The wave includes Friday the 13th‘s Jason Voorhees, Saw‘s Billy the Puppet, Trick ‘r Treat‘s Sam, and Terrifier‘s Art the Clown.

Pre-orders for the vinyl figures are expected to launch today, January 20, at 9am PT/12pm ET.

These villains aren’t done haunting viewers: Jason will return this year in the Friday the 13th prequel series “Crystal Lake;” an eleventh Saw movie is in the works; Terrifier 4 is currently in the scripting stage; and Trick ‘r Treat 2 has long been in development.

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We’re putting the spotlight on the toys and action figures section of Trick or Treat Studios’ 2026 catalogue today, featuring upcoming releases from properties including Trick ‘r Treat, Killer Klowns from Outer Space, Day of the Dead, Leprechaun, and Army of Darkness!

Three different Killer Klowns from Outer Space character banks are being released in 2026 – Slim, Shorty, and Jumbo – and we’re getting a brand new line of 5″ Klowns action figures featuring Shorty, Slim, the Baby Klown, and even the two female Klowns characters.

Michael Dougherty’s Trick ‘r Treat is being celebrated with an ultimate Sam doll from Trick or Treat Studios later this year, along with a wave of 5″ action figures based on the film.

Of particular note, we’re getting figures of Trick ‘r Treat characters other than Sam for the very first time, including Anna Paquin’s Laurie, Brian Cox’s Mr. Kreeg, and Dylan Baker’s Steven. It looks like the Laurie and Steven action figures even transform into their alter egos.

Army of Darkness and Day of the Dead are also getting their own 5″ toy lines, while the company’s 8″ scale Scream Greats line will grow to include Maniac Cop, Leprechaun, The Crow, and a new Art the Clown from Terrifier. Inspired by the Polly Pocket and Mighty Max toy lines you might remember from your childhood, the brand new Micro Maniacs toy line will also launch this year with a Myers House playset based on John Carpenter’s original Halloween.

Browse the full Trick or Treat Studios 2026 product catalog for more!

The post Trick or Treat Studios Previews New 2026 Toys Including ‘Trick ‘r Treat’ & ‘Killer Klowns’ Collections appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.

Thankfully, I was still able to live vicariously through the Halloween-related media I consumed, with horror movies and television specials allowing me to feel like I was invited to all sorts of pagan festivities – even if many of them ended in horrific bloodbaths. And with All Hallows’ Eve fast approaching, this is the perfect time to honor our favorite spooky celebrations with a list highlighting six of the most memorable Halloween Parties in horror movies!

After all, whether they’re terrifying, hilarious, or just look like a damn good time, Halloween parties are an iconic staple of the horror genre, and there are plenty of fun examples to choose from. Of course, this isn’t meant to be a definitive list of scary parties, so don’t forget to comment below with your own favorites if you think we missed a particularly memorable one.

With that out of the way, onto the list!

6. The College Party – Scream VI (2023)

The Scream movies have a long-standing tradition of using ill-fated parties to get all of our potential victims (and killers) together in the same place at the same time, but it was only in the sixth entry that the franchise would finally depict a proper Halloween party! And while the college get-together from the beginning of Scream VI isn’t quite as memorable as something like the Macher house party from the first movie, it still stands out because of its self-referential undertones.

After all, what better way of examining our main character’s relationship with “horror” after the events of the previous film than by placing them in a meta celebration of all things spooky? And if that’s not enough for you, the scene also features plenty of homages to other horror movies via the partygoer’s costumes, with disguises ranging from an off-brand Wednesday Adams (a clever nod to Jenna Ortega’s other fan-favorite role) to the cardboard knight outfit from our next entry!

5. Murder Party – Murder Party (2007)

Jeremy Saulnier’s debut feature may not have the budget to depict an all-out Monster Mash with hundreds of extras and elaborate costumes, but it’s exactly the low-budget awkwardness of it all that makes the titular get-together in Murder Party so damned charming.

A festive trap orchestrated by a group of desperate art students wanting to impress their mysterious financier with a bloody exhibit, the funniest thing about this ill-fated party is just how relatable it seems to anyone who has ever hung out with self-serious artists.

And with our murderous villains donning homemade costumes referencing everything from Blade Runner to The Warriors, it stands to reason that this underseen gem would make it onto the list.

4. Greenhouse Bash – Ginger Snaps (2000)

A county greenhouse facility may not seem like the most appropriate place to host an underground Halloween party, but I’d argue that the presence of charismatic drug dealers and a local girl who happens to be turning into a homicidal werewolf makes Sam’s Greenhouse Bash one of the most memorable get-togethers on this list.

After all, not only does the event get plenty of slightly intoxicated victims together in the same place, but it also allows Ginger to walk around in public with her semi-transformed lycanthrope face without arousing suspicion, with the other partygoers simply assuming that she’s wearing a freaky costume!

3. Hull House Party – Night of the Demons (1988)

Night of the Demons wasn’t exactly a huge hit back when it was first released, with critics accusing it of being an over-the-top gore-fest with little redeeming value. It’s precisely the flick’s unabashed depiction of 80s excess that has since turned it into a cult classic.

After all, NotD’s inimitable atmosphere makes it a perfect mood piece for spooky season. This makes a lot of sense when you consider that the supernatural splatter flick was originally titled “Halloween Party” before the filmmakers decided to go with something a little less vague.

And the best part about rewatching this classic is being able to pretend that you’re cool enough to be invited to the same party as Linnea Quigley!

2. Werewolf “Orgy” – Trick ‘r Treat (2008)

It makes sense that a Halloween-themed anthology would feature several Halloween parties in the same movie, but out of all the seasonal celebrations in Michael Dougherty’s 2008 classic, it’s the secluded event that Anna Paquin and her more experienced friends are heading towards that really takes the cake as the most memorable.

This segment initially seems like it’s going to be a straightforward retelling of the Little Red Riding Hood story as Paquin desperately searches for a date to take to the party, but it’s eventually revealed that the event is actually a werewolf “orgy” where the lycanthropic partygoers feast on their unsuspecting dates under the light of a full moon. And while I wouldn’t exactly want to be invited to this gory shindig, it still seems like a great time for the werewolf crowd.

1. High School Dance – The Guest (2014)

Equal parts action film, psychological thriller, and slasher flick, Adam Wingard’s The Guest is the director’s most entertaining project despite its distinct lack of giant apes and radioactive lizards. Of course, this is mostly thanks to Dan Stevens’ career-making performance as a mysterious army veteran with violent tendencies.

A great example of Steven’s intense persona is the film’s final confrontation at the local High School’s Halloween Dance, with Wingard pulling his best John Carpenter impression as he turns Stevens into a spec-ops version of Michael Myers. However, while this highly atmospheric sequence is appropriately intense, the real reason the dance makes it onto the list is just how much the school appears to have invested in seasonal decorations. After all, the dance floor boasts everything from industrial fog machines to a surprisingly effective scare maze – a far cry from the school events that I’ve been to.

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Night of the Living Dead is a 24×36 giclee print, hand-numbered out of 100, for $60. The artwork, of course, pays homage to the classic Texas Chain Saw Massacre poster.

Trick ‘r Treat is a 24×36 screen print, hand-numbered out of 100, for $60. Multi-layer acrylic prints will also be available in 24×36 (limited to 20 for $175) and 7×10.5 (limited to 40 for $75).

The treats don’t stop there! Bottleneck will carry an exclusive color variant of Douglas Pipes‘ Trick ‘r Treat soundtrack on vinyl from Waxwork Records. Limited to 150, it costs $38.

The 2xLP album is housed in a heavyweight gatefold jacket with satin coating featuring artwork by Francisco Francavilla, liner notes by Pipes and director Michael Dougherty, and an 11×22 poster insert.

Both designs and the vinyl go on sale tomorrow, October 23, at 12pm ET.

The post ‘Night of the Living Dead’ by Readful Things, ‘Trick ‘r Treat’ by Peter Strain On Sale Tomorrow at Bottleneck Gallery appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.

However, that’s not always the case. And with Halloween finally upon us, we’ve decided to come up with a list celebrating six of the scariest pumpkins in horror! After all, it’s only a matter of time before these autumn gourds begin fighting back against the folks who gleefully mutilate them year after year.

In order to keep things interesting, we’ll only be including a single pumpkin per franchise while also disregarding the overall quality of the movies that they appear in. We also won’t be including Pumpkinhead on this list, as this Appalachian demon only vaguely resembles an orange gourd and isn’t even made out of vegetable matter despite rising out of a pumpkin patch.

With that out of the way, don’t forget to comment below with your own favorite horrific pumpkins if you think we missed a particularly spooky one.

Now, onto the list…

6. The Pumpkin – Carved (2024)

Not to be confused with the Koji Shiraishi flick of the same name, this oddball Hulu original sees a group of employees at a Historic Pioneer Village attempt to fight off a killer vegetable awakened by a chemical spill. And luckily for horror fans, the filmmakers didn’t skimp out when the time came to design their villain.

Not only does the film make up for its silly premise with some exceedingly gory deaths, but I also appreciate how the effects artists used the pumpkin’s natural grooves and textures to make a subtly monstrous face instead of relying on a familiar jack ‘o lantern carving. And regardless of what you think of the finished film (I personally wish that it relied less on digital tentacles), you’ve got to admit that the thought of being impaled by a vengeful gourd as it carves you into a fleshy decoration is freaky enough to earn the flick a spot on this list.

5. The Pumpkin-Heads – Goosebumps: Attack of the Jack ‘O Lanterns (1996)

Our own Paul Farrell already went into detail last year about how this story is a spooky season classic, but I’d also like to give this iconic episode a shout-out due to the nightmares it provided me as a child.

