With “iZombie” not returning to the airwaves until midseason, we weren’t sure if they’d even come to this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, but there was a panel for the show in which quite a few tidbits were teased for the upcoming Season 3.  We have the highlights for you here courtesy of Indiewire along with the Season 2 recap video that was shown at SDCC.

In the casting realm, Aly Michalka, who plays Peyton, has been upped to series regular; and as for guest stars, Robert Knepper (Blaine’s dad, Angus) will return in the first episode back. He’ll be frozen in the Shady Plots basement. Other returning guest stars include Daran Norris as Johnny Frost and Ken Marina as Brandt Stone. As for Mr. Boss (Eddie Jemison), he’s not dead, but we won’t see him until later on. There’s no word on whether we’ll see the suicidal zombie Natalie (Uma Voss) again, but Major hasn’t forgotten her. “He made a promise to her that he did not keep, and he wants to keep that,” exec producer Rob Thomas said.

There will be a “Law & Order” type scenario in which Liv and Clive will solve a case one week, and then Peyton will prosecute the case, which has “more to it than it seems,” the next week.

We’ll learn more about Ravi as a little bit of his past will walk right into the morgue. As for present-day Ravi, he and Blaine will still be vying for Peyton’s affections.

Don’t expect Clive to explore his undead side… As Malcolm Goodwin said, “If Clive were to turn into a zombie, it’s to save someone else’s life, not save his own life.”

Thomas said that Blaine will “try to put together some of his memories here in Season 3” after taking the second faulty cure. Thomas also added that if Ravi ever does succeed in finding the cure, that would mean the end of the show.

Will Liv side with Vivian Stoll (Andrea Savage) of Fillmore Graves, who wants Liv to join her ranks to make Seattle a city for zombies?  “This is a military operation… but it definitely has a sinister feel about it,” Rose McIver said. “Liv is wising up in her late ’20s… she has a whole lot of people to talk to about it to help make considered decisions.” Despite her hesitation, Vivian will become somewhat of a female zombie mentor to Liv.

While many would like to see Major and Liv work things out, it’s probably not in the cards.  “I feel right now that there’s bigger fish to fry,” McIver said, adding,  “Liv’s next romantic interest, whether it’s Major or otherwise, will not be killed off.”

As for what new “personalities” we might see Liv with in Season 3, one will be a dominatrix, and as revealed by Zap2it, in the second episode Liv and Major will be on “complementary brains — not the same brain, but brains that have a relationship together,” explained exec producer Diane Ruggiero-Wright. “They eat the brains of a dad and daughter.” Awkward!  Adding insult to injury, “Liv is the dad, and Major is the belligerent teenager. It should be pretty fun.”

“Fun” is “iZombie’s” middle name as far as we’re concerned, and we can’t wait to see what they have cooked up for Season 3. In the meantime, here’s an appetizer for what’s to come.

The post #SDCC16: iZombie Panel Offers a Recap of Season 2 and Teasers for Season 3 appeared first on Dread Central.

Wanna see something really cool? As if we haven’t done enough, we’re now taking things to an entirely new level by bringing you a FULL 360° Floor Walkthrough of the 2016 San Diego Comic-Con.

There’s no audio available as we’re still tinkering with this tech, but it’s TOTALLY worth it for you cats to check out and play with, especially if you’re into VR or use Google Cardboard, Oculus, or the Vive!

Check it out, and while you’re watching, click that little subscribe button on the Dread Central YouTube Channel and give us a like, why dontcha?

For more check out our full SDCC 16 coverage here!

The post #SDCC16: 360° Floor Walkthrough Part 1 appeared first on Dread Central.

We hope you’ve been enjoying our coverage of San Diego Comic-Con so far this year! We’ve been having a ball running around the convention center, and the surrounding streets, to find you a plethora of sights and cosplays. Day 2 (July 22nd) of SDCC 2016 gave us plenty more to photograph, and we expect to find even more tomorrow!

What’s your favorite cosplay so far? Are any of these you? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! Check back again tomorrow for even more sights from SDCC!

The post #SDCC16: More Sights from the Convention Floor and the Streets of San Diego – Day 2 appeared first on Dread Central.

Being born in 1981, I was in full horror freak mode by 1992. Eleven years after arriving on this unforgiving planet, I’d already endured a baptism by fire – The Texas Chain Saw Massacre being the film that welcomed me into the horror fold – and the effect it had on me, mentally, was equal parts paralyzing and fascinating. I never looked back.

I did, however, enjoy the hell out of the slasher sub-genre, even after the slasher’s prime days were long passed. The 1990s weren’t exactly kind to the genre as a whole, and many felt as though (it sounds preposterous now, but it’s entirely true) horror had run its course and would gradually work its way from the minds of moviegoers.

As it turns out, horror was far from dead. It was the slasher film that had flat-lined, and that all changed in 1996, when Wes Craven reinvented himself yet again and injected new life into the slasher branch with the first Scream release. The picture was brutally clever, and it won big at the box office. Naturally a number of sequels and similar efforts would follow suit, all looking to cash in, and while most of those copycat pics were nauseating, there were a handful that worked to keep us thrilled and chilled.

Now, we head back to the 1990s – even before the release of Scream – to take a closer look at 10 slasher pics worthy of multiple viewings.

Scream
Scream was a blast, and it was smart in a way that most slasher films weren’t. It was self-aware, so to speak. Not only was it a crafty film, it also captured the essence of teenage life perfectly. From the ensemble’s wardrobe to the lingo to the trendy soundtrack – it was all there.

It was also the first frightening slasher film in years. But the willingness to incorporate good humor worked wonders for the flick. From the jump, we high schoolers (I was a sophomore or junior the year Scream snuck into theaters) could relate to a terrifying feature that had no qualms in offing likable characters or spilling copious amounts of blood on set.

Scream was one of Wes Craven’s greatest features, and no one can ever take away the fact that Scream single-handedly revived the slasher genre. Blast of a movie and an unorthodox trailblazer, if ever there was one!

Scream 2
One of those extremely rare sequels that impresses almost as much as its predecessor, Scream 2 did a whole lot of things right. Introducing a new pair of killers created another enjoyable mystery, and Scream’s keeping up on the youthful trends carries directly over into the sequel.

There are a few overtly cheesy sequences (cafeteria singing scene, anyone?) to contemplate and a few characters are closer to disappearing than being outright slaughtered, which makes for a few missed opportunities on the gore front. But the pic still proved to be a lot of fun, and the soundtrack was somehow even stronger and more time/trend appropriate.

Not only did Wes Craven revive a sub-genre, he also delivered the first awesome sequel to the newly revived slasher sub.

I Know What You Did Last Summer
In retrospect, I Know What You Did Last Summer was a pretty shaky film. Ah hell, it was a terrible flick that couldn’t have come across as a bigger rip-off if the subtitle had been “Scream Rip-off.” But back in the 90s, this was a fun feature that put Jennifer Love Hewitt’s lovely bosom on display (over and over again) and featured an unrelenting villain that – admittedly – looked pretty badass. Murderous fishermen are just bad news… always.

Production values were solid, and the cast featured a load of fresh but recognizable faces. Although nearly every vocal exchange is cringe-worthy, I Know What You Did Last Summer could have been a certified dud; it wasn’t. It worked for well for youth of the 90s.

Disturbing Behavior
A modern day (or… 90s day) spin on Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Disturbing Behavior was actually a rather slept on film that followed the slasher formula despite offering a different story crux. It had some strong, impactful scenes and featured a young, vibrant, but suddenly rebellious Katie Holmes and a fresh-faced James Marsden.

