Donato’s Dungeon: Horror’s Top Headlines Of The Week (May 18-24) |

Welcome, Atom Insider readers to Donato’s Dungeon! Isn’t chasing news headlines a grueling and exhausting task? Ever wonder where you can get all the week’s biggest headlines in one easy-to-find place? That’s why I’m here, armed with a chainsaw and machete to slice through the week’s onslaught of horror news to find the most notable happenings in our genre community. Let’s see what sights I have to show you…

1. Keanu Reeves Wants To Play John Constantine Again

Keanu Reeves, who in 2005 played DC’s occult detective John Constantine, told Variety that he’d love to reprise his horror-tinged superhero:

“I’ve always wanted to play John Constantine again. I just love that world, too, and I love that character. I just had a blast playing the character and (playing) in that world.”

The film was received mildly by critics but performed well-enough overseas to score a $230m worldwide gross versus its $100m budget. Is that, coupled with all this John Wick hype, enough to resurrect talk of a Constantine sequel? Consider this one a longshot, but one that’d be interesting to witness.

Source: Variety

2. Writer Gary Dauberman Confirms Two ‘It: Chapter 2’ Plot Points From King’s Novel That Will Be Included (Spoilers)

The good people at Looper have put together a little video analyzing screenwriter Gary Dauberman’s comments to The Hollywood Reporter about what fans of Stephen King’s novel can expect to see in It: Chapter 2. No spoilers in text, but click the video at your own risk. You will be spoiled.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

3. ‘Invisible Man’ To Hit Theaters March 2020

Last week we found out that Storm Reid joined Leigh Whannell’s Invisible Man and in what capacity. This week we have more news on Blumhouse’s Universal Monsters remake: a release date! March 13, 2020. Be there.

4. Todd McFarlane’s Dream ‘Spawn’ Project Still A Far Way From Screens…If It Ever Happens

It’s been two years since Todd McFarlane teamed with Jason Blum to finally get his Spawn script made. Two years with nothing to show. The long of it has been broken down by Bloody Disgusting’s Brad Miska (who’s been reporting on McFarlane’s attempts for years), which I’d suggest you read later for more details. The short of it? Todd McFarlane will only make the Spawn film he’s developing, his way, and if not, he’ll “walk away.” No studio concessions, no giving a single inch. Kudos to ambition, but that’s…uhhh…not how Hollywood typically works.

Source: Comicbook.com

5. ‘Fear’ Reimagining Finds Lead Actress

As Universal primes its redo of James Foley’s thriller Fear, its lead has been named: Amandla Stenberg (The Hate U Give). Straight Outta Compton co-writer Jonathan Herman penned a screenplay that supposedly flips the narrative, telling the story from a female perspective. Revamp, don’t remake. I dig it.

Source: Deadline

6. John Hillcoat And Nicolas Winding Refn To Remake ‘Witchfinder General’

Nicolas Winding Refn has been attempting to remake the Vincent Price vessel Witchfinder General for a bit now, but it finally seems that stars have aligned. It’s been announced that Refn will produce and John Hillcoat will direct an updated Witchfinder General, confirming that Jon Croker (Woman In Black 2) has written the script. Chalk another remake onto the tally board.

Source: Deadline

7. Anne Heche And Thomas Jane To Lead Post-Apocalyptic Thriller ‘Salvage’

Salvage has found its leading couple! The film centers around “two couples fighting to survive on a houseboat as it moves down river in a post-apocalyptic America,” one couple (presumably) being played by Anne Heche and Thomas Jane. An interesting concept that’s being described as “The Road set on water” and “The Strangers on a houseboat.” Waves of intrigue just washed over me.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

8. Dan Aykroyd Talks Up ‘Ghostbusters 3’ And Future Installments

Dan Aykroyd has been on a Ghostbusters info dump as of late, talking Jason Reitman’s upcoming sequel starring Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, and Mckenna Grace. He loves the script, calling it “heartfelt and indeed, quite scary,” but it’s what’s said after that grabs some attention.

Apparently, Aykroyd has a prequel story titled Ghostbusters High that he’d love to see created if Reitman’s film scares up enough box office dough. The idea centers around teenage versions of the characters Ray Stantz, Egon Spengler, and Peter Venkman in 1969 New Jersey. This is “way down the line,” but of great interest to the original ‘buster.

Also of note, Aykroyd has confirmed that Reitman’s sequel (with ties to original universe characters) will heavily favor practical effects:

I’m always urging to use puppets. I’m always urging to go back to the mechanicals. But CGI is so efficient and easy to use but I think that all of us are on board with the idea of maybe doing mechanicals and puppets where we can.

Where are my mechanical puppet and practical special effects fans at?!

