Bloody Disgusting is going to satisfy your nostalgia sweet tooth with the brand new SCREAMBOX Original Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls, which gives loving homage to classic gateway horror like Monster Squad, Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, Ernest Scared Stupid, and Beetlejuice.

First reported by Variety, Cinedigm announced today they have acquired all North American rights to the buzzed-about horror-comedy Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival 2023 Midnight Section to rave reviews.

Our very own Meagan Navarro attended the World Premiere, writing in her review that Onyx is an “endearing comedy-horror [that] embraces the ‘80s horror kid,” while RogerEbert.com called the film “a handmade horror gem.”

Based on writer, director and star Andrew Bowser’s viral internet character of the same name, Onyx tells the story of an amateur occultist who learns that sometimes when you raise HELL…you get a little burned.

“Misunderstood by all who know him, Marcus J. Trillbury (Bowser), aka Onyx the Fortuitous, is struggling to find purpose in his soul-devouring side gig. But just when it seems he’s ready to throw in the towel, he receives a coveted invitation to the mansion of his idol Bartok the Great (Jeffrey Combs; Re-Animator) for a ritual to raise the spirit of an ancient demon. Ecstatic, he joins Bartok, his mysterious delegate Farrah (Olivia Taylor Dudley; “The Magicians,” Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension) and a collection of fellow devotees as they prepare for the ceremony, but quickly it becomes apparent things are not what they seem. As Onyx and his new friends fight to keep their souls, he must decide what he’s willing to sacrifice in order to meet his destiny.”

The film also stars Barbara Crampton (You’re Next, Re-Animator), Ralph Ineson (The Witch, The Green Knight), Rivkah Reyes (School of Rock), TC Carson (Final Destination 2), Arden Myrin (Insatiable, Shameless) and Melanie Chandra (Code Black). Bowser (Worm, Jimmy Tupper vs. the Goatman of Bowie) also produced the film along with Clark Baker, Michael Mobley and Olivia Taylor Dudley.

The popular viral character Onyx the Fortuitous has garnered over 300M views online and has over 1M followers on TikTok, catapulting him to fame and cementing his status as a pop culture icon. Onyx fearlessly blends spine-chilling monsters with side-splitting humor, infusing the dark arts with a playful and lighthearted energy.

“Get ready to be transported back in time with this hilarious throwback to 80s horror that will have you laughing and screaming in equal measure,” said Brad Miska, Managing Director of Bloody Disgusting/Cinedigm. “It’s Elvira: Mistress of the Dark meets Fright Night, Beetlejuice, and even Ernest Scared Stupid with practical effects that will leave you speechless. If you’re a fan of the viral sensation that is Onyx, you won’t want to miss this uproariously fun adventure on the big screen this fall.”

When asked about the distribution news and his vault to stardom, Onyx the Fortuitous had this to say:

“I cannot wait to partner with Cinedigm and step into my destiny as the next horror icon! I’m a lot like Art the Clown from Terrifier 2 in ways. We both wear silly hats, and we both carry around large black trash bags. Except his bag is filled with murder tools, and mine is filled with mommy issues and social anxiety.”

The deal was negotiated by Brandon Hill, Director of Acquisitions, on behalf of Cinedigm and Pip Ngo, on behalf of XYZ Films. Bowser is repped by Heroes and Villains Entertainment.

The film also recently played at Fright Fest at the Glasgow Film Festival and the Calgary Underground Film Festival and will continue its festival run at the Chattanooga Film Festival, the Dark Bridges Film Festival and Fantasia International.

Cinedigm plans to release the film in theaters this fall followed by an exclusive launch on the Company’s horror streaming service SCREAMBOX.

ONYX Poster illustrated by Lukas Ketner