The pic is loaded with some intense sequences (the fluids in the car scene is a total WTF moment), and once the ball gets rolling, the action never subsides. This is a much better film than many would admit, and it’s got an absolutely stellar appearance from the always amazing William Sadler.

The Faculty
One of the two truly amazing films on this list, Robert Rodriguez also delivered his own take on the good old alien invasion idea in the 90s. Rodriguez’s film was appropriately titled The Faculty, and it too deviated from the slasher core ideology while using all the slasher tricks in the book. While Disturbing Behavior was a damn good time, The Faculty puts it to shame, as it is truly an absurdly polished picture with a top-notch cast and a breakneck pace. The movie just flies by and leaves the viewer feeling completely fulfilled.

Like Scream before it, The Faculty nails teenage life in the 90s seamlessly. The fact that Rodriguez was able to piece together a group of protagonists with radically different attitudes and personalities, and make that group really work as a cohesive unit, speaks a great deal to Rodriguez’s understanding of film and storytelling in general. Although a bit heavy on the CGI, The Faculty still holds up very well today.

Urban Legend
Urban Legend had a great core concept to work from. Some elements of the film are successful while others miss the mark. That could easily be chalked up to the nature of the beast. Slasher films may seem basic and “easy” to assemble, but they’re far from it. Jamie Blanks didn’t give us a perfect pic, but we did get an entertaining affair with a somewhat startling twist. Blanks has nothing to be ashamed of.

The big selling point here is the cast. In 1998 Jared Leto, Rebecca Gayheart, Tara Reid, and Joshua Jackson were red-hot, fresh, pretty faces. A few had enjoyed recent breakout roles, and a few were riding the wave of popular television series. All of those performers could easily be classified as “uber-attractive,” and let’s just face it… younger crowds love to swoon over the obnoxiously appealing.

Thank heavens there’s more to Urban Legend than looks. We do get some gnarly death scenes and the great Robert Englund makes a brief but awesome appearance. Whether you realize it or not, Urban Legend is a winner if you’re looking for a little slasher nostalgia.

Wes Craven’s New Nightmare
Here’s where the molding really begins to shift. This isn’t your standard stalk and slash teens movie, and yet, in a weird way, it kind of is. One of the first “meta” movies out there, the story is approached as nightmarish fiction has spilled over into reality, and Freddy Krueger is still the monster behind the wheel.
I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that the victim selection is eclectic, as Freddy bumps off movie techs, effects practitioners, babysitters, and more. It’s not just about naïve teenagers being tormented by a living nightmare (although we do get a small taste of that); it’s about everyone being tormented by a living nightmare, and that’s just plain awesome.

An American Werewolf in Paris
An American Werewolf in Paris isn’t the most polished of films, and it isn’t your typical slasher. In fact, many would argue that it isn’t a slasher at all, but a simple werewolf film. I can’t tell you that you’re wrong, but I can ask you to take another look at the flick and tell me it doesn’t follow a whole hell of a lot of the rules utilized by slasher films.

Although the CGI is dreadful, Tom Everett Scott’s portrayal of the aloof Andy McDermott is surprisingly charming; he’s dumb as a brick but really quite likable. The setting is terrific, a few of the bit players are rather memorable (Brad, played by Vince Vieluf just rocks on all levels), and we get a couple impressive death scenes along the way.

Halloween H20: 20 Years Later
Back into familiar territory we travel as we take a look at the seventh film in the Halloween franchise. This beautiful return to the world of Michael Myers works because director Steve Miner (who also helmed Friday the 13th Parts 2 and 3 as well as the inaugural Warlock pic) allows the characters to make the machine move. Sure, Michael Myers is still his imposing self, and sure, he’s still capable of scaring the shit out of anyone, but all of that pales in comparison to the dynamic between Laurie Strode (played by the returning Jamie Lee Curtis and now known as Keri Tate after a wise name change) and her blossoming son, John (Josh Hartnett in an early and awesome performance).

We get all sorts of interesting death scenes, an often hilarious look at LL Cool J decked out as school security, and although Michael’s mask is absolutely terrible in this installment, the screenplay itself is strong enough to keep the audience engaged. Those are a lot of pros for the film. Halloween H20: 20 Years Later is a stylish and warm viewing experience.

Child’s Play 2
Chucky doesn’t really give a damn if he’s murdering small children, careless teens, or pesky adult figures. There’s certainly no bias in his makeup. And that works particularly well in the first two (and sixth) Child’s Play features. So does his small injection of humor – small injections that would eventually grow into a force strong enough to overrule every other element of the third, fourth, and fifth franchise films. But back when we were still just a sophomore bid into this now legendary franchise, it wasn’t just about laughs; it was about fear… and slashing.

Child’s Play 2 manages to be a chilling picture, and the fact that our slasher is a two-foot tall doll made for an atypical viewing experience. That creativity worked to draw fans in, and in they remain, now anxiously awaiting the arrival of the seventh franchise pic.

The post Time Warp: 10 Memorable 90s Slashers appeared first on Dread Central.

One of my favorite parts of the Blair Witch franchise was all the mythos and supplements left for fans. Something told me after last night’s surprise screening of Blair Witch (review) that there had to be something… ANYTHING… hidden somewhere. I then went back to the original The Woods trailer (the faux title of Blair Witch for those of you not playing along), and YES, I think I found something.

Say what you want about the Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2, it did a good job leaving easter eggs for fans to find. Case in point: The Secret of Esrever.

What was that, you ask; allow to me point you to BlairWitchProBoards:

Before we go any further, ‘Esrever’ is ‘reverse’ said (spelled) backwards. In Blair Witch 2 the secret was actually a phrase put together by the following moments…

The words which form the message are found next to the character of Erica – Remember, her quest was to commune with Elly. The phrase begins with “Seek me no further or” …

• The campfire’s flames in front of Erica have the word “Seek.”
• The ground next to Erica has the word “me.”
• The window behind Erica has the word “no.”
• The headstone reads “Treacle” in reference to the last name of a little girl who drowned in August 1825, but then changes to the word “further.”
• The RUG pattern under Erica has the word “or”
• After these words are seen, the character of Tristen does in fact speak this sentence in reverse: “the children will again walk free.”

Combined we get “Seek me no further or the children will again walk free,” and that is The Secret of Esrever.

On to The Woods teaser trailer…

At exactly 1:24 seconds in, something is CLEARLY whispered in reverse. A nod to Esrever perhaps?

Listen for yourself.

Immediately I called Ben Rock, the man responsible for the infamous stickman and director of the TV special “The Burkittsville 7.” He ran the entire trailer in reverse, and here’s what we came up with…

LISTEN HERE to The Woods trailer in reverse. The whisper is at the very beginning… LISTEN HERE to the isolated whisper from The Woods trailer.What do you hear? Is there something weird? Let us know!

The cool part? Even if you noticed the reverse whisper at 1:24 of The Woods, you wouldn’t have thought anything of it. But for fans… it could be a nod and one that makes us feel all warm and spooky inside.

For shits and giggles, we even reversed all the audio for the official Blair Witch trailer!

LISTEN HERE to the Blair Witch trailer in reverse. Oddly enough… in reverse it sounds as if the woman singing is saying, “I Shall Be Back” for the duration of the trailer.

Hear anything? Let us know!