Yes, the flaming pumpkin head effects aren’t exactly blockbuster quality, but it’s the implications behind these monsters that make them almost as scary as their literary counterparts. You see, the story ends on a double twist, first revealing that the pumpkin monsters were a mere prank, and then surprising us yet again by unmasking the pranksters as shape-shifting aliens with a taste for human flesh – and they promise they’ll be back for more plump humans to devour the following year!

It may not seem like much to modern audiences, but that’s some seriously scary stuff for a ’90s kid!

4. The Flaming Head – The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1949)

One of the most iconic pumpkins in film history, the headless horseman’s flaming head has been haunting our nightmares for over 75 years at this point. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow may technically be a kid’s film, but we’re including this gateway horror classic instead of Tim Burton’s 1999 re-imagining because the Disney flick managed to traumatize a lot more kids due to its frequent re-airings on Television.

And while that iconic chase scene still remains one of the scariest moments in animation (despite the whole thing probably being a prank meant to scare away Ichabod), I can’t even imagine how scary it must have been to see this kind of thing on the big screen back in the late 40s.

After all, you can’t reason with a headless man.

3. Sawtooth Jack/The October Boy – Dark Harvest (2023)

Yes, the book version of Sawtooth Jack (also known as the October Boy) is much scarier, with the more naturalistic design of the adaptation somehow making the monster less intimidating than the cartoony description in Norman Partridge’s novel, but how can you complain about an undead movie monster stuffed with literal candy?

And while I’m not too big a fan of some of the film’s other changes to the source material, I actually really appreciate the filmmaker’s attempt at turning the story into a vicious cycle instead of simply rehashing the novel’s Hollywood ending.

2. The Silver Shamrock Mask – Halloween III (1982)

A sequel that was once despised but has since been reevaluated as one of the best entries in the franchise, Halloween III is one hell of an October treat. Featuring pumpkin-based androids, Celtic conspiracies and Tom Atkins’ wonderful mustache, there’s something here for everyone if you can tolerate the lack of Michael Myers.

Of course, the most memorable part of this oddball film is the collection of Halloween masks at the center of Silver Shamrock’s evil plot, with the best of the bunch being featured in an iconic scene where a child’s head is melted into a pile of creepy crawlies after donning his mask and watching the company’s cursed commercial.

The pumpkin from the original Halloween’s opening credits is also pretty spooky, but it wasn’t responsible for a child’s brutal on-screen death, and that’s why Halloween III is the entry that makes it onto this list.

1. Sam – Trick ‘r Treat (2007)

I thought about starting this entry with a spoiler warning, but after 15 years (and even official DVD/Blu-ray covers that ruin the surprise), I think it’s safe to say that we’re all aware of Sam’s true form at this point.

Trick ‘r Treat was Michael Dougherty’s attempt at making the definitive Halloween movie, so it’s only natural that this lovable anthology contains a ton of gorgeous – and often gory – pumpkins and pumpkin-adjacent decorations. However, we all know that the number one pick simply has to be the creepy little pumpkin demon that was lurking underneath Sam’s adorable outfit the entire time.

His monstrous form is still rather endearing, but the savage way that this seemingly unkillable creature tortures Brian Cox seasonally appropriate weaponry is what makes him my pick for the scariest killer gourd on this list.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on October 31, 2024.

The post Attack of the Killer Gourds! 6 of the Scariest Pumpkins in Horror appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.

The line includes T-shirts ($34.99-35.99), all-over print tees ($62.99), long sleeves ($44.99), hoodies ($64.99), socks ($12.99), hats ($36.99), water bottles ($34.99) and 60×50 throw blankets ($64.99).

The line is only available through Sunday, October 19, and will ship in 6-8 weeks. Select pieces are limited in quantity and may sell out before the weekend is over.

Trick ‘r Treat weaves together sinister stories set on Halloween night: a principal has a secret life, a virgin is looking for her first time, a group of kids pull a prank, a woman does not respect the rules of Halloween, and a mean old man meets a demonic trick-or-treater.

The 2007 horror anthology is written and directed by Michael Dougherty (Krampus, Godzilla: King of the Monsters).

Dylan Baker, Rochelle Aytes, Anna Paquin, Brian Cox, and Quinn Lord star.

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The cooler weather, the turning leaves, and classic Fall imagery have all become synonymous with Halloween, and this week’s streaming picks aim to immerse you further in those vibes with atmospheric Halloween horror movies that fully embrace the holiday theme.

Because it’s Halloween, we’re doubling up on selections this week. Here’s where to stream these ten atmospheric Halloween horror movies.

For more Stay Home, Watch Horror picks, click here.

Cobweb – Netflix

It doesn’t get more seasonal than the feature directorial debut of Samuel Bodin, creator of Netflix’s “Marianne.” Lizzy Caplan (“Castle Rock”) and Antony Starr (“The Boys”) star as parents who seemingly can’t be trusted when their young son Peter (Woody Norman) gets tormented by mysterious knocking on his bedroom walls. Bodin and screenwriter Chris Thomas Devlin’s R-rated horror fairy tale massively embraces its Halloween atmosphere. If you want full throttle scares, watch “Marianne.” For gateway thrills that go big on Halloween, get cozy with Cobweb.

Dark Night of the Scarecrow – Fandango at Home, Fawesome, Kanopy, Midnight Pulp, Night Flight+, Pluto TV, Roku Channel, Screambox 

Don’t let the simplicity of this made-for-TV movie fool you; Dark Night of the Scarecrow is compelling storytelling. Set in a small Southern town over the Halloween season, a mentally challenged man is wrongfully murdered for a crime he didn’t commit. When his murderers evade justice, a mysterious scarecrow systematically takes them out. Halloween décor, scarecrows, farmland, and a fantastic performance by horror stalwart Larry Drake make for one perfect Halloween season movie. It’s a Southern type of Fall-set horror movie, with distinct Halloween flair.

Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers – AMC+, Shudder

After sitting out the previous entry, Halloween III: Season of the Witch, Michael Myers returns to Haddonfield once more on All Hallow’s Eve with murder on his mind. This time, the Boogeyman targets his telepathically linked niece, Jamie Lloyd (Danielle Harris). Not only does the fourth entry have a great final girl in Rachel (Ellie Cornell), but its Autumnal atmosphere grabs you from the opening credits and never lets go. What’s a Fall horror list without a Halloween entry, anyway?

Lady in White – MGM+, Prime Video, Roku Channel

Based on the legend of “The Lady in White,” in which a ghost searches for her daughter in Rochester, New York, the film begins on Halloween in 1962, where 9-year-old Frankie (Lukas Haas) gets locked in the schoolroom closet by bullies and witnesses the ghost of a young girl getting murdered. This event sets off a murder mystery full of spirits that are spooky and entertaining enough for kids yet layered with complex social themes for grown-ups. Paralleling Frankie’s journey, it’s the type of film that will teach budding horror fans that perhaps ghosts aren’t so scary after all.

Late Night with the Devil – AMC+, Hulu, Kanopy, Shudder

Talk show host Jack Delroy (David Dastmalchian) goes all in on a Halloween special that includes psychics, skeptics, and parapsychologists in a desperate bid to stave off cancellation. Coordinating all of the bold personalities and moving parts of live television becomes all the more unpredictably stressful when a demonic entity disrupts the event. Writers/Directors Colin Cairnes and Cameron Cairnes hit the ground running with a rapid-fire documentary-style setup introducing essential exposition and personal stakes for Jack a year before the ill-fated event. The gradual build from pastiche into full-blown nightmare comes fast like a freight train, making for a unique and fun Halloween romp through ’70s TV.

Night of the Demons – AMC+, Fawesome, Midnight Pulp, Night Flight+, Pluto TV, Prime Video, Roku Channel, Screambox, Shout TV

In what is arguably the quintessential Halloween creature feature, Angela Franklin (Amelia Kinkade) and her best bud Suzanne (Linnea Quigley) decide to throw their Halloween party at Hull House, an abandoned mortuary with a dark past. Sure enough, an evil presence awakens after a séance, and their group is trapped inside Hull House while demonic spirits prey on them. Night of the Demons offers a spooky, fun title sequence, cool demon FX, a memorable villainess, and a wide embrace of horror iconography- right down to a bookended trick-or-treating tale. It’s a holiday cult classic that embraces Halloween at every turn.

Pumpkinhead – AMC+, Tubi

Pumpkinhead captures the essence of Halloween well, despite its sunny Southern setting. After a tragic accident, a man seeks revenge against the teens involved by invoking a curse in the form of a demon. But the toll of vengeance will cost him his soul and others their lives. It’s a fable set against a Southern Gothic backdrop, full of witches, ghosts, and pumpkin patches. The eponymous Pumpkinhead might be the showpiece, but the swamp witch manages to terrify more than the demon.

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark – Peacock

On Halloween 1968, Stella (Zoe Margaret Colletti) and her two friends meet drifter Ramon (Michael Garza) while fleeing bullies. They invite Ramon to explore a local haunted house, where Stella discovers a mysterious book containing horror stories that seem to write themselves in real-time. Director André Øvredal brings the nightmarish illustrations by Stephen Gammell and stories by Alvin Schwartz to life. Harold the scarecrow, the Pale Lady, the Big Toe corpse (Javier Botet), and the Jangly Man (Troy James) terrorize Mill Valley’s teens in this recent Halloween treat. It’s the perfect October movie full of chills for the older kid or kid at heart, with Mill Valley a picture-perfect vision of Fall.

