Indie
‘Die Hard 6’ Pitch Resurrects ‘The Devil’
Eclectic Pictures has secured the rights to The Devil, an action-horror spec written by Eric D. Wilkinson and Richard Schenkman.
But here’s why this is interesting:
Eric D. Wilkinson recently drew attention after taking out a full page advertisement in The Hollywood Reporter in the form of an open letter to Bruce Willis, Lorenzo di Bonaventura and director Len Wiseman, pitching his story idea for the next chapter in the Die Hard series. The ad sparked worldwide interest from fans and pros alike, including Kingsman and Kick-Ass creator Mark Millar, who praised Wilkinson and Schenkman’s pitch.
“I was thrilled with the response of the ad,” said Wilkinson. “While waiting for Willis, di Bonaventura or Wiseman to reach out, I was contacted by Conor directly who gave us the opportunity to present a handful of our high-concept projects including, The Devil, our modern take on this historic urban legend. Richard and I have developed many ideas together but this is one of my favorites. Forget what you think you know about the Jersey Devil — ours is bigger, badder, and scarier than anything you could possibly imagine.”
The Devil is an action/horror franchise-starter loosely based on a true story. During a fraternity “hell night” deep in the Pine Barrens, a group of college students discover the urban legend of a 300-year old demonic creature is all too real.
The deal was orchestrated by Conor Charles, Senior Vice President of Eclectic Pictures, who will produce alongside Benjamin Scott of Beneficial Entertainment. Heidi Jo Markel, CEO of Eclectic Pictures, will serve as Executive Producer.
The Wayans are out to cancel the Cancel Culture with Scary Movie, and the cast assures it will do just that.
“They sort of have an across-the-board style,” Anna Faris tells EW. “It’s always been a part of the Wayans Brothers, their electricity. ‘Can we offend you? Will you still love us? Come on, you still love us, don’t you?'”
Regina Hall concurs, promising the “boundary-pushing” sixth installment in the horror parody franchise will “offend everyone.”
EW has shared a batch of behind-the-scenes images from Scary Movie, which hits theaters June 5 via Paramount.
Faris and Hall are joined by fellow franchise favorites Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Dave Sheridan, Lochlyn Munro, Cheri Oteri, Chris Elliott, and Jon Abrahams in the legacy sequel.
The ensemble includes Damon Wayans Jr., Gregg Wayans, Kim Wayans, Benny Zielke, Cameron Scott Roberts, Heidi Gardner, Olivia Rose Keegan, Ruby Snowber, Savannah Lee Nassif, Sydney Park, Kenan Thompson, and Felissa Rose.
Michael Tiddes (A Haunted House) directs from a script by Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, original Scary Movie director Keenen Ivory Wayans, Craig Wayans (Scary Movie 2), and Rick Alvarez (A Haunted House).
The film will slash through reboots, remakes, requels, prequels, sequels, spin-offs, elevated horror, origin stories, anything with the word legacy in it, and every “final chapter” that absolutely isn’t final.
Scary Movie launched in 2000, followed by Scary Movie 2 in 2001. The Wayans’ involvement ended there, but the series continued with 2003’s Scary Movie 3, 2006’s Scary Movie 4, and 2013’s Scary Movie 5.
Regina Hall & Marlon Wayans on the set of ‘Scary Movie.’ Credit: Paramount Pictures.
Anna Faris on the set of ‘Scary Movie.’ Credit: Paramount Pictures.
Marlon Wayans & Regina Hall on the set of ‘Scary Movie.’ Credit: Paramount Pictures.
Michael Tiddes & Anna Faris on the set of ‘Scary Movie.’ Credit: Paramount Pictures.
Marlon Wayans on the set of ‘Scary Movie.’ Credit: Paramount Pictures.
Regina Hall & Anna Faris on the set of ‘Scary Movie.’ Credit: Paramount Pictures.
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