Related Coverage:

• Blair Witch Early Review from the 2016 San Diego Comic-Con
• #SDCC16: The Woods Is Actually Lionsgate’s Secret Blair Witch Sequel
• #SDCC16: Blair Witch Poster and Trailer Bring the Franchise Back to Life
• #SDCC16: Blair Witch Premiere Coverage – WATCH THE Q&A NOW!

Written by Simon Barrett and directed by Adam Wingard, Blair Witch stars James Allen McCune, Callie Hernandez, Brandon Scott, Valorie Curry, Corbin Reid, and Wes Robinson. Roy Lee (The Ring, The Grudge, The Strangers, It), Steven Schneider (Paranormal Activity, Insidious), Keith Calder, and Jessica Wu (You’re Next, The Guest) produce.

Synopsis:
A group of college students venture into the Black Hills Forest in Maryland to uncover the mysteries surrounding the disappearance of James’ sister who many believe is connected to the legend of the Blair Witch. At first the group is hopeful, especially when a pair of locals offer to act as guides through the dark and winding woods, but as the endless night wears on, the group is visited by a menacing presence. Slowly, they begin to realize the legend is all too real and more sinister than they could have imagined.

The post Blair Witch – First Clue to the Reveal Found in The Woods Trailer? appeared first on Dread Central.

NECA is celebrating the awesomeness of “Ash vs. Evil Dead” with a whole line of action figures that you won’t want to miss picking up, kicking off with the very first series this coming July. Hero Ash, Value Stop Ash, and demon Eligos come in Series 1, and the company just announced that a special 3-pack is also on the way this year.

Set for release in October, the Bloody Ash vs. Demon Spawn 3-pack allows you to recreate the first season’s finale, and all three of the figures are exclusive to the set. Ash, unlike the Series 1 figure, is covered from head-to-toe in the red stuff, and he’s flanked by two pint-sized demons that are ready to swallow his soul.

The thoroughly bloodied Ash stands nearly 7” tall and comes with chainsaw and shotgun that fits in a back holster. Each demon spawn has a unique head sculpt and is fully poseable, standing 5.5” tall. The three figures will be housed together in special window box packaging.

Check out the badass set below!

The post #SDCC16: Ash Battles Little Demons in NECA’s Ash vs. Evil Dead Action Figure Pack appeared first on Dread Central.

The second season of “Lucifer” kicks off on Monday, September 19th, which means a new trailer debuted today at the San Diego Comic-Con. Check it out right here!

“Lucifer” stars Tom Ellis, Lauren German, Rachael Harris, DB Woodside, Lesley-Ann Brandt, and Kevin Alejandro. In the upcoming second season Tricia Helfer plays Lucifer’s mother, and Aimee Garcia plays Ella Lopez, the Police Department’s new forensic scientist.

We should have more news soon so stay tuned!

The post #SDCC16: Get Your First Look at Lucifer Season 2 in this Mashup Trailer appeared first on Dread Central.

I first heard of “The Strain” a number of years ago from a friend who’s really into vampire lore. I’ll never forget how she recommended it to me: “It’s like vampires, but they are gross, so you’d like it.”

It’s a sentiment that the TV show’s publicity team must have shared because many people will forever relate “The Strain” with the shocking “worm in the eye” ad campaign that was plastered on what seemed like every bus, billboard, and banner for a good while. It’s a bit misleading, as while fans of the series can definitely attest to the more shocking side of the strigoi, the real meat of the show comes from its dark and complex world.

It’s that world, populated by a diverse cast of believable characters, that brings me back each season. Well, that and the tentacle vampires of course. With the conclusion of Season 2, we had some heartbreak with the death of Nora and the taking of Zach. With only 10 episodes to tell their story in Season 3, kicking off August 28th, I was eager to find out where they are going from here. When executive producer and series co-creator Chuck Hogan sat down, I took my chance to find out his vision for the future of “The Strain.”

Chuck: From day 1, I made clear that the book was the book, and the show was the show. It’s a great source material to go back to for ideas, but I don’t at all feel constrained to that exact plot. I’m always looking for ways to innovate and build this world. It’s unique for me, because this is a world I co-created with del Toro. So going back into that and seeing where I can evolve is rewarding and fun. My plan for the show is to go where I need to go to get to a satisfying ending, just like we did in the book. I’m not saying that it’s the same conclusion or story. We just started talks a few days ago about Season 4, so we have a lot of places we could go.

He went on to explain how his collaboration with del Toro has been:

Chuck: One of the most important things for me was explaining these strigoi in a realistic and satisfying way without belaboring. In that respect, Guillermo has been instrumental. His visual and narrative style is key to the feel of “The Strain.” It’s been great coming up with ideas, getting him excited, and having him come back with something even better. It just builds until we have the best show possible.

Chuck also had some specifics as to what to expect from this season:

Chuck: Last season we introduced the feelers. People keep asking me if I’m there are going to be other new vampires, and I can say that there won’t be in Season 3. We want to explain the feelers a bit more, but we [also] want to focus on these human characters fighting against the monsters threatening them. Allegiances are shifting, especially with Palmer, so expect a lot to change with him. Also, we’re going to be seeing more of those meat processing plants.

Showrunner Carlton Cuse had more to say on what to expect:

Carlton: We pick up with the characters only a short time after Season 2 ends. We start with Ephraim as he learns about the state of the world and where the characters are now. He’s immediately affected by Nora’s death and forms a compelling relationship with Dutch that goes in an interesting direction. A big shift is that there’s no more debate about if the strigoi are bad news. It’s like smoking, the conversation is over, we all know it’s bad for you. The time for uncertainty is over, and it’s now a full-tilt battle for the fate of New York. If New York goes, the world goes with it.

He described the tone of Season 3:

Carlton: I could go on for hours about how exactly we got the look of the show right. We have two directors of photography, and we have spent days together laboring over color temperature, light selection, and other elements to make the visual palette of the show just right. We shoot in Toronto in the winter, which is hell on the crew but perfect for the bleak, oppressive feel we are going for. The setting of “The Strain” is a character all its own, and people watch it because of that compelling world. “The Strain” is radically different from other vampire shows. The strigoi aren’t pretty or brooding. It was incredibly important for us to tell this story not only narratively, but visually as well. With Season 3, I think we really nailed the comic book look and feel that makes this show so special.

We had some time to talk to the cast as well, and it was Miguel Gomez’s description of what his character means to him that stuck with me the most:

Miguel: To me, the show is a huge metaphor. It’s about more than just vampires and deals with our doubts, insecurities, and how you handle yourself in tough situations. In Season 2, we saw some police brutality when Gus got picked up and was treated a certain way based on how he looked and where he came from. But with Gus we can see that not everyone who commits a crime is a criminal. Some are just victims of circumstance. With real monsters out there, you have to look past that and find our good and humanity. Gus is proof that you have to keep fighting, never quit, and always strive to improve yourself.

It’s an incredibly deep and nuanced take that betrays a sensitivity not commonly expressed in today’s media. Looking past someone’s label and treating him or her like a person lies at the heart of fixing our present, tense social climate. We certainly need a bit more peace, love, and understanding, even in the vampire apocalypse.

So what about you guys and gals? Excited for “The Strain” Season 3? Let me know below, and keep following our coverage of Comic-Con 2016!

The post #SDCC16: Chuck Hogan Talks the Future of The Strain; Miguel Gomez on the Importance of Minority Characters appeared first on Dread Central.

Thanks to Scream Factory, while milling about the San Diego Comic-Con, we had a chance to sit down with two of the actors from the classic film The Return of the Living Dead (Blu-ray review): Thom Mathews, who played the lead role of  Freddy, and John Philbin, who played one of the punks, Chuck.