Something Wicked This Way Comes – Disney+

This quintessential gateway horror movie has finally made its way to streaming, and it brings the Halloween atmosphere in spades. Based on Ray Bradbury’s novel of the same name, director Jack Clayton’s horror/dark fantasy film Something Wicked This Way Comes didn’t shy away from getting pretty dark. Set in late October, two young boys visit a traveling carnival, led by the mysterious and ominous Mr. Dark. Faustian offers of wishes granted curdle the boys’ fantasies into waking nightmares. A haunting carousel, a blind witch, autumnal vibes, and more ensure there’s enough Halloween tricks and treats here for all.

Trick ‘r Treat – AMC+, HBO Max

It’s near impossible to exclude Trick’ r Treat from any Halloween horror watchlist when it comes to immersive theming; it’s the perfect genre interpretation of the holiday in every way. Writer/Director Michael Dougherty seamlessly interweaves five tales of terror, all set on Halloween night, each representing a different rule or facet of the holiday. And then there’s Sam, the physical embodiment of Samhain, who’s crossed over from celluloid into reality to become a proper Halloween mascot, merch and all.

The post Ten Atmospheric Halloween Horror Movies to Stream This Week appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.

Dougherty cites Aliens as his all-time favorite movie. “I remember going to the theater with my dad and watching that. I haven’t seen an audience reaction to a movie like that ever since.”

He continues, “I know it’s a constant debate, which film’s better: Alien or Aliens. But Aliens actually has a really clear emotional arc for Ripley as a character. I mean, Ripley wasn’t even the main character in the first film until the third act. But Aliens, I mean, she’s really going back and facing her demons.”

Dougherty calls John Carpenter’s Halloween “almost a perfect film. Or maybe it is a perfect film,” he ponders. “It’s just beautiful. It’s elegant, scary, suspenseful, obviously. Huge inspiration for me.”

Next on his list is The Omen. “Part of the unholy trilogy between The Omen, Rosemary’s Baby, and The Exorcist. All three kind of form this satanic trinity for me that I just love.”

Finally, Dougherty praises Poltergeist as “an absolutely all-time favorite haunted house film, I think because it has such a perfect mix of scares and laughter.”

After Trick ‘r Treat, Dougherty went on to helm Krampus and Godzilla: King of the Monsters.

https://twitter.com/letterboxd/status/1973448675277021202

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Legendary Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures and Saga Arts are digging up Trick ‘r Treat this Halloween, newly restored in 4K and back on the big screen with partner Fathom Entertainment, the leading specialty distributor of content to theatrical partners worldwide, for a special, long-awaited nationwide re-release of the horror classic on October 14 & 16!

Fathom previews, “For two nights only, die-hard fans and curious newcomers will have the chance to relive the frights, the laughs, and the twisted traditions of this cult favorite. Plus, audiences will get bonus content straight from writer/director Michael Dougherty himself.”

Since its release, Trick ‘r Treat has grown into a modern Halloween classic—part horror anthology, part cautionary tale, and 100% wicked fun. At the center of it all is “Sam,” the mischievous spirit who punishes anyone who dares to break the rules. Sam’s lasting impact has made him one of the top-selling Halloween icons nationwide, transforming him into the unofficial mascot of the holiday in homes across America.

[Related] ‘Trick ‘r Treat 2’ – Michael Dougherty Provides Latest Update

Written and directed by Michael Dougherty (Krampus, Godzilla: King of the Monsters), Trick ‘r Treat weaves together sinister stories set on Halloween night: a high school principal, Dylan Baker, moonlights as a serial killer; a young virgin’s, Anna Paquin, search for the right man turns horrific; Leslie Bibb and her husband discover the cost of ignoring holiday rituals; and a cantankerous old man, Brian Cox, faces Sam in a terrifying showdown. Darkly funny, gruesome, and endlessly rewatchable, Trick ’r Treat secures Sam’s place as the true spirit of Halloween.

“Horror fans have long been thirsting for Trick ‘r Treat to take its rightful place back on the big screen and in cinemas nationwide. Fathom is thrilled to bring this classic horror film back in theatres in sparkling 4K with our partners just in time for Halloween,” said Tom Lucas, Vice President of Studio Relations at Fathom Entertainment. “A stellar cast helps make Trick ‘r Treat a frightening cinematic experience fans will not want to miss!”

In addition to the movie, fans will also be treated to a special featurette where Dougherty revisits the Halloween memories that inspired Trick ‘r Treat, taking us through the evocations that brought the iconic Sam to life. Additionally, experience the very first appearance of Sam with the all-new 4K restoration of Dougherty’s 1996 animated short, Season’s Greetings.

Get your tickets from Fathom Entertainment now!

Michael Dougherty’s TRICK ‘r TREAT is back on the big screen with a new 4K restoration on October 14 & October 16, along with an all-new 4K restoration of Dougherty’s SEASON’S GREETINGS, the 1996 animated short that featured Sam’s very first appearance! pic.twitter.com/CkqDJqV2mF

— Bloody Disgusting (@BDisgusting) September 15, 2025

The post ‘Trick ‘r Treat’ Returns to Theaters With New 4K Restoration Along With Original Sam Short Film! appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.

What else is coming from Spirit Halloween this year? The company has just announced a brand new animatronic from Trick ‘r Treat, which will be their second Sam animatronic!

This new one stands – or rather, sits – 3-feet, 4-inches tall, and it features Sam sitting on a bale of hay with a jack o’lantern in front of him and his trusty candy bar blade in his hand.

Spirit previews, “From Michael Dougherty’s classic Halloween film, Trick ‘r Treat, comes Sam, the Spirit of Halloween who enforces the holiday’s ancient traditions.

“To the untrained eye, Sam might look like just another kid out trick or treating, but what’s hidden beneath his eerie costume is anything but sweet. Sam’s burlap sack hides his true sinister face, and while his pumpkin lollipop might look tasty, when wielded by little Sam, it becomes a deadly weapon.

“So if Sam appears on your doorstep this Halloween, you better be wearing a costume and be ready with a bowl full of treats, or you could be in for one hell of a trick.

“Watch as his head moves side to side and his pumpkin lights up with orange LEDs, all while a melodic version of the song Trick or Treat, Smell My Feet plays along to his movements.”

What’s particularly interesting about the animatronic is that Sam is outfitted with rear-projector technology that allows him to project his Rules of Halloween on a wall behind him!

Sam is shipping now, and he can invited into your home for $249.99!

Over 1,500 Spirit Halloween stores are on track to open this Halloween season across the country, with some stores opening as early as mid-August. Keep your eyes peeled out there… Find a local store near you!

The post Spirit Halloween Releasing a Brand New ‘Trick ‘r Treat’ Animatronic appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.

The 24×36 fine art giclee print is a hand-numbered edition of 150 for $60.

Two lenticular versions with flip effect will also be up for grabs: a 16×20 poster on 1mm PET, limited to 100 for $80, and 24×36 poster on 4mm Polystyrene, limited to 25 for $200.

“Trick ‘r Treat is one of our favorite modern, Halloween anthologies. Weaving three short stories into an overarching narrative, Trick ‘r Treat is smart, creepy, and hauntingly creative, just like Creepy Duck’s newest print for the horror cult hit,” Bottleneck writes.

“Creepy Duck’s newest print is centered around everybody’s favorite little rapscallion, Sam, and his frighteningly cute and demonic visage. Halloween may still be a ways away, but artists like Creepy Duck make the wait bearable.”

The 2007 horror anthology features interconnecting tales of terror set on Halloween night, when demons and tortured souls are free to walk the earth alongside mortal revelers.

Written and directed by Michael Dougherty (Krampus), it stars Dylan Baker, Rochelle Aytes, Anna Paquin, Brian Cox, and Quinn Lord as Sam.

The post ‘Trick ‘r Treat’ Prints by Creepy Duck Design On Sale Tomorrow at Bottleneck Gallery appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.

So, not very.

Stream the episode below or subscribe via Apple Podcasts , Stitcher , Spotify , RadioPublic , Acast , Google Podcasts , and RSS. New to the Halloweenies ? Catch up with the gang by revisiting their essential episodes on past franchises such as Halloween, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Friday the 13th, Scream, The Evil Dead, Chucky, and Alien!

You can also become a member of their Patreon, The Rewind , for hilariously irreverent commentaries (eg The Texas Chainsaw Massacre , Gremlins , Jaws ), one-off deep dives on your favorite rentals (eg Killer Klowns from Outer Space , Invasion of the Body Snatchers ), and even spinoffs like their recent run Fortune & Glory: An Indiana Jones Podcast .

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The post The Top 10 Werewolf Movies of All Time (We Think) [Halloweenies Podcast] appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.

Werewolf folklore has existed since the dawn of recorded history, with each diverse culture creating its own variation of humanoid wolves who emerge from the skin of seemingly ordinary men. Reflecting the dual nature of humanity, most tales involve deception and betrayal, with creatures presenting as friends and neighbors before transforming into beasts under the light of a full moon. Modern interpretations have begun to use this horrific allegory as a vehicle through which to explore the experience of womanhood.

Female werewolves often exhibit uncomfortably aggressive sexuality and buck the expectations of well-behaved women. Many iterations feel quite liberating and present the female werewolf as an aspirational goddess embracing carnal desire, while others warn of sinister temptresses leading hapless men to their doom. Updated lycanthropic lore allows horror creators to confront and expose the limitations of age-old stereotypes while presenting ferocious female characters who live and die by the creature’s curse. The past four decades have seen fascinating portrayals of wolven women guided by the full moon who find themselves inside the monster.

The Howling (1981)

Joe Dante’s classic film presents a virtuous woman whose life is turned upside down by a predatory rival obsessed with her own pleasure. Karen White (Dee Wallace) is a TV news anchor who travels to a therapeutic commune known as the Colony to recover from a traumatic sting operation gone terribly wrong. Initially turned off by the group’s bohemian vibe, Karen is frustrated by an earthy seductress named Marsha (Elisabeth Brooks) who keeps sniffing around her husband Bill (Christopher Stone). She soon discovers that the Colony is a front for a clan of werewolves who’ve been taught to manage their duplicitous lifestyle.

