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Australian Sci-fi Horror Actioneer ‘Occupation’ Already Prepping Sequel
Occupation 2 is in the works – a month before the release of Occupation in cinemas across Australia on July 12, writes Cinema Australia. The announcement comes after two sell-out screenings of the Australian-produced, sci-fi thriller last week.
The Occupation sequel is set to serve as an anthology-type film set in the aftermath of an Alien invasion, with the focus on Australia.
Luke Sparke will return as writer/director of Occupation 2 and the film will be produced by Carly Imrie (Occupation, Red Billabong) and Carmel Imrie (Occupation, Red Billabong). Joining them is American co-executive producer, Todd Williams (The Nun, Alex & Me) and co-writer Felix Williamson (Avalon Now, The Circle).
In the film, “A small group of town residents band together after a devastating ground invasion. As they struggle to survive, they realize they must stay one step ahead of their attackers, and work together for a chance to strike back.”
Temuera Morrison (Star Wars, Aquaman), Dan Ewing (Home & Away, Red Billabong), Stephany Jacobsen (Battlestar Galactica, Revenge), Rhiannon Fish (The 100), Charles Mesure (“Desperate Housewives”), Aaron Jeffery (McLeod’s Daughters, X-Men Origins: Wolverine), Jacqueline McKenzie (“The 4400”, Deep Blue Sea, Don’t Tell), and Bruce Spence (The Road Warrior) star.
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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