“We were just kids when we did this movie, man,” said Mathews. “We had no idea that decades later people would still be talking about it. I did most of my scenes with Jimmy Karen and Don Calfa. Let me tell you; if I were a film producer, I would have Jimmy up on every set just to be there. I learned so much from him, and he was such a genuinely nice man. Calfa, though? He was intense, and he brought those manic sensibilities to the role. It all plays out perfectly onscreen. The three of us had great chemistry.”

Philbin went on to describe how it was on the set. “It was funny; on set there were like two groups of people… there was Clu (Gulager), Thom, Jimmy, and Don at one end of the spectrum, and then there were us, the punks. Over the years, the two groups have come together and we’re just like this big family now who get together every so often to celebrate this crazy movie we made, which still very much holds up.”

Given how beloved the film has become, we asked the guys what they attribute its longevity to.  “Part of the reason it holds up so well I think is due in part to the wonderful effects work, which still hold up to this very day, even in the age of ‘The Walking Dead,'”  says Mathews. “Then there was the music, man! It’s timeless stuff! So very punk rock. Then of course there’s Dan’s direction, which was just so very precise amongst the chaos. He was such a great guy.”

“It’s the fans,” says Philbin. “They love these movies so much! Going out there, meeting them… seeing the tattoos and the t-shirts; it’s really humbling. Horror fans are some of the best people I’ve ever met! Now I wanna make more horror movies!”

Matthews continued, “What’s cool about the movie was the fact that it ended up having so much humor and being so lively despite the subject matter. However, on set we played everything as straight as could be. We were making a horror movie, and the humor came together very organically.”

Each actor had a favorite day on set…

For Thom… “Man, it was the day with the half corpse. That thing… it was just the coolest thing I’d ever seen. It still is.” For John… “Being there for Linnea’s gravestone dance… for obvious reasons.”

On an unrelated note… I couldn’t help but ask Matthews the magic question… would he return to Friday the 13th as an older Tommy Jarvis?

“Hey, you know what? I’m the only actor in the history of the franchise to ever awaken Jason and then put him back to rest in the same movie and live to tell about it. Hell yes, I’d come back!”

About The Return of the Living Dead Blu-ray Release:
Writer/director Dan O’Bannon (Alien, Lifeforce) puts an uproarious spin on the zombie apocalypse movie in 1985’s cult classic THE RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD, starring Clu Gulager (A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge), James Karen (Mulholland Drive) and Don Calfa (Weekend at Bernie’s). Considered one of the campiest undead romps of its time, the film helped launch the career of scream queen Linnea Quigley (Night of the Demons) and features a killer soundtrack with tracks from many songs from punk artists such as The Cramps, T.S.O.L. SSQ and 45 Grave.

This definitive set includes a collectible slipcover featuring newly rendered artwork and a reversible cover wrap featuring original theatrical key art. A must-have for movie collectors, zombie horror enthusiasts and loyal fans, THE RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD Collector’s Edition Blu-ray is available for pre-order now at ShoutFactory.com and will be made available to other fine retailers.

Synopsis:
Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the cemetery, those brain-eating zombies are back and hungry for more tasty mortals. A fiendish mix of outrageous humor and heart-stopping terror, THE RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD is a veritable smorgasbord of fun (LA Herald-Examiner) filled with skin-crawling jolts, eye-popping visuals and relentless surprise! On his first day on the job at an army surplus store, poor Freddy unwittingly releases nerve gas from a secret U.S. military canister, unleashing an unbelievable terror. The gas re-animates an army of corpses, who arise from their graves with a ravenous hunger for human brains! And luckily for those carnivorous cadavers, there is a group of partying teens nearby, just waiting to be eaten!

Special Features:

Disc 1:

• NEW 2K scan of the inter-positive
• NEW Audio Commentary with Gary Smart (co-author of The Complete History of the Return of the Living Dead) and Chris Griffiths
• Audio Commentary with director Dan O’Bannon and Production Designer William Stout
• Audio Commentary with the cast and crew featuring Production Designer William Stout and actors Don Calfa, Linnea Quigley, Brian Peck, Beverly Randolph, Allan Trautman
• The Decade of Darkness – featurette on ‘80s horror films (23 minutes)
• Theatrical Trailers
• TV Spots
• Still Gallery – Posters, Lobby Cards, Movie Stills and Behind-the-Scenes photos
• Still Gallery – Behind-the-Scenes photos from special make-up effects artist Kenny Myers’ personal collection
• Zombie Subtitles for the Film
• In Their Own Words – The Zombies Speak

Disc 2:

• NEW The FX of the Living Dead with Production Designer William Stout, FX make-up artists William Munns, Tony Gardner, Kenny Myers and Craig Caton-Largnet, Visual Effects artists Bret Mixon and Gene Warren Jr. and actor Brian Peck (Expanded Version) (30 minutes)
• NEW Party Time: The Music of The Return of the Living Dead with music consultants Budd Carr and Steve Pross and soundtrack artists Dinah Cancer (45 Grave), Chris D (The Flesh Eaters), Roky Erickson, Karl Moet (SSQ), Joe Wood (T.S.O.L.), Mark Robertson (Tall Boys) plus musicians Greg Hetson (Circle Jerks) and John Sox (The F.U.’s, Straw Dogs), (Expanded Version) (30 minutes)
• NEW HORROR’S HALLOWED GROUNDS – revisiting the locations of the film
• Return of the Living Dead Workprint – includes 20 minutes of additional footage (in Standard Definition)
• More Brains: A Return to the Living Dead – The definitive documentary on The Return of the Living Dead (120 minutes)
• A Conversation with Dan O’Bannon – His final interview (28 minutes)
• The Origins of the Living Dead – an interview with John A. Russo (16 minutes)
• The Return of the Living Dead – The Dead Have Risen – interviews with cast members Clu Gulager, James Karen, Don Calfa, Brian Peck, Thom Mathews, Beverly Randolph, Linnea Quigley and more… (21 minutes)
• Designing the Dead – interviews with writer/director Dan O’Bannon and production designer William Stout (15 minutes)

Avid fans of the film will want to take note of two exclusive offers on the release—which are only available through Scream Factory while supplies last…

Standard Offer:

• Receive a limited-edition 18” x 24” poster of the newly-designed art from artist Graham Humphries
• Product will be shipped two weeks earlier than National Street date of July 19th

Deluxe Officer (Limited to 1,000 orders only – pictured below):

• Receive a limited-edition 18” x 24” poster of the newly-designed art from artist Graham Humphries
• Product will be shipped three weeks earlier than National Street date of July 19th
• Receive a second slipcover—made exclusively for this promotion and newly-designed from artist Joel Robinson
• Receive a second 18” x 24” poster of the newly designed art from Joel Robinson

The post #SDCC16: Thom Mathews and John Philbin Talk The Return of the Living Dead appeared first on Dread Central.

“Outcast,” which has already been renewed by Cinemax for a second season, still has three episodes left in Season 1; and to give fans of the show a taste of what’s to come, the network debuted a special San Diego Comic-Con trailer today.  Check it out right here along with a preview of next Friday night’s Episode 1.08, “What Lurks Within.”

Cast members include Patrick Fugit, Philip Glenister, Gabriel Bateman, Wrenn Schmidt, Reg E. Cathey, Kate Lyn Sheil, Julia Crockett, David Denman, and Brent Spiner.