Dante explores female lust through the lens of monstrosity as Marsha aggressively pursues Karen’s husband. After biting and seducing Bill, she leads him to a campfire where they both change into their lycanthropic forms while copulating beneath the full moon. By contrast, Karen carries trauma from a sexualized attack earlier in the film and needs patience and support from a loving partner. She’s heartbroken when Bill gives into the power of this animalistic lifestyle and chooses the overtly passionate Marsha over his loyal wife.

Bitten while trying to escape, Karen plans to prove the existence of this bestial gang by lecturing her audience about the dangers of succumbing to their primitive desires. She then proceeds to transform into a werewolf on live TV. Unable to assume Marsha’s carnal awareness, Karen has instructed her producer to shoot her with a silver bullet moments after this shocking display. The story ends on a tragic note as Karen rejects a life of hedonistic liberation, while Marsha emerges unscathed to prey on more unsuspecting men.

An American Werewolf in Paris (1997)

Nearly two decades after Dante’s exploration of erotic lycanthropy, Anthony Waller solidifies the dichotomy between female sexuality and virtue in his 1997 sequel to the classic An American Werewolf in London. Serafine (Julie Delpy) is the adult daughter of the original’s doomed werewolf now trying to control her own curse with a series of experimental injections. We meet Serafine as she tries to throw herself off the Eiffel Tower in hopes of ending her violent existence. Prepared to bungee jump, an American tourist named Andy (Tom Everett Scott) saves her in the nick of time then becomes smitten with the gorgeous young woman. He tracks her down, but accidentally crosses paths with a pack of sinister werewolves who feed on unsuspecting tourists.

Bitten himself, Andy fetishizes Serafine’s explanation of his new life and suggests she’s trying to initiate an erotic role play. He will later transform while having sex with a crass and seductive American tourist. Aside from a bit of cringe-worthy late ’90s humor in which Serafine tries to “calm” Andy by placing his hands on her bare breasts, the reluctant werewolf entirely rejects her animalistic side and finds a cure in the form of adrenaline spikes administered at the moment of conversion. The film concludes with the happy couple getting married while bungee jumping off the Statue of Liberty though an alternate ending implies that they will go on to have a werewolf child.

Director Anthony Waller presents a clear depiction of a virtuous and thus acceptable woman in the empathetic Serafine who fears her own monstrosity and believes giving in to her carnal desires to be the ultimate act of moral weakness.

Ginger Snaps (2000)

Just three years later, John Fawcett would present a more empowering version of this classic story. His fan-favorite film erases the juxtaposition between sex and virtue by exploring the werewolf transformation through the lens of menstruation. Ginger Fitzgerald (Katharine Isabelle) is a death-obsessed teen who crosses paths with a roving werewolf and is bitten while getting her first period. As her body experiences pubescent changes, she begins to show startling new physical traits. Her scars grow fur, her hair becomes streaked with white, and a small tail sprouts from her lower back. Ginger also develops a lust for boys and begins aggressively pursuing a fellow student named Jason (Jesse Moss).

Like Marsha, her metamorphosis provides a newfound confidence and she begins reveling in her sexual prowess. But Jason feels emasculated by her more insistent demeanor. While making out in a car, he instructs her to lie back and enjoy it, then asks “who’s the guy here,” equating her assertive quest for her own pleasure with stereotypical male behavior. Having previously feared her emerging hedonism and loathing the high school girls she sees debasing themselves to impress idiotic boys, Ginger now begins to enjoy this feeling of carnal empowerment that mutates into feminist rage. But as her hunger grows, Ginger becomes incapable of control and begins to lose herself to the werewolf’s curse. She doesn’t just want to make out with boys, she wants to rip them—and everything else—to pieces.

Eventually the beast takes over and she becomes a danger to herself. Her dreaded transition into ferocious womanhood has been complete and she becomes the terrifying female monster she’s always feared.

Trick ‘r Treat (2007)

Michael Dougherty’s seasonal classic features a series of interconnected vignettes all set on Halloween night in an idyllic small town. Characters weave through the sprawling story, crossing paths with each other as a city-wide celebration descends into chaotic violence. One story follows a quartet of women excitedly preparing to attend a moonlit costume party in a remote field.

We meet them donning sexualized Disney Princess outfits designed to project an aura of helpless innocence then follow them as they try to secure dates for the mysterious soirée. Dressed as Little Red Riding Hood, Laurie (Anna Paquin) seems nervous for the party and we’re led to believe she’s planning to lose her virginity at the event. But as she finds her date for the evening—a horrific murderer from another vignette—we discover what the women truly have in store. As the full moon rises, they rip off their costumes along with their skin, revealing themselves to be a pack of bloodthirsty werewolves.

Like Fawcett, Dougherty plays with the concept of feminist empowerment with vicious huntresses pretending to be damsels in distress. Their carnage feels like just desserts in a world that has accepted the victimization of beautiful young women, but in this version of the fairy tale, Red Riding Hood has become the Big Bad Wolf. 

Werewolves Within (2021)

Josh Ruben’s modern interpretation of werewolf lore plays out like a hilarious who-dunnit until the story’s final scene. The tiny town of Beaverfield has noticed a string of unexplained disappearances and deaths which exacerbate tensions over a looming pipeline to be constructed through the picturesque woods. When a visiting ecologist suggests that the culprit may be a lycanthrope, the town turns against itself trying to find the villain. New Park Ranger Finn Wheeler (Sam Richardson) tries in vain to keep the peace then settles for merely surviving the imminent implosion alongside mailperson and crush Cecily (Milana Vayntrub). Believing that the town has created this werewolf to serve as a scapegoat for its underlying resentments, Finn discovers that Cecily is in fact the dreaded creature and has been sowing chaos intended to distract her prey.

Parker feels particularly betrayed when he realizes she’s only been feigning interest in his Yellowstone stories. Cecily explains that while werewolves may be real, a girl who honestly finds him attractive is not. Ruben is clear that Cecily is a monster, willing to eat friends, neighbors, and members of her punk band alike, but she is also a charming young woman just trying to survive. We’re introduced to this beguiling creature when she reminds us that gender is a construct designed to relegate humanity into reductive categories. Perhaps her so-called monstrosity serves a similar purpose. After all, is she so different from the hunter who lives on the outskirts of town and traps innocent animals for food and sport?

Perhaps werewolves are just predators like the rest of us, capable of complex desires and occasional violence. Sure, they may consume a few innocent people now and then, but as Cecily reminds us, “a girl’s gotta eat.”

Werewolves claws into theaters this Friday, December 6. Get tickets now and enter to win a custom werewolf head by legendary SFX maestro Alec Gillis. 

The post Women of the Full Moon: Female Werewolves in Horror Cinema appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.

First up, The Cinematic Scent Archive (CSA) by Xyrena proudly inducts The Texas Chain Saw Massacre—recently named #1 on Variety’s list of the “Top 100 Horror Movies of All Time”—into its groundbreaking collection to celebrate the film’s 50th anniversary. Known for creating the world’s first and only collection of officially licensed, niche-quality fragrances spanning decades, genres, and studios, Xyrena—the Austin-based fragrance house—has crafted a scent that embodies the raw, haunting essence of one of horror’s most influential films.

Released in 1974, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre transformed the horror landscape, using Texas’s rural grit and intensity to deliver an unsettling realism that shocked audiences. Now, Xyrena’s fragrance captures the rugged spirit of the film’s sun-scorched setting.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre by Xyrena opens with notes of southern dewberry and wild bergamot, leading to heart notes of prairie rose, open green fields, and smokey chainsaw exhaust. Base notes of worn leather (in the literal sense), Texas cedar, honey mesquite wood, and dusty dirt road transport wearers back to the unforgettable, desolate landscape that defined the film. Each spray evokes the visceral horror of the film, making it more than just a scent—it’s a full sensory experience.

Trick ‘r Treat is a modern horror classic, and now you can also immerse yourself in its official scent, brought to life as part of Xyrena’s Cinematic Scent Archive.

Inspired by the anthology format of writer/director Michael Dougherty’s iconic film, Trick ‘r Treat by Xyrena was crafted by perfumer Adam Ebberts and creative director Killian Wells to capture the collective essence of Halloween night. The fragrance is a playful yet eerie blend of the season’s most nostalgic scents, featuring caramel apples, pumpkin spice, the damp, earthy scent of dead leaves, and the rich depth of black licorice. Crisp autumn air mingles with the tangy sweetness of Sam’s “orange scream” lollipop and the cozy warmth of his signature fleece onesie, creating an unforgettable sensory experience.

Trick ’r Treat by Xyrena is Halloween in a bottle. Each spray brings you closer to Sam’s good side, anointing you in the spirit of All Hallows’ Eve.

You can grab both fragrances, housed in retro VHS style clamshell boxes, from Xyrena today!

Xyrena is an award-winning, forward-thinking fragrance house based in Austin, Texas, dedicated to blending pop culture with perfumery. With its exclusive Cinematic Scent Archive, Xyrena leads the way in merging fragrance with film, offering collectible perfumes that allow fans to relive iconic moments through scent. Set in collectible VHS-style clamshell cases, each unisex fragrance in the Cinematic Scent Archive is designed for movie lovers and collectors alike, with a unique release number on the spine, perfect for building a one-of-a-kind library.

The post Cinematic Scent Archive Launches ‘Trick ‘r Treat’ and ‘Texas Chain Saw Massacre’ Fragrances in VHS Packaging! appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.

