual properties (IP) like Crystal Lake with Peacock, signifies a new chapter for A24. While the studio is not completely abandoning its roots in auteur-driven dramas, it is “doing more,” exploring wide releases and “widening the aperture.” This includes delving into various domains like documentaries, adaptations, and ambitious new action epics, ensuring a diverse and innovative approach to storytelling.

**Update 10/12/2023 – A24 was outbid by Miramax for the Halloween TV Rights. Read more here.**

Concept Poster by ***Creepy Duck Design***

In the broader context, A24’s strategic shift is a reflection of the evolving landscape of the film industry, where the dichotomy between auteur projects and commercial films is becoming increasingly permeable. The studio, which has been a stepping stone for many filmmakers, faces the challenge of retaining cutting-edge directors and supporting them in a way that encourages a more commercial approach, without losing the unique, innovative spirit that has made A24 so special in the first place.

As a massive fan of A24, I’m buzzing with excitement about what they’ll do with projects like Crystal Lake, and perhaps even Halloween—if they can clinch the rights in the bidding war. I believe they’ll inject a depth into these stories that’s been somewhat faded through numerous remakes. However, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that this shift into more commercial projects doesn’t dilute the indie spirit that makes A24 a standout for us horror enthusiasts.

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Netflix Releases First BTS ‘Fear Street: Prom Queen’ Footage

Published

6 hours ago

April 30, 2024

Timothy Rawles

It’s been three long years since Netflix unleashed the bloody, but enjoyable Fear Street on its platform. Released in a tryptic fashion, the streamer broke up the story into three episodes, each taking place in a different decade which by the finale were all tied together.

Now, the streamer is in production for its sequel Fear Street: Prom Queen which brings the story into the 80s. Netflix gives a synopsis of what to expect from Prom Queen on their blog site Tudum:

“Welcome back to Shadyside. In this next installment of the blood-soaked Fear Street franchise, prom season at Shadyside High is underway and the school’s wolfpack of It Girls is busy with its usual sweet and vicious campaigns for the crown. But when a gutsy outsider is unexpectedly nominated to the court, and the other girls start mysteriously disappearing, the class of ’88 is suddenly in for one hell of a prom night.”

Based on R.L. Stine’s massive series of Fear Street novels and spin-offs, this chapter is number 15 in the series and was published in 1992.

FEAR STREET: PROM QUEEN IS NOW IN PRODUCTION 🩸 Welcome to Shadyside High. We're gonna have a killer time. pic.twitter.com/jDl0zRa2CH
— Netflix (@netflix) April 30, 2024

Fear Street: Prom Queen features a killer ensemble cast, including India Fowler (The Nevers, Insomnia), Suzanna Son (Red Rocket, The Idol), Fina Strazza (Paper Girls, Above the Shadows), David Iacono (The Summer I Turned Pretty, Cinnamon), Ella Rubin (The Idea of You), Chris Klein (Sweet Magnolias, American Pie), Lili Taylor (Outer Range, Manhunt) and Katherine Waterston (The End We Start From, Perry Mason).

No word on when Netflix will drop the series into its catalog.

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Live Action Scooby-Doo Reboot Series In Works at Netflix

Published

7 hours ago

April 30, 2024

Timothy Rawles

The ghosthunting Great Dane with an anxiety problem, Scooby-Doo, is getting a reboot and Netflix is picking up the tab. Variety is reporting that the iconic show is becoming an hour-long series for the streamer although no details have been confirmed. In fact, Netflix execs declined to comment.

If the project is a go, this would be the first live-action movie based on the Hanna-Barbera cartoon since 2018’s Daphne & Velma. Before that, there were two theatrical live-action movies, Scooby-Doo (2002) and Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed (2004), then two sequels that premiered on The Cartoon Network.

Currently, the adult-oriented Velma is streaming on Max.

Scooby-Doo originated in 1969 under the creative team Hanna-Barbera. The cartoon follows a group of teenagers who investigate supernatural happenings. Known as Mystery Inc., the crew consists of Fred Jones, Daphne Blake, Velma Dinkley, and Shaggy Rogers, and his best friend, a talking dog named Scooby-Doo.

Normally the episodes revealed the hauntings they encountered were hoaxes developed by land-owners or other nefarious characters hoping to scare people away from their properties. The original TV series named Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! ran from 1969 to 1986. It was so successful that movie stars and pop culture icons would make guest appearances as themselves in the series.

Celebrities such as Sonny & Cher, KISS, Don Knotts, and The Harlem Globetrotters made cameos as did Vincent Price who portrayed Vincent Van Ghoul in a few episodes.

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BET Releasing New Original Thriller: The Deadly Getaway

Published

7 hours ago

April 30, 2024

Cameron McFarland

BET will soon be offering horror fans a rare treat. The studio has announced the official release date for their new original thriller, The Deadly Getaway. Directed by Charles Long (The Trophy Wife), this thriller sets up a heart racing game of cat and mouse for audiences to sink their teeth into.

Wanting to break up the monotony of their routine, Hope and Jacob set off to spend their vacation at a simple cabin in the woods. However, things go sideways when Hope’s ex-boyfriend shows up with a new girl at the same campsite. Things soon spiral out of control. Hope and Jacob must now work together to escape the woods with their lives.

The Deadly Getaway is written by Eric Dickens (Makeup X Breakup) and Chad Quinn (Reflections of US). The Film stars, Yandy Smith-Harris (Two Days in Harlem), Jason Weaver (The Jacksons: An American Dream), and Jeff Logan (My Valentine Wedding).

Showrunner Tressa Azarel Smallwood had the following to say about the project. “The Deadly Getaway is the perfect reintroduction to classic thrillers, which encompass dramatic twists, and spine-chilling moments. It showcases the range and diversity of emerging Black writers across genres of film and television.”

The Deadly Getaway will premiere on 5.9.2024, exclusively ion BET+.