Shout! Studios, a Radial Entertainment company, has made a significant move in the film distribution landscape, securing exclusive English-language distribution rights for Steven Kostanski’s highly anticipated “Deathstalker” reboot. This acquisition marks one of the most substantial deals leading up to the 78th Locarno Film Festival, signalling a renewed interest in revitalizing beloved cult film properties for a new generation. The Deathstalker Reboot promises to deliver a fresh take on the Roger Corman Films legacy.
Set to make its world premiere out of competition at the prestigious Locarno Film Festival, this sword and sorcery movie has already garnered considerable buzz, partly due to the involvement of Guns N’ Roses’ Slash, serving as an executive producer. The festival showcase is expected to ignite further excitement for the film, highlighting its potential to captivate both long-time fans of the original and newcomers to the fantastical world of Sword & Sorcery.
The film features Daniel Bernhardt, known for his roles in “John Wick” and “The Matrix Reloaded,” stepping into the titular role of Deathstalker. Bernhardt’s portrayal is described as a grizzled war veteran, a departure from the buff young heroes of the original series. Adding a distinctive voice to the ensemble, Patton Oswalt lends his talents as Doodad, a benevolent and wizened wizard, promising a blend of action and wit to this Cult Classic reimagining.
Steven Kostanski, the visionary director behind “The Void” and “PG: Psycho Goreman,” brings his unique stylistic sensibilities to this project. Unlike the B-movie aesthetic of the originals, Kostanski’s “Deathstalker” aims for a higher cinematic standard, elevating the original’s appreciable special effects and expanding the fantasy setting. His commitment to practical effects is a hallmark of his filmmaking, ensuring a tangible and immersive world for audiences.
The film serves as a vibrant celebration of practical effects, showcasing an array of meticulously crafted creatures and scenarios. Early glimpses within the narrative promise an impressive menagerie, including a fanged harpy-faced drone, a two-headed troll, a formidable stone robot, menacing man-eating snakes, and a bizarre PigMan. These intricate creature suits, prosthetic FX make-up, and stop-motion animation are all masterfully executed by Kostanski’s own Action Pants FX shop.
The comprehensive multi-territory distribution deal was finalized with Raven Banner, which oversees worldwide sales, bringing “Deathstalker” to a global audience. The pact between Shout! Studios and Raven Banner encompasses a wide range of rights, including theatrical releases, home entertainment (digital, video-on-demand, broadcast, and physical media), and ancillary rights for cross-platform availability. Shout! Studios plans a strategic U.S. theatrical launch later this year following the film’s festival run, with Raven Banner Releasing handling the Canadian distribution concurrently.
This “Deathstalker” project represents the latest reimagining from director Kostanski and Hangar 18 Media, who notably acquired the rights from Shout! Studios, the current owner of Roger Corman intellectual property. Shout! Studios has confirmed that several additional Corman-related projects are currently in active development, indicating a broader strategy to leverage their extensive catalog of genre films and bring them to contemporary audiences.
Jordan Fields, SVP of Acquisitions and Originals at Radial Entertainment, expressed immense enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Steve is one of the most fiercely creative filmmakers working today and his love for this IP and genre oozes from every frame.” Fields emphasized that “Deathstalker” is akin to “catnip” for fans of Dungeons and Dragons, praising its thrilling battles, sly humor, offbeat creatures, and thoughtful lore. He lauded Daniel Bernhardt’s performance as “pitch perfect,” predicting the film will rapidly garner a devoted following.
Michael Paszt of Raven Banner shared his personal connection to the source material, noting that Roger Corman Films, especially “Deathstalker II,” were formative inspirations for Raven Banner. He described the opportunity to reimagine one of Corman’s most outrageously entertaining classics with Steven Kostanski at the helm, alongside Daniel Bernhardt, Pasha at Hangar 18, and partners like Slash and Rodrigo from BerserkerGang, as a “total dream come true.” Paszt assured fans that they are “in store for a wild ride of monsters, magic, and mayhem.”
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