Trick ‘r Treat stands alongside the opening credits of Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers as a felicitous distillation of the Halloween atmosphere on celluloid. Sam, the impish demon played by 7-year-old Quinn Lord that serves as the film’s mascot, personifies the tricks and treats of Halloween while serving as the connective tissue between segments.

Writer-director Michael Dougherty — in his feature debut after making a name for himself as a writer on X2: X-Men United and Superman Returns — evokes Pulp Fiction with his expertly crafted nonlinear anthology narrative with interwoven segments. Each story celebrates Halloween from a different perspective, from childhood activities to adolescent mischief to young-adult partying to ornery twilight years.

First, principal Steven Wilkins (Dylan Baker, Spider-Man 2) teaches young Charlie (Brett Kelly, Bad Santa) a lesson in carving more than just pumpkins. Next, a group of teenage trick-or-treaters learn the truth behind the local urban legend of the Halloween school bus massacre. Then, 22-year-old Laurie (Anna Paquin, “True Blood”) ensures her first time is special at a surprise party like no other. Finally, Sam teaches neighborhood curmudgeon Mr. Kreeg (Brian Cox, “Succession”) to obey the rules of Halloween.

Arrow Video has newly restored Trick ‘r Treat in 4K, approved by Dougherty, with Dolby Vision. A stark contrast to the grungy torture-horror of the era, Glen MacPherson‘s (Rambo, Resident Evil: Afterlife) cinematography embraces a colorful, heightened reality that pops with HDR. Douglas Pipes‘ (Krampus, Monster House) playful yet ominous score sounds massive with the original DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio track.

Dougherty sits down for a new commentary moderated by Dead Meat’s James A. Janisse and Chelsea Rebecca, who are well-versed in interviews not to mention friends with the filmmaker. The casual conversation covers the evolution of the film and points out influences ranging from The Changeling and The Howling to The Exorcist III and Halloween III.

Perhaps most notably, Dougherty confirms that the long-gestating sequel — first announced in 2013! — is written (with his Krampus collaborators Todd Casey and Zach Shields) and storyboarded, but getting it made within the studio system has been complicated. He recognizes that the first film was lightning in a bottle and does not want to compromise his vision for the sequel just to get it made. That said, there is still momentum moving forward.

The disc features new interviews with Lord, now 25, who reminisces about his time as Sam; MacPherson, who reveals he initially turned down Rambo to shoot Trick ‘r Treat and discusses the techniques and inspirations he employed; production designer Mark Freeborn (“Breaking Bad,” “The X-Files”), who comments on the film’s visual consistency; costume designer Trish Keating (The 6th Day, Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight), who relished the creative opportunity; creature designer Patrick Tatopoulos (Independence Day, I Am Legend), who details working on the werewolves, including one that was reused in Underworld: Rise of the Lycans; plus Freeborn plays tribute to special makeup effects designer and Sam puppeteer Bill Terezakis (Freddy vs. Jason, Rise of the Planet of the Apes), who passed away in 2021.

A previous commentary with Dougherty, Pipes, conceptual artist Breehn Burns, and storyboard artist Simeon Wilkins is included, striking a good balance between informational and humorous. Dougherty also leads a four-part making-of documentary from Scream Factory’s 2018 Blu-ray edition — “Tales of Folklore & Fright: Creating Trick ‘r Treat,” “Tales of Mischief & Mayhem: Filming Trick ‘r Treat,” “Sounds of Shock & Superstition: Scoring Trick ‘r Treat,” and “Tales of Dread & Despair: Releasing Trick ‘r Treat” — with input from Burns, Wilkins, Pipes, and film historian Rob Galluzzo.

Other archival extras include: “The Lore and Legends of Halloween,” a 27-minute documentary narrated by Cox focusing on the traditions that spawned Halloween and how they tie into Trick ‘r Treat; 17 minutes of deleted and alternate scenes with optional commentary by Dougherty; Season’s Greetings, the 1996 animated short that introduced Sam with optional commentary by Dougherty; a VFX comparison of the school bus scene; six Easter- and Christmas-themed FEARnet promos; Sam O’Lantern, an hour-long Yule log-esque video of a jack-o’-lantern accompanied by ambient sound; four galleries (stills, storyboard and concept art, behind the scenes, and the Trick ‘r Treat comic book “Monster Mash”), and the trailer.

Arrow’s limited edition set comes with a reversible cover featuring new art by Sara Deck and the original poster, a booklet containing new writing by Becky Darke and Heather Wixson, a double-sided foldout poster, and six postcard-sized art cards.

Trick ‘r Treat is a rare modern movie that managed to disrupt the established horror canon, arguably seizing Creepshow‘s throne as the quintessential anthology and giving John Carpenter’s Halloween a run for its money as the definitive Halloween viewing. This year and every spooky season hereafter, Arrow Video has delivered the ideal way to witness Sam’s autumnal exploits.

Trick ‘r Treat is available now on 4K Ultra HD.

The post Arrow Video Brings the Ultimate Presentation of ‘Trick ‘r Treat’ to 4K for Halloween [Review] appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.

In a new commentary moderated by Dead Meat’s James A. Janisse and Chelsea Rebecca, Doughtery confirms that he wrote Trick ‘r Treat 2 with his Krampus collaborators Todd Casey and Zach Shields and it’s already storyboarded, but getting it made within the studio system is complicated.

“It’s tricky, because I think we really did capture lightning in a bottle with this one, and it nearly killed me. What a lot of people don’t realize is that the bulk of our favorite horror movies, especially the ones that introduced new horror icons, were all independent movies,” Dougherty explains, citing the likes of Halloween, Friday the 13th, and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.

“There aren’t the typical metrics that a studio can point to to make it an easy ‘yes.’ Something I was adamant about in the sequel was that it has to retain this nonlinear storytelling, [and] it has to retain that weird mix of horror and comedy,” he notes.

Dougherty continues, “I want to do it. It’s not dead by any stretch. We have some momentum moving in the right direction for sure, but I’m also of the belief that I’m not going to compromise or make sacrifice just to make a sequel. It has the be under the right conditions with the right resources. Otherwise, I will be content with just letting this be this weird little movie that fought its way through a lot of adversity.”

He adds, “But I’m very, very happy with the script for the sequel.”

In the meantime, Sam will return in the four new stories in the upcoming graphic novel Trick’ r Treat: Witching Hours.

Stay tuned for a full review of Trick ‘r Treat on 4K UHD later today.

The post ‘Trick ‘r Treat 2’ – Michael Dougherty Provides Latest Update in New 4K Commentary Track appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.

This marks the first all-original Trick ‘r Treat graphic novel in a decade, presented by Trick’ r Treat creator and director Michael Dougherty. Also, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Michael Dougherty’s Krampus in 2025, a new edition of the tie-in graphic novel, Krampus: Shadow of Saint Nicholas, will be launched with a special Kickstarter edition.

Trick ‘r Treat: Witching Hours features four brand-new, original stories centered around everyone’s favorite mischief-maker, Sam. The stories are brought to life by a talented group of creators, including writers Michael Dougherty (Godzilla: King of the Monsters, Trick’ r Treat: Days of the Dead), Zach Shields (Godzilla: King of the Monsters, Trick’ r Treat: Days of the Dead), Todd Casey (Trick’ r Treat: Days of the Dead), Breehn Burns (Trick’ r Treat movie, Trick’ r Treat: The Haunting), and Curtis Waugh (Stegosaurus, the Moistest), with artistic contributions from Ben Templesmith (30 Days of Night), Breehn Burns (Trick ‘r Treat movie original concept artist and comic illustrator), and Tristan Jones (Mad Max: Fury Road comics).

“I’m thrilled to return to the twisted world of Trick ‘r Treat for more of Sam’s mischievous adventures,” said writer/director Michael Dougherty. “This new graphic novel is a true labor of love, created by a top-notch team of writers and artists, and I can’t wait for fans to join us for the best Halloween party ever.”

Fans and collectors will also have the opportunity to pledge for exclusive items available only during the Kickstarter campaign, including a special slipcase edition of the graphic novel and other limited-edition merchandise. Learn more and pitch in on Kickstarter now.

The post ‘Trick ‘r Treat: Witching Hours’ – Sam Returns With a Brand New Graphic Novel Anthology! appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.

Up for pre-order right now, you can either grab the Limited Edition 4K Ultra HD release or the Limited Edition Arrow Store Exclusive version, which features original poster artwork.

Both will be released in the United States on October 29, 2024.

Watch the official trailer for the brand new 4K restoration below!

4K ULTRA HD BLU-RAY LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS include…

• Brand new 4K restoration by Arrow Films, approved by writer-director Michael Dougherty
• 4K Ultra HD (2160p) Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
• Original DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround and 2.0 stereo audio
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
• Archival audio commentary by Michael Dougherty, conceptual artist Breehn Burns, storyboard artist Simeon Wilkins and composer Douglas Pipes
• Tales of Folklore & Fright, an archival featurette with Michael Dougherty, Breehn Burns and Simeon Wilkins
• Tales of Mischief & Mayhem: Filming Trick ‘r Treat, an archival interview with Michael Dougherty on the making of the film
• Sounds of Shock & Superstition: Scoring Trick ‘r Treat, an archival featurette with Michael Dougherty and Douglas Pipes
• Tales of Dread & Despair: Releasing Trick ‘r Treat, an archival featurette with Michael Dougherty and Rob Galluzzo of the Shock Waves podcast, exploring the film’s release and fandom
• Season’s Greetings, a short film from 1996 directed by Michael Dougherty with optional director commentary
• The Lore and Legends of Halloween, an archival featurette narrated by actor Brian Cox
• School bus VFX comparison
• Additional scenes
• FEARnet promos
• Sam O’Lantern
• Storyboard and conceptual artwork gallery
• Behind the scenes gallery
• Monster Mash comic book set in the Trick ‘r Treat universe
• Trailer
• Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Sara Deck
• Double-sided foldout poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Sara Deck
• Six postcard-sized artcards
• Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Becky Darke and Heather Wixson
• And more extras to be confirmed

Dive into the sinister and darkly humorous world of Trick ‘r Treat, written and directed by Michael Dougherty. This anthology film communes with the spirits of classic horror portmanteaus like Creepshow and Tales from the Crypt, weaving together four chilling tales, all taking place during the same fateful Halloween night.