“Outcast” is created and executive produced by Robert Kirkman and executive produced by showrunner Chris Black. The series is produced for Cinemax by FOX International Studios (FIS) and also executive produced by David Alpert, Sharon Tal Yguado, and Sue Naegle.

“Outcast” Episode 1.08 – “What Lurks Within” (airs 7/29/16, 10:00-10:50 p.m.)
Rev. Anderson (Philip Glenister) finds himself increasingly alienated; Kyle (Patrick Fugit) has a stunning revelation from Sidney (Brent Spiner). Written by Tony Basgallop; directed by Scott Winant.

The post #SDCC16: Special Outcast Comic-Con Trailer Spreads the Darkness appeared first on Dread Central.

During this year’s San Diego Comic-Con press conferences, a couple of tidbits escaped regarding where the second season of “Ash vs. Evil Dead” will go and the possibility of an Evil Dead 4.

i09 reports:

“So, Army of Darkness is owned by MGM, and we just never had a chance to properly reference it in the first season,” executive producer Rob Tapert explained. “I read somebody’s online thing, ‘Oh look, they’re only pulling from these two [Evil Dead] movies.’ This season, we do bring up Ash’s events in Army of Darkness and reference it. It was more that there wasn’t a place for it in our storytelling that we needed to talk about that. If he started blabbing to these shop clerks about, ‘Yeah, I went back to the Middle Ages and did all these things,’ [it would just be exposition]. But that is in his memory bank, and he’s going to pull it out at the appropriate time.”

Related Story:  Ash vs. Evil Dead – Exclusive Evil Dead Cabin Video Walkthrough and Images

As for Evil Dead 4…

“Nothing’s off the table,” Tapert said. “We’re thinking about what that could be and who that would please. Sam [Raimi] talked for many years, teasing the world that we were going to make Evil Dead 4. And that kind of turned into a TV series. Now Bruce [Campbell] and I are going, ‘Well, there’s a possibility of a movie here.’”

Look for our own interviews soon!

The post #SDCC16: Ash vs. Evil Dead’s Second Season to Reference Army of Darkness; Evil Dead 4 Still a Possibility appeared first on Dread Central.

Today it was “Wynonna Earp’s” turn to take the stage at the 2016 San Diego Comic-Con, and the show came armed with a big announcement:  Syfy has renewed it for a second season.

SEVEN24 Films and IDW Entertainment, a subsidiary of IDW Media Holdings, shared the news during the “Wynonna Earp” panel at SDCC, where the full cast appeared as guests. The freshman series scored big with both critics and fans, becoming a hit on social media, spawning hashtags, and trending weekly with each new episode. It recently nabbed the E! News TV Scoop Award for Best New Series of 2016.

Developed by showrunner and executive producer Emily Andras, the series stars Melanie Scrofano, Shamier Anderson, Tim Rozon, and Dominique Provost-Chalkley; it is based on the IDW Publishing comic book series created by Beau Smith.

“In just one season, ‘Wynonna Earp’ has struck a chord with the fans,” said IDW Entertainment President David Ozer. “We look forward to continuing this epic journey.”

“I’m absolutely thrilled we have the opportunity to deliver more of our witty, female-led, kickass, diverse supernatural series to our passionate fan base around the world,” said Emily Andras.

“The strong female characters in this series have turned viewers into passionate fans,” said SEVEN24 Films’ Jordy Randall. “We can’t wait to see our amazing cast back in the roles that Emily has crafted for them.”

SEVEN24’s Jordy Randall and Tom Cox, IDW’s Ted Adams and David Ozer, Banditos Yanquis’ Todd Berger, and Circle of Confusion’s Rick Jacobs will all serve as executive producers.

Season 2 is set to air on Syfy in 2017.

The post #SDCC16: Wynonna Earp Renewed for a Second Season by Syfy appeared first on Dread Central.

We’re back again with even more sights from San Diego Comic-Con 2016! Today (July 23rd) offered up even more great cosplay, and crazy sights to see at the convention. SDCC is a massive event, with a lot of ground to cover, but we did our best to find the most photo-worthy sights to share with you.

How are you enjoying our coverage so far this year? Are there any cosplay you’re bummed to have not spotted yet? Let us know in the comments section! Check back at Dread Central tomorrow for the last day of SDCC!

The post #SDCC16: More Sights from the Convention Floor and the Streets of San Diego – Day 3 appeared first on Dread Central.

Directed by Rick Jacobson

Staring Bruce Campbell, Ray Santiago, Dana DeLorenzo, Lucy Lawless, and Lee Majors

Premiering on Starz in October 2016

Over the years, Comic-Con has grown a reputation of being the nerd Mecca. Year after year, all manner of fans, freaks, and people that just want to see what all the fuss is about make the journey to beautiful sunny San Diego to spend thousands and stand (or sleep) in lines. As a native San Diegan, I’ve personally been going since I was 12. It’s incredible to see how the convention has grown. It really is as massive as the rumors say it is. The entire downtown transforms in a celebration of all things pop culture.

Comic-Con is more than just advertisements and overpriced parking. For all you can gripe about the crowds or recount the good ol’ days when it was all about comics, Comic-Con has rightfully earned its reputation. People pay hundreds to see the show floor because there is a great variety of unique stuff there. They sleep for days on the lawn because the panels are killer. They travel hundreds of miles and book hotels months in advice to be in a place that for one weekend, they aren’t the weird one for dressing up and playing pretend.

And then there’s the reason I go, which is for the exclusives. Every year, names big and small both bring exclusive first looks at their new titles. Earlier this week, Steve “Uncle Creepy” Barton had the chance to check out Blair Witch, which releases to general audiences September 16th. I’m a bit jealous, but for my part I got to check out something just as cool: Ash Vs Evil Dead‘s Season 2 Episode 1, slated to air in October. I greatly enjoyed the first season, and in my excitement to get to the room I almost got hit by a train. So, expectations were high.

Which is why I’m sad to say that while I enjoyed this first new episode of  Ash Vs Evil Dead, I’m left feeling a bit empty. The episode picks up a year after Season 1 left off, with Ash (Bruce Campbell), Pablo (Ray Santiago), and Kelly (Dana DeLorenzo) all enjoying a life of leisure in Jacksonville. Meanwhile, Ruby (Lucy Lawless), realizes that The Necronomicon is too much for her. Team Ash is once again called back into action, and must team up with Ruby to once again stop the Deadite menace that he kind of created.

Frankly, I don’t need a whole lot of plot to enjoy an Evil Dead vehicle. While you can praise the camera work, effects, and performances, no one is accusing these of being “heady.” The franchise works best when it establishes basic rules, some fun fluff, and then just lets itself run wild with it until all kinds of demons are floating around. I mean hell, you’re SUPPOSED to kill a Deadite by chopping off its arms, legs, head, and burying it, but they kind of just wave their hand at that rule all the time. So when I say that this episode was kind of dumb, it’s not because I need it to be complicated or intelligent.

To understand why Season 2’s first episode didn’t work for me, you have to understand why Season 1 did. This show is inherently fan service, and fan service is great when it adds something to the franchise. What Ash Vs Evil Dead added was heart. In the previous three movies, the character of Ash was an ever building joke, going from frightened teen to a narcissist superhuman with a robot hand. I absolutely love Evil Dead, Evil Dead 2, and Army of Darkness for exactly what each of those films are, and I love the series for being so wild and varied.

