News
Netflix Nabs XYZ’s Post-Apocalyptic ‘ARQ’
THR writes that Robbie Amell and Rachael Taylor, known to fanboys for their work on comic book shows “The Flash” and “Jessica Jones,” respectively, have teamed up to star in ARQ. a sci-fi thriller that will be released by Netflix.
“ARQ is a post-apocalyptic thriller set in the near future when the oil supply has run dry. Trapped in a house and surrounded by a gang of mysterious masked intruders, an engineer (Amell) must protect a technology that could deliver unlimited energy and end the wars that have consumed the world. The only problem is that the technology has created a time loop that condemns him and his friends all to relive the same day over and over.”
Lost City and XYZ Films are producing the low-budget pic, which was written and is being directed by Tony Elliott (“Orphan Black”).
The movie is set to begin shooting this winter in Toronto.
Mason Novick and John Finemore of Lost City are producing along with Kyle Franke and Nick Spicer of XYZ Films, in association with MXN Entertainment.
James Hoppe is executive producing, while Elizabeth Grave and Michelle Knudsen are co-producers.
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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