Follow the secretive and disturbing life of a high school principal (Dylan Baker) who leads a double life as a ruthless serial killer; the journey of a young girl (Anna Paquin) looking for love who finds something infinitely more macabre; a group of teenagers playing a prank with disastrous consequences; and an old man (Brian Cox) confronted by Sam, a mischievous trick-or-treater with a terrifying secret.

With its interwoven tales of terror and unforgettable characters, Trick ‘r Treat has cemented itself as a Halloween essential, paying loving homage to the golden age of horror comics and 80s creature features with a slick modern style sure to send shivers down the spine of any fright fiend. Get ready for the scariest Halloween of your life – and remember, always check your candy!

Limited Edition 4K I Original Artwork I Arrow Store Exclusive

Limited Edition 4K

The post ‘Trick ‘r Treat’ – Arrow Video Unleashes Stunning Trailer for Brand New 4K Restoration! [Exclusive] appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.

This Tracer Pack comes with two Operator Skins, three Weapon Blueprints (“Sam’s Lollipop”, “Sweet Tooth”, and “Seasons Greetings”), the “Lollipopped” Finishing Move, plus the “Boo!” Weapon Charm, “His Night. His Rules” Emblem, and a Loading Screen.

The Trick ‘r Treat tracer pack joins the Daryl Dixon Operator Bundle and Terrifier Operator Bundle, which feature Daryl Dixon from The Walking Dead and Art the Clown, respectively.

The Haunting 2024 event brings new maps, returning modes such as Mutation and Hordepoint, as well as plenty of cosmetics across Modern Warfare III and Warzone. That also includes Halloween‘s Michael Myers as an Operator, along with the above-mentioned Sam, Daryl and Art. Still to come are Operator skins inspired by Smile 2, featuring Possessed Valeria and Possessed Makarov. You can read up on all of the goodies coming from the official Call of Duty blog.

Speaking of which, Parker Finn‘s follow-up to 2022’s Smile will be out in theatres on October 18, starring Naomi Scott, Rosemarie DeWitt, Kyle Gallner, Lukas Gage, Peter Jacobson, Raúl Castillo, Dylan Gelula, Ray Nicholson and Drew Barrymore.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III is available on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series.

The post Sam From ‘Trick ‘r Treat’ Stalks in “The Haunting 2024” Event for ‘Modern Warfare III’ and ‘Warzone’ [Trailer] appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.

Additionally, the clothing company RSVLTS has put a brand new officially licensed Trick ‘r Treat collection up for grabs this week, including button-downs, a t-shirt, and more.

The Trick ‘R Treat x RSVLTS Collection includes an incredible lineup of designs, all available on RSVLTS signature KUNUFLEX material and are available across classic (unisex) and women’s styles/sizing, as well as a classic crewneck sweatshirt, a t-shirt and a dad hat.

The full collection includes…

• “Lollygagging” – classic(unisex) and women styles/sizes
• “Halloween Rules” – classic(unisex) and women styles/sizes
• “Candy and Costumes” – classic(unisex) and women styles/sizes
• “Always Check Your Candy” – classic crewneck sweatshirt
• “Sinister and Sweet” – crewneck t-shirt
• “Smilin’ Sam” – dad hat

Check out images below. RSVLTS tells Bloody Disgusting, “Each adult button-down shirt retails for $70, the crewneck sweatshirt for $85, t-shirts for $32, and $30 for the dad hats.”

Grab your favorite pieces from RSVLTS today!

The post RSVLTS Apparel Launches ‘Trick ‘r Treat’ Collection Just in Time for Halloween appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.

Beginning shortly after Labor Day, thrill-seekers and horror enthusiasts are invited to immerse themselves in the pulse-pounding excitement and terror that only Fright Fest can deliver with Six Flags’ largest investment and expansion yet. In the Trick ‘r Treat maze…

Enter a dark and twisted Candy Trail nightmare on a jack-o-lantern-lit path of supernatural encounters which tap into your deepest fears. With only a blood-stained candy bag, learn the rules of Halloween before entering a world where tricks dominate treats. Shocking candy, jump scares, and illusions will spin you into a frenzy of terror as you trail through fear-inducing light. This spine-chilling experience will test your bravery and make you think twice before trick-or-treating again.

Navigate through 11 twisting paths filled with the tantalizing scent of sweet candy, as whispers haunt and pursue you. Confront Principal Wilkins, evade the vengeful spirits of the School Bus Massacre, and endure the werewolf’s attack under a full moon. Shadows dart past, while whispers lead you to the guardian of All Hallows’ Eve—Sam.

Trick ’r Treat will be open at Six Flags Great Adventure, Six Flags Magic Mountain and Six Flags Over Texas starting early September and running through November 3, 2024.

“I love Halloween. The idea of doing a maze with [Six Flags] was something I couldn’t pass up that opportunity. There are several graphic novels and comic books that expand the lore of this film with a lot of cool environments. I told them just grab characters and scenarios and environments from those other stories, and they did, and they’re turning out wonderfully,” Trick ‘r Treat Writer/Director Michael Dougherty said in a statement.

“We’re thrilled to join forces with Six Flags for an unparalleled haunted maze at Fright Fest. This will be the most comprehensive Trick ‘r Treat maze ever, immersing fans in the spine-tingling lore and characters like never before. Get ready to step into Sam’s world — and always follow the rules of Halloween!” said Amado Trevino, Director, Interactive Media & Experiences.

“When the team first met, we discussed the linear storyline of Trick ‘r Treat and Michael was so awesome. He said let’s go all the way back to the graphic novel, let’s show you some things that you haven’t seen before. So in this experience, you’re going to get an opportunity to explore environments that you’ve never seen before,” added Allison Fox, RWS Global.

The post Six Flags Fright Fest 2024 Previews ‘Trick ‘r Treat’ Attraction [Images] appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.

Up for pre-order right now, you can either grab the Limited Edition 4K Ultra HD release or the Limited Edition Arrow Store Exclusive version, which features original poster artwork.

Both will be released in the United States on October 29, 2024.

4K ULTRA HD BLU-RAY LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS include…

• Brand new 4K restoration by Arrow Films, approved by writer-director Michael Dougherty
• 4K Ultra HD (2160p) Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
• Original DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround and 2.0 stereo audio
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
• Archival audio commentary by Michael Dougherty, conceptual artist Breehn Burns, storyboard artist Simeon Wilkins and composer Douglas Pipes
• Tales of Folklore & Fright, an archival featurette with Michael Dougherty, Breehn Burns and Simeon Wilkins
• Tales of Mischief & Mayhem: Filming Trick ‘r Treat, an archival interview with Michael Dougherty on the making of the film
• Sounds of Shock & Superstition: Scoring Trick ‘r Treat, an archival featurette with Michael Dougherty and Douglas Pipes
• Tales of Dread & Despair: Releasing Trick ‘r Treat, an archival featurette with Michael Dougherty and Rob Galluzzo of the Shock Waves podcast, exploring the film’s release and fandom
• Season’s Greetings, a short film from 1996 directed by Michael Dougherty with optional director commentary
• The Lore and Legends of Halloween, an archival featurette narrated by actor Brian Cox
• School bus VFX comparison
• Additional scenes
• FEARnet promos
• Sam O’Lantern
• Storyboard and conceptual artwork gallery
• Behind the scenes gallery
• Monster Mash comic book set in the Trick ‘r Treat universe
• Trailer
• Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Sara Deck
• Double-sided foldout poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Sara Deck
• Six postcard-sized artcards
• Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Becky Darke and Heather Wixson
• And more extras to be confirmed

Dive into the sinister and darkly humorous world of Trick ‘r Treat, written and directed by Michael Dougherty. This anthology film communes with the spirits of classic horror portmanteaus like Creepshow and Tales from the Crypt, weaving together four chilling tales, all taking place during the same fateful Halloween night.

Follow the secretive and disturbing life of a high school principal (Dylan Baker) who leads a double life as a ruthless serial killer; the journey of a young girl (Anna Paquin) looking for love who finds something infinitely more macabre; a group of teenagers playing a prank with disastrous consequences; and an old man (Brian Cox) confronted by Sam, a mischievous trick-or-treater with a terrifying secret.

With its interwoven tales of terror and unforgettable characters, Trick ‘r Treat has cemented itself as a Halloween essential, paying loving homage to the golden age of horror comics and 80s creature features with a slick modern style sure to send shivers down the spine of any fright fiend. Get ready for the scariest Halloween of your life – and remember, always check your candy!

Limited Edition 4K I Original Artwork I Arrow Store Exclusive

Limited Edition 4K

The post ‘Trick ‘r Treat’ Gets a New 4K Restoration from Arrow Video This Halloween appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.

Much like Universal Studios, Six Flags is going IP-heavy for Fright Fest 2024, with franchises including Saw, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and Trick ‘r Treat in the mix this year!

They’re joined by haunted mazes based on The Conjuring, Stranger Things, Zack Snyder’s Army of the Dead, and even the popular DC Comics zombie-horror series DCeased.