When Ash Vs Evil Dead came out, I loved it because it put Ash in a new position: the weird one. He’s still the same brash, cocky, oblivious Ash, but the world around him was played mostly straight. Pablo was a bit of a caricature, but his faith and adoration for Ash was a byproduct of him being different. Kelly, Amanda, Ruby, and the rest of the world reacted with the proper mix of “lets get the job done” and “holy shit” to ground them in some sense of reality. When Ash was his normal self in, say, a random diner, the world would react with the same realistic level of confusion and rejection that any normal human would. It isn’t until the Deadites show up and you need Ash that you really appreciate him (or don’t, because you’re too dead to care). I really loved this dynamic, because it was a unique take on a hero. His selfish idiocy is an integral part to why he is the chosen one. No one else is that cocky or stupid, and that makes him the perfect candidate to destroy the ultimate evil.

In this first episode of Season 2, we get no sense of that balance at all. Kelly and Pablo are still with him being respectively Kelly and Pablo about things, but both are too wrapped up in their own issues to provide any kind of balance to Ash’s antics. When the scene first opens in a bar, we see Ash opening a keg with his chainsaw and shooting glasses out of the air to the cheers of a crowd. After, he’s immediately approached by a mother/daughter combo looking to schedule intimate appointments with his wiener. Cool, funny, Ash got his wish of a life of leisure in Jacksonville, no big deal. I can get behind seeing one of my favorite characters finally happy for once.

Unfortunately, once he leaves the town, everyone continues to act like extras in the “Ashley Williams Comedy Special.” We’re introduced to his father played by Lee Majors, and we get to see where Ash got a lot of his bad habits. We also learn about about his home town, and the untold repercussions of his experiences in the Evil Dead films. The problem is that everyone is set up like a caricature. From the bossy sheriff to the waitress who’s too good for this small town to the guy screaming at the bar, it’s all delivered with the same level of schlock that Ash does when he holds up a crayon drawing to serve as a police sketch. These moments are funny when played against a rational backdrop. When everyone is being stupid, it feels forced.

My big problem was with the tone and presentation, which unfortunately I can’t go over more of without spoiling anything. So let me take a moment to step back and say that I didn’t at all hate this episode. There’s way more than enough good stuff to make it fun. They go back to a lot of practical effects work this season, so watching the creative ways they make blood fly is always a treat. And shit, do they make the blood fly. As a Californian, I shudder to think how much water they used to spray all of that fake blood. The new monsters are really creepy, exuding both power and menace. They have the most noticeable CGI element, but it works very well for their design. As always, the performances are all top notch, with Majors feeling like a new natural fit to the show.

I hope that Season 2 will be a load of fun, but from what I saw it was just enjoyable. My fear is that, hot off of the success of the blood, gore, and cheese of Season 1, that they will just try to ramp that shit up to 11. Let’s not forget that what makes all of that fun are the elements that ground us and make all of that seem so extreme. When shit flies off the rails, it’s because nothing was there to hold it down. Perhaps the euphoria of fan hype and the pure charm of Bruce Campbell can elevate media as we know it to a new plane where constant schlock is the new meta. As it was tonight, I didn’t see it.

The post #SDCC16: Ash Vs Evil Dead Season 2 Episode One Review appeared first on Dread Central.

Editor’s Note: “Hyperbolic Reviews” are the humorous works of a lunatic who’s just nuts about films. His enthusiasm is unbridled. They are not meant to be taken seriously, and by no means are they meant to poke fun at anyone or anything. Any resemblance to actual reviews written by the living or the dead are purely coincidental.

Starring Big Scary Trees!, Piles of Rocks!, Flying Tents!

Directed by The Most Talented Man in the History of Film!

This week held the MOTHER OF ALL SURPRISES at the San Diego Comic-Con as the Blair Witch (actual review) took to the big screen for the first time in decades and OWNED every horror film that’s ever come before it! At least that’s what a source close to a source close to my cousin, who has a source that wanted to remain anonymous, told me when they saw it! THAT MOVIE WAS SO SCARY! HIS HAIR TURNED WHITE! HIS FACE FELL CLEAN OFF!

Seriously! This movie will donkey punch your ancestors, thereby rattling their genes and stunting your future growth! Blair Witch will rub your taint raw and then splash isopropyl alcohol onto your inflamed undercarriage, leaving you unable to walk or shit without crying tears of razor blades!

This movie redefines the genre by mixing AWESOME and GREATNESS into one scathing hate cocktail that’s launched missile-like through the chest of a small child who resonates unloved mediocrity!

Have a wedding scheduled? CANCEL IT! Someone you know dying?! TELL THEM TO STOP BEING SO SELFISH and have the common decency to die either before or after Blair Witch‘s premiere! IF YOU DO ANYTHING… ANYTHING… this coming September 16th, it should be going to see this movie; or you will regret it for the rest of your natural-born life!

The post Hyperbolic Review: Blair Witch (2016) appeared first on Dread Central.

When a series lasts as long as “Supernatural,” which is heading into its 12th season, it’s easy for it to fall off the rails and/or just go through the motions; but that definitely hasn’t been the case here.  In fact, Season 11 could have been one of the show’s best yet, so we’re pretty excited about Season 12, especially since it sees the return of Mary Winchester and some pretty interesting guest casting news that was revealed at the 2016 San Diego Comic-Con.

Per Variety, during today’s “Supernatural” panel at SDCC, it was announced by co-showrunner/exec producer Robert Singer that real-life musician/actor Rick Springfield will portray one of “a few new vessels” Lucifer will be “trying out” as he take a “vacation” from the politics of trying to take over heaven or hell. Our first thought: Will Springfield be playing himself? His role is described as a fading rock star who is attempting a comeback so make of that what you will. He’s currently filming in Vancouver.

As for Castiel, who served as Lucifer’s vessel for much of last season, Misha Collins says he’s most like Season 4’s version of the character. He’s gotten “much of his mojo back… he’s angry and he’s in a fighting spirit and he’s after Lucifer. And now that Mary’s back, he’s tattletaling a lot.”

Speaking of Mary, played by Samantha Smith, series star Jensen Ackles said that having her back “presents a dynamic we haven’t had… The children that she knew are now men, the relationship is kind of nonexistent, so it’s going to be an interesting situation of them trying to bridge the gap that occurred over the last thirty-some years.”

Ackles’ co-star Jared Padalecki echoed his sentiments, “It’s going to be an interesting dynamic to have someone 100 percent our blood; we find out more about what family means and how you become family. It’s not always blood, it’s pain, it’s triumphs. Now Sam and Dean, with their mother, they’re starting anew; it’s going to be fun to explore that dynamic: Does blood make you family, or is it more than sharing the same DNA?”

Co-showrunner/exec producer Andrew Dabb added, “…this [reunion with Mary] is something that they deeply want, but they know family can be a vulnerability, so there’s some protectiveness [over her]. We wanted to get back to family; this is the closest we’ve been to that since Season 1.”

She’s also likely to join Sam and Dean on their hunts… “It’ll be interesting to see the similarities in how she deals with the supernatural and how the boys deal with it,” Ackles said.

And how might she and Castiel get along? Per Dabb, they’ll have a “cool dynamic,” with Misha Collins teasing that since they are both outsiders, they’ll have an interesting bond.

If there’s a theme to this season, it seems to be “back to basics,” according to Singer. “You don’t get bigger than God; we can’t top all that,” he said, adding that they’ll “tell smaller stories — some good old fashioned horror stories” in Season 12. In addition, Sheriff Jody, Donna, Claire, and Alex will all be returning.