Source: 660 News

9. ‘The Collector 3’ Officially Titled ‘The Collected’

Well, techincally, it’s The Coll3cted, but yeah – we’re not typing that. The Collected should have always been the title, which resonates thematically since The Collection ends with Josh Stewart’s Arkin collecting “The Collector,” making him, yup, THE COLLECTED! Enjoy the little things, people.

10. Lin Shaye Among New Cast Announced For ‘Penny Dreadful: City Of Angels’

As Showtime readies its spinoff Penny Dreadful: City Of Angels, a cast of saints and sinners continues to grow. Known series actors include Rory Kinnear, Natalie Dormer, Nathan Lane, Daniel Zovatto, Kerry Bishé, Adriana Barraza, Jessica Garza, and Johnathan Nieves. Now it’s been announced that Amy Madigan (playing the mother of the charismatic radio evangelist), Brent Spiner (playing Capt. Ned Vanderhoff, the Precinct Captain at the Hollenbeck police station) and horror icon Lin Shaye (playing play Dottie Minter, a friend, and ally of Detective Lewis Michener) have all signed on. Wonderful.

Source: Deadline

11. André Øvredal Tapped To Help Stephen King Adaptation ‘The Long Walk’

I’ve been on the André Øvredal train ever since Trollhunter (The Autopsy Of Jane Doe another nifty genre haunt), so this news comes with a warm reception. It seems Øvredal’s adaptation of the spooky children’s literature collection Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark is finally granting the filmmaker studio attention. Who’s up for some dystopian King storytelling about boys forced to walk about 4mph, shot dead if they fail after three warnings, leaving one survivor? Game on.

Source: Deadline

12. Sam Raimi And James Wan To Produce ‘The Burden’

When horror powerhouses unite to produce someone else’s film, take note. Dutch filmmaker Nico van den Brink’s short The Burden is being adapted for feature release by Sam Raimi and James Wan’s respective production banners. “The short centers on a young woman visiting her boyfriend’s family home. There, she learns about a sinister history with his creepy neighbor and soon, all kinds of skeletons come out of the closet.” With Raimi and Wan’s names attached? No brainer The Burden immediately becomes a project to watch.

Source: Deadline

13. ‘Getaway’ To Bring Urban Legend ‘Momo Challenge’ To Screen

Look at that thing. LOOK AT IT. The “Momo Challenge” quickly swept across internet forums after the above picture of a Japanese sculpture surfaced online. Parents started posting about their children being “challenged” to dangerous tasks, with (hoax) news outlets claiming children were committing suicide because of Momo’s bidding. In any case, upcoming horror film Getaway will bring the bird-like woman Momo to life when secluded dummies in a cabin tempt mythology.

Source: Deadline

14. Taika Waititi Promises ‘What We Do In The Shadows’ Spinoff ‘We’re Wolves’ Eventually…Hopefully Before You Die

It’s long been teased that Taika Waititi would spin off into werewolf territory since Rhys Darby’s Lycan clan won over audiences with their “Werewolves, not swearwolves” schtick. Five years have passed and while we do have two television shows based on Waititi’s mockumentary universe (What We Do In The Shadows and Wellington Paranormal), we’re still a ways from seeing Darby’s gang in their own property.

As per Waititi, answering Q&A questions at an Emmys FYC event:

‘We’re Wolves’ is the film that Jemaine and I keep pretending that we’re making, every couple of years we say, we’re making this new film called ‘We’re Wolves,’ which follows the werewolves from the film. I feel bad to even mention it now because we keep saying it, [but] it’s like a dad saying, ‘Yeah, I’ll be home for Christmas.’ It’s not like we don’t want to come home for Christmas. We would like nothing more but we have a lot of shit going on.

Confirming further:

“When are you going to die? Do you have a … deadline before your death? I guarantee it before then. Five years, 10 years? It took us seven years to write the [first] film, so you do the math. That was a sad thing to say.”

Don’t hold your breath, but, maybe someday?

Source: Indiewire

15. ‘Come To Daddy’ Nabbed By Saban For Distribution

Saban Films has acquired distribution rights to Ant Timpson’s Come To Daddy, which premiered at Tribeca Film Festival and has been selected as Overlook Film Festival’s Centerpiece feature. I was lucky enough to already catch the Elijah Wood hipster-comes-home absurdist revenge thriller, and can confirm it’s every bit as bonkers as Timpson’s producer credits. Gear up for a WILD debut, date unannounced as of yet.

16. Alexandra Daddario To Star In ‘Celestial Blue’

Zak Hilditch, responsible for Netflix’s Stephen King adaptation 1922, has tapped horror alumn Alexandra Daddario to star in his next project Celestial Blue. The actress will play a flight attendant aboard a Sydney-bound plane as a deadly pandemic breaks out. The film doesn’t shoot until Q4 of this year, so you’ve got some before Hilditch attempts to scare you off traveling anytime soon.