Variety details in their exclusive breakdown, “Fright Fest is set to open on September 7, 2024. Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey and Six Flags Magic Mountain in Los Angeles will have the bulk of the haunted house mazes, with Texas Chainsaw Massacre exclusive to Great Adventure and DCeased exclusive to Six Flags Mexico.

“The remaining Six Flags locations across the country will have a mix of the mazes.”

What can you expect from each attraction? Six Flags previews…

The “Saw” franchise – Celebrate the 20th anniversary of “Saw” with an all-new experience honoring the franchise’s legacy of terror by plunging guests into the depths of Jigsaw’s twisted mind. Guests will endure torturous trials and come face to face with some of John Kramer’s most diabolical contraptions before time runs out.

The “Conjuring” Universe – Strap in for a tour of the Warrens’ most hair-raising and gruesome cases including those that inspired “The Conjuring,” “Annabelle” and “The Nun.” In each realm, encounters with cursed artifacts make you the target of the conjuring.

“Stranger Things” – The students of the Hawkins School District decide to team up to create a little innocent Halloween fun for their community – but things quickly flip upside down and morph into something far darker.

“Army of the Dead“ – The City of Las Vegas is under lockdown following a recent viral outbreak and survivors must look for an escape while battling the undead.

“Trick ‘r Treat” – Enter a dark and twisted candy trail nightmare on a jack-o-lantern-lit path of supernatural encounters which tap into your deepest fears. With Sam, the infamous Spirit of Halloween, as your guide, learn the rules of the spooky holiday before entering a world where tricks dominate treats.

“Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (2022) – Guests are “cast” as visitors to Harlow on the heels of the influencers set on revitalizing the town – but their arrival leads to a stunning and deadly secret being revealed.

“DCeased” – Based on the #1 best-selling comic series, fans enter through the Hall of Justice to find that the DC Universe has succumbed to Darkseid’s Anti-Life Equation! See the Justice League like never before, as they fight to save the Earth or end it themselves. Will you be one of the few to survive these new scares of the DC Universe?

Head over to the Six Flags website to learn more about Fright Fest 2024.

The post Six Flags Fright Fest 2024 Goes IP Heavy with ‘Trick ‘r Treat’, ‘Chainsaw Massacre’, ‘Saw’ & More! appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.

“My, my what big eyes you have.”

We like to think we know how to throw down on Halloween, but no one parties like the counselors of Camp Crystal Lake, New Jersey or the residents of Warren Valley. While New Jersey’s summer camp eschews the traditional arts and crafts classes for archery and sculpting with Toxic Boy Mom Pamela Voorhees, Ohio’s picturesque little hamlet hosts a raging street soirée, a plethora of pumpkins, a haunted quarry, and, sure, a gang of princesses who just so happen to be werewolves. Lots to carve here, but who has the knives?

Enter The Lady Killers: A Feminine Rage Podcast.

Dedicated to Female-Identifying Killers in Horror, the latest series from BloodyFM finds co-hosts Jenn Adams, Sammie Kuykendall, Mae Shults, and Rocco T. Thompson discussing a female-identifying killer in the horror genre—and sometimes the wider world of cinema—from Julia and Jennifer to Carrie and Christine. Together, they’ll tell the story from her point of view, decide if it’s “Good For Her” Horror, and answer the most important question of all: Would we die for her?

“I’ve been obsessed with female killers ever since I fell in love with Brenda Bates and her 1,000 candles in Urban Legend,” Adams says about her new series (she’s also the co-host of Bloody FM’s The Losers’ Club: A Stephen King Podcast). “I can’t wait to talk about all the fantastic women who slice their way through the horror genre.”

If you couldn’t guess, the first two episodes center around the femme fatales lurking within 1980’s Friday the 13th and 2007’s Trick ‘r Treat. With Mrs. Voorhees, the group meditates on her muddy motive, and impeccable sweater game, in addition to their favorite counselors and the incomprehensible rules of Strip Monopoly! For the sexy wolf pack, they reminisce about favorite costumes, their love for Sam, the catch-22’s of having boobs, and the importance of always checking your Halloween candy.

Get in losers – we’re going trick-or-treating! Stream both episodes below or subscribe now via Apple Podcasts and Spotify for future episodes that drop every other Thursday. Next up? We’re heading to Sleepy Hollow for a little R&R.

Instagram | Twitter 

About the Hosts

Jenn Adams

Jenn is a writer and podcaster from Nashville, TN. She co-hosts both The Loser’s Club: A Stephen King Podcast taking frequent deep dives into the work and adaptations of her favorite author and The Girls On the Boys, a podcast dedicated to analyzing the Amazon Prime Series The Boys and masculinity in the action/horror genre. Jenn is a contributor and columnist for Bloody Disgusting, Rue Morgue, Dread Central, Slashfilm, and Ghouls Magazine. She is the creator and author of the Strong Female Antagonist blog and will gladly talk your ear off about final girls, feminism, and Stephen King.

Twitter | Instagram | Threads

Sammie Kuykendall

Sammie Kuykendall is a frequent contributor and Social Media Specialist for The Losers’ Club: A Stephen King Podcast who hails from Northern California but is based in Chicago, Illinois. When she isn’t reading/reviewing fantasy smut/horror books, she’s either marathoning movies on the couch or listening to her favorite indie artist, Taylor Swift. She is a lover of all things pop culture and is currently working on coping with her non-fictional feelings for fictional characters.

Twitter | Instagram | Bookstagram

Mae Shults

Mae Shults is a queer/trans musician (as Everson Poe) and podcast editor, born & raised in Chicago. She enjoys short walks in the shade, chai lattes, and collecting records. Mae has co-founded several podcasts (including the sadly defunct Underneath It All & The Bull Crow Project), and currently edits Halloweenies. She spent several years creating original music & sound design for various theater productions around the city, and misses it dearly. Tune in for Mae’s strong socio-political opinions, her terrible puns, as well as her incessant thirst (especially for boobs).

Twitter | Instagram

Rocco T. Thompson

Rocco T. Thompson is a writer and critic based in Austin, Texas. He is a frequent contributor for Rue Morgue where he penned the cover story for the magazine’s first ever Queer Fear special issue. He also served as producer for In Search of Darkness: Part III, the final installment in the popular ‘80s horror documentary series. Rocco has an affinity for Sheri Moon Zombie, killer rednecks, underseen slashers, mummies, Italian genre cinema, post-9/11 horror, and women behaving very, very badly.

Twitter | Instagram

The post Investigating the Femme Fatales Within ‘Friday the 13th’ and ‘Trick ‘r Treat’ [The Lady Killers Podcast] appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.

But while the world of Trick ‘r Treat has been expanded upon with various comics, we’ve still never gotten the sequel we’ve been waiting over 15 years for. It’s become an annual tradition to get an update on the status of the project each and every October, with Dougherty revealing at Beyond Fest just last year that Trick ‘r Treat 2 was in “very active development” at the time.

It’s now one year later. And we’re less than a week away from Halloween. Like Santa Claus in the wee morning hours of Christmas, Dougherty has popped back up with another update.

Collider brings us our annual update this morning, straight from Michael Dougherty’s mouth to the ears of Collider’s Perri Nemiroff during a post-screening Q&A over the weekend.

“I will say this, because we said it last year at the Beyond Fest screening, the sequel is in active development with Legendary,” Dougherty again confirms.

He continues, “I’ll go so far as to say that we have several drafts of a script. I brought back the same storyboard artist I mentioned before, Simeon Wilkins, so we have a stack of storyboards and a good fat stack of concept art done by Breehn Burns as well. So it’s inching along,”

“I’m hoping to talk to Legendary,” Dougherty adds. “They’ve been wonderful, like great collaborators. But so much of it is timing, and as you know, we just got out of a strike, so the next step, fingers crossed, would be looking at budget, of course, schedule, and all the rest. But we have a really, really great script for a sequel. And I brought in my co-writer from Krampus to do it with me. So Zach Shields and Todd Casey also helped me write Trick ‘r Treat Part 2.”

Trick ‘r Treat features five interwoven stories that occur on Halloween…

“An everyday high school principal has a secret life as a serial killer; a college virgin might have just met the guy for her; a group of teenagers pull a mean prank; a woman who loathes the night has to contend with her holiday-obsessed husband; and a mean old man meets his match with the demonic, supernatural trick-or-treater whose name is Sam.”

The post It’s Time for Our Annual ‘Trick ‘r Treat 2’ Update; Michael Dougherty Teases a “Really Great Script” appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.

This Halloween season, PDF copies are finally being distributed to backers, and the team has revealed the cover art for a brand new story that’ll be featured in this collection.

But first, let’s recap everything you’re getting from this 15th anniversary collection…

The special edition features the original Trick ‘r Treat graphic novel adaptation of the film which has four evocatively illustrated tales of horror interwoven into one unforgettable Halloween night as the unsettling figure known as Sam pays a visit to an unsuspecting community.

Also featured is Trick ‘r Treat: Days of the Dead, the sequel graphic novel that features Sam on a journey back through Halloween history. Discover old-world lovers whose romance takes a chilling turn and Western pioneers who discover the dark side of the frontier. Travel to 1950s Los Angeles for a tale of pure horror noir and into the heart of small-town America to see some pranksters taught a lesson they’ll never forget.

And that’s not all…

“This Kickstarter-exclusive edition features an all-new, never published story from creator Michael Dougherty, new cover art by Zid, and a deluxe omnibus slipcase, all of which WILL NOT be available in retail.” Check out the cover for new story Trick ‘r Treat: Haunted below!

Breehn Burns painted the gorgeous cover for Trick ‘r Treat: Haunted, and Burns also illustrated the interiors and co-wrote the brand new story alongside Michael Dougherty.