As for Sam’s encounter with a woman from the British arm of the Men of Letters that ended Season 11, Padalecki promised we’ll learn more about Lady Toni Bevell (guest star Elizabeth Blackmore) and the organization’s position as a “worldwide society” in the weeks to come. Sam is alive – for now – but definitely not safe.

Saving the best for last, Crowley (Mark Sheppard) is still fuming and “wants revenge” on Lucifer for the events of last season. Dabb said there will be an expanded focus on the demon’s family, including mother Rowena (Ruth Connell) and long-lost son Gavin early on “that will be a driving force, the family stuff. Crowley’s relationship with the guys has evolved nicely over the course of the last two seasons too, so we want to continue that.”

“Supernatural” returns on October 13th so expect lots more between now and then, including the footage shown during today’s panel.

The post #SDCC16: Rick Springfield Getting Devilish for Supernatural; More on Mary’s Return and Horror Focus in Season 12 appeared first on Dread Central.

Fox has released the first footage of the network’s impromptu LIVE EXORCISMS on the streets of San Diego during Comic-Con 2016, and we have it right here for you! Dig it!

Widely regarded as the greatest horror movie ever made, Academy Award-nominated The Exorcist terrified audiences around the world. Now, more than four decades later, it returns as a contemporary psychological TV thriller this fall on FOX, following the story of two very different priests tackling one family’s case of terrifying demonic possession.

“The Exorcist” premieres on September 23rd. Follow @TheExorcistFOX for more and use #TheExorcist to join the conversation.

Related Story:  #SDCC16: Geena Davis Talks The Exorcist

About “The Exorcist”:
“THE EXORCIST” is a propulsive psychological thriller following two very different priests tackling one family’s case of horrifying demonic possession. FATHER TOMAS ORTEGA (Alfonso Herrera) is the new face of the Catholic Church: progressive, ambitious, and compassionate. He runs a small but loyal parish in the suburbs of Chicago. He has no idea that his quiet life is about to change forever.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, another priest finds himself locked in a life-and-death struggle with evil. FATHER MARCUS BRENNAN (Ben Daniels) is a modern-day Templar Knight, an orphan raised since childhood by the Vatican to wage war against its enemies. Father Marcus is everything Father Tomas is not: relentless, abrasive, and utterly consumed by his sacred mission.

Caught in the middle is the RANCE family, members of Tomas’ parish. On the surface they’re a normal, suburban family, but all is not as it seems in this household. The patriarch, HENRY RANCE (guest star Alan Ruck), is slowly but surely losing his mind. Eldest daughter KATHERINE (Brianne Howey) has become a recluse who refuses to leave her room. Her younger sister, CASEY (Hannah Kasulka), thinks she’s hearing strange noises coming from inside the walls. And mother ANGELA (Academy Award and Golden Globe winner Geena Davis) has been plagued by recurring nightmares, each more frightening than the last. Angela believes there is something in the house, a demonic presence, growing stronger by the day. Desperate, she begs Father Tomas for help, unwittingly setting the naïve young priest on a collision course with Father Marcus. Separately, each faces an insurmountable task, but together they become the only hope against an evil force that has been mobilizing for centuries.

The post #SDCC16: Exorcisms on the Streets of San Diego – WATCH NOW! appeared first on Dread Central.

We’re quickly approaching the end of the first season of “Preacher” (with a second already confirmed), and from what we’ve heard, fans of the comic are pretty divided about the show while people who aren’t as familiar with the source material seem more forgiving.

If you’re among those who are anxiously awaiting the finale and are curious about Season 2, we have a few tidbits for you here from the 2016 San Diego Comic-Con press conference with exec producers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg; comic creator Garth Ennis; and co-stars Dominic Cooper (Jesse), Ruth Negga (Tulip), Joseph Gilgun (who was BORN to play Cassidy and is just as charismatic in person as you’d expect), Ian Colletti (Eugene), and Graham McTavish (The Cowboy).

We started with Ennis and the creative team of Rogen and Goldberg, who were asked why they made Tulip and Jesse childhood friends, something that wasn’t part of the comics. Goldberg said it stemmed from making Jesse’s father a preacher and the idea of them knowing each other made for a “richer story.”  Tulip now factors into the overall “melded idea” of father/church/town and Jesse’s quest for redemption.

They see the show a “genre-jumping action/horror/comedy” tale, which, Rogen says, helps keep the crew “super pumped” to come up with new and different things; it’s “like working on four different shows” in one.  Goldberg joked a bit about how they originally “pitched it as Sin City” with scenes looking exactly like pages from the comics, but showrunner Sam Catlin told them what a “terrible idea” that was.

Seth thinks “going in cold” without having read the comics is “probably better” given how much things have been changed.  One such change is the Jesse/Tulip/Cassidy triangle, which happened much later in the comics.  Rogen said they wanted to “plant a time bomb” – we don’t know if or when it will go off.

About those changes, Ennis told them to “go for it” and said he wishes he’d thought of some of them, such as Cassidy’s “fight on the plane, Tulip’s escapade in the cornfield,” and of course the motel scene.  Seth added the goal has been to “capture a cinematic translation of this comic… keep it unpredictable, both story-wise and visually.” With regard to the serial killer storyline that feels a bit shoehorned in, Rogen promises there’s “more of that to come.”

As for whether Ennis might write for the series in the future, he said he would definitely like to try his hand at it. And don’t expect any spinoffs a la “Fear the Walking Dead” and “Better Call Saul.”  Instead, said Rogen, “We’re just going to adapt Garth’s other comics.”

Rogen commented a bit on how different working in TV is from movies, saying it was “like learning a new job,” the biggest differences being “the speed” at which decisions are made – the casting, number of setups, etc., and “how much time is spent in post[-production].”  TV directors “do a show and then are gone.”  All of the music/score, color timing/palette decisions, etc., are left to them as producers.  Plus, he was all ready to “fight AMC like the MPAA,” but all of their “character and emotional choices” have been accepted by the network.  Some things “required conversations” about “why” they were important, but in the end he was shocked at how much they can do… literally “anything but saying ‘fuck.'”

Next up were the cast members.  Cooper was asked if, given his immense power, Jesse can be seen as some sort of superhero, and he responded that Jesse is “making a mistake” and is a “flawed superhero” because “it doesn’t work.” He’s a man “desperate to change himself.” He “feels guilty” but also “thinks he’s the chosen one and can do good”; however, the fact he “doesn’t recognize” his flaws and “can harbor Genesis means he’s half evil and half good.”

He agrees the character is “quite unsympathetic but in a state of reflection.”  Whereas, Rogen and Goldberg were mum on the direction in which the remaining episodes and Season 2 are heading, Cooper said the “next half” of Jesse’s “journey is to search for answers.” He added that Jesse “began heavy, depressed, stuck in his past… now he has a purpose.”  He has “a girl he loves, met a new great friend, and the three of them go on a journey,” which should be reassuring for fans of the comic who have been waiting for that particular storyline to begin.

He was asked if anything that Jesse has done has surprised him, and he said he was “shocked by how calm Jesse was” after sending Arseface to Hell and his “lack of immediate remorse.”  But don’t think we’ve seen the worst yet… Cooper said ominously, “He’s capable of doing that and a lot more.”  Jesse is a “very, very flawed person.”

Ruth said that playing Tulip is “a joy” and she loves how “contradictory, like we are as human beings” the character is.  She’s attracted by her “unapologetic, violent tendencies.”  It’s an “armor to protect herself.”  Tulip has a “pure sense of justice… it’s like a personal quest for her” based on her childhood, as we’ve seen in the flashbacks thus far.  As for Jesse, Negga feels he is “actually running away from himself” and should learn that “maybe you can’t outrun your true nature.” Referring to the “triangle,” she said that you “don’t forgive this ‘trinity of misfits’ but can empathize with them.”

