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‘The Grudge’ Director Made the ‘NightCry’ Teaser for Free
Earlier this month, the J-horror game Project Scissors made its official debut as NightCry. The spiritual successor to Clock Tower is being directed by series creator Hifumi Kono, with creature designs by Pyramid Head creator Masahiro Ito. Other “well known talents in the Japanese game industry” have signed on, but they haven’t been revealed yet.
The most impressive name that’s attached to this project belongs to Japanese director Takashi Shimizu (Ju-On, The Grudge). Apparently, that fantastic live-action teaser (see below) they used to announce the project was made by Shimizu for free.
“I was very nervous as I approached him, since we did not have any budget to afford an internationally renowned film director like him.” Kono-san explains when asked how Shimizu-san joined the project. “However, Mr. Shimizu really was intrigued about the project, and kindly agreed to work with us for free as our partner!”
I can’t say I’ve heard very many stories of successful directors offering to do pro bono work. It’s nice to see that kind of passion in a project like this. It bodes well for the final game.
The rest of NightCry director Hifume Kono’s interview can be found over at Destructoid.
All of us here at Bloody Disgusting are deeply sad to learn that The Blob director Chuck Russell has passed away at 74 years old.
Russell’s career began with his directorial debut, 1987’s A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors.
The multihyphenate film director, screenwriter, and producer is best known for helming 1994 comedy The Mask starring Jim Carrey, Arnold Schwarzenegger actioner Eraser, and adventure spinoff The Scorpion King. The latter served as the first leading role for Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
The filmmaker left an indelible mark on horror with his ANOES sequel, 1988’s The Blob, and 2000’s Bless the Child.
Russell’s final film credit is 2024’s Witchboard remake starring Madison Iseman (I Know What You Did Last Summer), Aaron Dominguez (Only Murders in the Building), and Jamie Campbell Bower (“Stranger Things”).
It marked Russell’s return to horror after a lengthy hiatus, and he shared sequel hopes to Bloody Disgusting in an interview ahead of the remake’s release: “I got to design the board with real mystical symbols and things that I know represent good and evil, and where that board takes us if the audiences respond to the film, and I hope they will; I know it’s out there for you guys, but the sequel is a world we’ll get to go a little further. That’s sure the intention.”
He also recently expressed interest in returning to the franchise that began his career.
TMZ notes that Russell passed away at his San Diego-area home.
We send our deepest condolences to Chuck Russell’s family, friends, and fans.
Director, Co-Writer & Producer Chuck Russell behind the scenes of the horror film, WITCHBOARD. Photo courtesy of The Avenue and Atlas Distribution
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