Source: FilmFestivals.com

17. Is PlayStation Productions Developing A ‘Twisted Metal’ TV Series?

I’m not one to report on rumors, but my love of Twisted Metal has bested me here. According to someone, who heard during a post-overnight investor meeting Q&A, Sony Pictures’ Chairman and CEO Tony Vinciquerra revealed on-stage a Twisted Metal episodic has revved into production. That’s all we know. No details, nothing more. Still, please usher Sweet Tooth into the movie or television world? We’ve waited long enough.

18. ‘The Last Drive-In With Joe Bob Briggs’ Renewed For Season 2

Good news, Shudder fans! The Last Drive-In With Joe Bob Briggs has been renewed by Shudder for a second season. More redneck horror commentary, more ridiculous midnight movie countdowns, and a whole lot more Joe Bob. Although, he’s already presented Demon Wind. Not sure how the show can get better?

19. Jeffrey Reddick To Direct Thriller ‘Good Samaritan’

Final Destination writer Jeffrey Reddick will make his directorial debut with a feature adaptation of his short Good Samaritan. The film follows a group of bystanders who witness a fatal accident and do nothing to intervene. One by one they start dying, unaware of who the killer is (I mean, we know). No date yet, but filming should begin in the near future.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

20. ‘Big Bad Wolves’ Remake ‘Ferocious Wolf’ Finds Lead

Wait, a foreign remake and not an Americanization? Aharon Keshales and Navot Papushado’s sensationally thrilling Big Bad Wolves is being remade in Spain under the title Ferocious Wolf, with Jose Coronado now set to star. I’m using this news to note how crazy it is that the U.S. was beaten to a remake. Also, WATCH BIG BAD WOLVES.

Source: Variety

21. Aquatic Horror Continues Resurgence With Newly Announced Titanoboa Snake Movie

An action-horror movie about an ancient 42-foot snake? Thank you, Constantin Film and JB Pictures, for fast-tracking this project. Also thanks to movies like The Meg, 47 Meters Down, and other recent aquatic horror successes for reigniting the subgenre. Watery terror flicks may have ruined many a vacation for me, but they’re so goshdarn fun to watch.

Source: Deadline

22. ‘Zomboat!’ Coming To Hulu

Amazon Prime has Bunkerheads, a comedy about cramped living quarters during the zombie apocalypse, and now Hulu has their own such containment comedy. Zomboat! is about four survivors who flee the zombie apocalypse by canal boat. Tight quarters, pitted relationships, zero privacy. Once again, are roommates really worse than becoming a zombie snack? Look for it coming this fall after running on ITV2.

23. ‘Madness In The Method’ Acquired By Cinedigm

On August 2nd, Cinedigm will distribute Jason Mewes’ Madness In The Method in theaters and on digital. The film reunites Mewes with his Silent Bob co-star Kevin Smith, in which Mewes tries to reinvent his persona. Smith’s recommendation is to toughen up, so Mewes becomes a serial killer. With a cast including Gina Carano, Vinnie Jones, and Danny Trejo (among others), you’ve got my attention.

24. Patrick Brice’s ‘Corporate Animals’ Slated For August Release

The filmmaker behind Creep and Creep 2 has a new film coming out August 9th called Corporate Animals, which premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. Demi Moore, Jessica Williams, Ed Helms, Karan Soni and Nasim Pedrad star in this “corporate retreat gone disastrous” horror riff. The assertion that food runs out and mandatory bonding becomes more “appetizing” suggests cannibalism is at play. Worksploitation horror and flesh munching? Hello, my brand.

And Now…This Week’s Horror Trailers!

BRIGHTBURN

Memorial Day Weekend isn’t without a superhero film, it’s just this one ain’t playing nice. Brightburn drops a final horror-heavy trailer that sells the film’s evil streak, which – I can confirm – is very, VERY evil.

LOS ESPOOKYS

Fred Armisen and Lorne Michaels teamed with HBO to create a horror comedy series about individuals who stage paranormal events? Then, it appears, actual weirdness starts occurring? The show premieres June 14th, and as a Portlandia fan, I’m dying to see what the hell this show is hiding.

THE NIGHTINGALE

Jennifer Kent (The Babadook) returns with a historical story of revenge, blood, and song. The trailer alone simmers with rage.

KRASUE: INHUMAN KISS

Netflix nabbed the rights to Thailand’s romantic horror drama Krasue: Inhuman Kiss, which features a floating head and some tentacles and death? Add it to the queue!

STRANGER THINGS

It’s summertime in Hawkins and Dacre Montgomery here to give desperate housewives a bit of eye candy. Enjoy Stranger Things leaning heavy into its comedy vibes.

FREAKS

Emile Hirsch and Bruce Dern alert! Freaks looks like some containment intrigue that spins wildly out of control, especially when you tell me an ice cream truck is full of dead bodies.

DEADSIGHT