McTavish expanded on that theme, saying that “so many of the characters are trying to suppress their true natures, keeping the darkness we all carry with us in check.”  As for the character he himself portrays, having been “already a huge fan of the comic,” becoming “this iconic character” was “overwhelming and quite a responsibility.”

Although he also says his role has “been a joy” to play, it’s challenging for Ian to portray Eugene/Arseface due to the heavy makeup he wears – it generally takes 2 to 2-1/2 hours to put on.  He relies on his eyes to communicate in hopes people can “forget about his deformity and see him as a human being.”

As for fan favorite Cassidy, Gilgun was asked why he’s loyal to Jesse, someone whom he barely knows.  As someone who’s “119 years old and sick of it,” Cassidy “sees a little of himself” in Jesse’s search for redemption.  Considering that everyone dies and “leaves him anyway,” he “feels needed” by Jesse.

The post #SDCC16: Cast & Crew Talk Preacher – What You Need to Know Before the Finale appeared first on Dread Central.

This past Friday the new trailer for “The Walking Dead” Season 7 hit the Internet, and due to the way Season 6 ended, of course there wasn’t much revealed.  Afterwards, we had a chance to take part in the press conference for the show, which was attended by stars Andrew Lincoln, Norman Reedus, Steven Yeun, Lauren Cohan, Danai Gurira, Chandler Riggs, Sonequa Martin-Green, Michael Cudlitz, Josh McDermitt, Ross Marquand, Christian Serratos, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan plus executive producer and showrunner Scott M. Gimple, executive producer Robert Kirkman, executive producer Gale Anne Hurd, executive producer Dave Alpert, and special effects makeup supervisor and executive producer Greg Nicotero.

They were all pretty tight-lipped about what lies ahead, but we did manage to pry a little bit of info from them.  Here are five things we leaned:

– When asked whom we might be meeting in Season 7, Kirkman teased that there will be “more new characters, but right now we’re focusing on Ezekiel (played by Khary Payton) and Shiva (his pet tiger).”  Since it’s “not humane and also very dangerous to have a live tiger on set,” Shiva will be “all magic” (i.e., CGI). Gimple then joked that considering how good they’re getting at CGI, “one way or another, [although] I make no promises, we may see” some zombies in snow. Alpert explained that the Ezekiel/Shiva storyline “will not play out how you expect… [there will be] lots of swerves, zigging and zagging.” And is the “All Out War” of the comics coming?  Alpert, per usual, hedged, saying, “The show has to have a life of its own… this season and the plan to come is hitting [all the] milestones.”

– On the mental state of our survivors: Yeun said they “were over-confident, but now they are more scared than they’ve ever been… ever.”  Cudlitz emphasized that they are realizing things are “really going sideways in real time.”  Gurira added that Rick had “confidence that almost teetered into cocky,” and they “were shown something quite different” than what they expected.  Lincoln echoed her thoughts: “Hubris was Rick’s downfall.” He was “probably doing the right thing” but had “too much pride behind it.” Now he’s “truly terrified for the first time since waking up” in the hospital.  “All he’s worked for, for 7 years, has been shattered.” Cohan succinctly summed up what’s been an overriding theme of the show since the beginning: “…there will be suffering and that is inevitable, but what do you learn and what do you become?”

– As for deciding on Negan’s victim(s), Nicotero explained that it was a huge challenge because “you know it’s coming… usually no one knows… but here everyone know it’s coming.”  It’s important that it’s “brutal and unexpected and senseless” and lives “up to expectations.” The aftermath will be “how that [one act] changes the direction of the survivors… forever.” Hurd added that the “introduction to Negan is so important for people who don’t read the comic” so they’ll know “what a fomidable, but somehow incredibly charming person he is.”

– Speaking of Negan, the equally charming Morgan said there’s “no trace of ‘Jeff’ there” in the character.  The role is like something he’s “never done before… I changed my movements and the inflection in my voice.”  It “gets seriously weird” when Negan is around, but he’s thankful since the role is “something really special.”  As for the fans’ reaction, he said, “Right now I’m okay… next year is going to be different.”  He expects a “salute of middle fingers” at the 2017 SDCC.

– Last, but certainly not least for us, we heard from Nicotero about the “amazing stuff” they have planned for the zombies this season.  Since Season 7 picks up immediately from the end of Season 6, not enough time has elapsed for any major changes to be required for the walkers, but he and his team “spent a lot of time finessing and fine-tuning” their look.  He said everyone working on the show is “still enthusiastic and committed… and take great pride that seven years ago there was nothing like this on TV.”

Below are some photos from our time with the cast and crew. “The Walking Dead” returns Sunday, October 23. After a mid-season break, the show will be back February 2017.

The post #SDCC16: Five Things We Learned About The Walking Dead Season 7 appeared first on Dread Central.

With so many choices now available or coming soon to the airwaves, it hard for horror TV fans to know where to look first.  But one show we have our peepers locked firmly onto is “American Gods,” and if you agree, then you won’t want to miss out on watching its 2016 San Diego Comic-Con panel.

Below you’ll find executive producers Brian Fuller, Michael Green, and David Slade; cast members Ricky Whittle, Ian McShane, Pablo Schreiber, Bruce Langley, and Yetide Badaki; plus Neil Gaiman, writer of the book series, talking about the upcoming STARZ Originals Series and answering fan questions with host Yvette Nicole Brown.

“American Gods” stars Ricky Whittle (Shadow Moon), Laura Browning (Laura Moon), Ian McShane (Mr. Wednesday), Pablo Schreiber (Mad Sweeney), Orlando Jones (Mr. Nancy), Yetide Badaki (Bilquis), Bruce Langley (Technical Boy), Crispin Glover (Mr. World), Demore Barnes (Mr. Ibis), Jonathan Tucker (Low Key Lyesmith), Gillian Anderson (Media), Peter Stormare (Czernobog), Dane Cook (Robbie), Kristin Chenoweth (Easter), and Cloris Leachman (Zorya Vechernyaya).

“American Gods” is an adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s acclaimed contemporary fantasy novel of the same name, which has been translated into over 30 languages and earned numerous accolades including Hugo, Nebula, and Bram Stoker Awards for Best Novel. The plot posits a war brewing between old and new gods: the traditional gods of mythological roots from around the world steadily losing believers to an upstart pantheon of gods reflecting society’s modern love of money, technology, media, celebrity, and drugs. Its protagonist, Shadow Moon, is an ex-con who becomes bodyguard and traveling partner to Mr. Wednesday, a conman but in reality one of the older gods, on a cross-country mission to gather his forces in preparation to battle the new deities.

“American Gods” is produced by FremantleMedia North America. Bryan Fuller (“Hannibal,” “Pushing Daisies,” “Heroes”) and Michael Green (“The River,” “Kings,” “Heroes”) are writers and showrunners. David Slade (“Hannibal,” The Twilight Saga: Eclipse) is directing the pilot and additional episodes. FMNA’s Craig Cegielski and Stefanie Berk are executive producing the series along with Fuller, Green, Slade, and Neil Gaiman. Senior Vice Presidents of Original Programming Marta Fernandez and Ken Segna are the Starz executives in charge of “American Gods.” Starz retains all network pay TV and SVOD rights to the project. FremantleMedia is distributing the series worldwide.

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