Burns has a long history with Trick ‘r Treat, as he was the original concept artist for the Halloween classic. He even designed Sam for the film, based on Dougherty’s sketches.

The Trick ‘r Treat 15th Anniversary Omnibus Collection is an oversized, 7.5″x11″ graphic novel featuring over 260 pages of content. You can still grab your copy on Kickstarter now!

The post ‘Trick ‘r Treat’ 15th Anniversary Omnibus – Cover Revealed for Brand New Michael Dougherty Story appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.

Up first, the company has officially launched preorders on their Dr. Loomis 1:6 scale figure, which captures Donald Pleasence from John Carpenter’s original Halloween.

The Dr. Loomis figure includes trench coat, 2 interchangeable hands and his iconic revolver, and you can pre-order the figure for $199.99 right now. It’ll ship early 2024.

Additionally, Trick or Treat previews upcoming Trick ‘r Treat and House of 1000 Corpses toys, the latter of which looks to be a “trash talking” Captain Spaulding 12″ figure.

We don’t yet have any further information on the Trick ‘r Treat figure, but it depicts the lovable Sam and looks to be a super-sized collectible with real fabric clothing.

Stay tuned for more from Trick or Treat Studios at Toy Fair 2023.

The post Trick or Treat Studios Launches Dr. Loomis Action Figure Preorders and Previews ‘Trick ‘r Treat’ and ‘Captain Spaulding’ Toys appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.

The 3.5” tall Funko POP! figure, officially titled “Sam with Razor Flocked,” features a soft-to-the-touch flocked texture on Sam’s pajamas for extra authenticity.

The officially licensed Sam with Razor Flocked Funko POP! Figure is available for $14.99 on SpiritHalloween.com and in Spirit Halloween stores, while supplies last.

You can grab yours right now!

Funko has previously released several toys based on Trick ‘r Treat, including a few different versions of Sam – masked and unmasked – and even one of the character “Chuckles.”

As for Spirit Halloween, they added Sam to their new “Horror Babies” line this year.

The post Spirit Halloween Just Released a Brand New Flocked ‘Trick ‘r Treat’ Toy appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.

Meet the “Horror Babies,” the latest original creation from Spirit Halloween that reimagines Leatherface, Ghostface, Pennywise and Sam as adorable, lovable slasher babies!

Each officially-licensed prop in the “Horror Babies” line is inspired by a different fan-favorite horror movie – The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Scream, Stephen King’s IT and Trick ‘r Treat – to bring a petrifying peek-a-boo to any home or collection.

The full “Horror Babies” lineup includes…

• Trick’ r Treat Sam Horror Baby: Equipped with his signature lollipop, this Sam baby will never get fussy – as long as his new family follows the rules of Halloween.
• Scream Ghostface Horror Baby: Perfect for classic slasher fans, this sweet Ghost Face baby comes equipped with a prop bloody knife for a baby so cute he’s to die for.
• Texas Chainsaw Massacre Leatherface Horror Baby: Featuring his signature mallets, fans will need to be careful to pacify this Leatherface baby if they want to avoid getting whacked.
• IT Pennywise Horror Baby: Straight from the sewers of Derry, this Pennywise baby is sure to give any guests a sweet scare.

Each officially-licensed and hauntingly adorable Horror Baby is NOW AVAILABLE for purchase for $49.99 on SpiritHalloween.com. Grab your favorite icon or collect them all today!

The “Horror Babies” are static props, made of foam and latex.

The post Spirit Halloween Launches Brand New Line of “Horror Babies” Including Ghostface and Sam! [Exclusive] appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.

With the long-awaited theatrical run this October, Michael Dougherty’s Trick ‘r Treat remains an emblem for great anthologies everywhere and perfectly captures spooky season in all its glory 一 with Sam as its devoted icon. Courtesy of cinematographer Glen MacPherson, the film drips with shadows and mood, always playing on the unseen eye to send chills down your spine. There’s plenty of violence and gore, of course, befitting a slasher flick that causes “oh my god” and “ew” reactions in the audience. 

Four intertwining stories depict lives uprooted and destroyed from callous, reckless actions and blatant disregard for All Hallow’s Eve. And Sam watches from afar, a voyeur to the sick and twisted 一 even though the characters deserve what’s coming to them. In Mr. Wilkins’ (Dylan Baker) segment, a young boy named Charlie (Brett Kelly) topples numerous pumpkins from their perch, sending them crashing into and scattering across the ground. He proceeds to climb upon Wilkins porch and snag every single candy bar in the hollowed out pumpkin. 

“My dad taught me tonight is about respecting the dead,” Mr Wilkins tells Charlie. “All these traditions一jack o’lanterns, putting on costumes, handing out treats一they were started to protect us, but nowadays no one really cares.” A wistfulness glistens in his eyes, and he stops for a moment from carving a fresh pumpkin. Charlie rolls his eyes… and abruptly pukes his guts out all over the front steps. Another tradition, Wilkins points out, is you never forget to check your candy. Wilkins then drags Charlie’s lifeless body inside, lobs off his head, and helps his son Billy (Connor Levins) carve out the eyes. Charlie may have been a kid but his ignorance and naivety were his own undoing.

In “Halloween School Bus Massacre,” Macy (Britt McKillip), Sara (Isabelle Deluce), Schrader (Jean-Luc Bilodeau), and Chip (Alberto Ghisi) learn that bullying and othering a girl named Rhonda (Samm Todd) comes with equally-severe consequences. Much like Sam, Rhonda is a certified weirdo, obsessed with all things spooky. She has a knack for carving some wickedly cool pumpkins (her entire front lawn is littered with them) and knowing the history of Samhain. 

After Macy regales the tale about the school bus massacre, in which a bus-full of society’s outcasts are driven over a cliff to their deaths, Macy and her friends play a sick practical joke on Rhonda by pretending to be the reanimated corpses of the dead kids. It’s not as funny as they expected; in fact, it forever traumatizes Rhonda. And who could really blame her for freaking out一the “joke” was in poor taste. When the actual dead kids return from beyond the grave, Rhonda hops into the elevator and leaves Macy, Schrader, Chip, and Sara behind to be mauled and eaten alive in the rock quarry. She smirks and offers a chilling wave goodbye. Once again, mocking a tragedy and those who were just like Rhonda is contemptible and deserving of some oh-sweet revenge.

Despite having a very clearly different message, “Surprise Party” supplies an equally-exhilarating emotional return 一 the sexual liberation of women through a werewolf lens. It’s all a gas in the end and goodness, is it a blast. For his part, Sam looks on from a nearby log, the grisly screams and throaty groans filling the night air with delightful euphoria. Its response to revenge is less rooted in red-faced vengeance than it is about dismantling pressures put upon women in how they dress, carry themselves, and react to the world. Revenge is just an added bonus, really.

In another tale of revenge, Sam’s story comes into the picture in the finale as a way to connect the dots between chapters. Sam tracks down Mr. Kreeg (Brian Cox), Mr. Wilkin’s next door neighbor 一 who, we come to learn, was the infamous bus driver who killed those kids and never had to face any punishment for his crimes. Well, Sam just can’t have that and attacks Kreeg in his home. Instead of killing him, though, Sam plants a lollipop in his lap, leaving him bewildered and greatly injured. It’s not enough to kill him outright; there would be little justice in that. But teaching him a near-death lesson should do the trick.

Sam is not only a wonderfully frightening pumpkin child doing Satan’s work but a surrogate for year-round horror fans一those passionately defending the genre and willing to die upon their self-proclaimed hills. You simply do not mess with horror fans. You don’t taunt them, and you can’t anticipate them. Whether it’s The Academy baiting fans with disingenuous platitudes about popular horror films or those hot takes claiming there’s no good horror being made these days, there’s a tendency to blithely shrug off the horror community.

Horror makes us feel safe. Sam makes us feel safe and seen. And invading those safe spaces is downright sacrilegious. As psychologists have suggested, there are numerous reasons people are drawn to and find comfort in horror. Horror elicits both fear and excitement, two contrasting emotional responses that are equally valid and ever present. “Fright can trigger the release of adrenaline, resulting in heightened sensations and surging energy,” a 2021 investigative report states. Researchers then break down several “protective frames” or ways in which we find safety in watching and experiencing horror, positing that feeling safe, having control over the situation, and detaching from the events onscreen fuels a desire to relive those emotional responses again and again. 

It’s no surprise then that a film like Trick ‘r Treat would become a comfort film for someone. I know it is for me. The blood splattering, the graphic vomiting, the severed head, the werewolf feast 一 it all gives me a charge. Perhaps, it’s because I have a stronger “sensation-seeking trait” and need to replenish that well to feel emotionally satisfied or maybe I’m somehow “not so empathic” as others (not true, by the way). Either way, there’s social bonding that also occurs in the process; i.e. why there’s a horror community in the first place. We all love horror, and Sam is the manifestation of that love, connection, and adoration for the spooky and the disturbed.

Sam wanders through the four stories as we wander through the year as horror hounds. We consume horror all times of the year, whether it’s snowing outside or sweltering with heat. Like clockwork, super casual horror fans roll out their goblins and ghouls to celebrate October. While that’s super cool and all, it often feels alienating, like an invasion of pod people coming to earth to wreak havoc on those who make horror their entire personality. Of course, not everyone will be as consumed by the genre as we are. The noted research also considers that those who rarely consume horror (or not at all) may lack a sensation-seeking trait or have a low presence of “the trait of openness to experience,” resulting in their avoidance of the genre outside of October. But we welcome those with open arms because the horror community is much better for it 一 to guide the proverbial younglings through unfamiliar territory, to allow them a glimpse of what makes horror the greatest storytelling medium, to bask in the shared experiences of the terrifying and the macabre.

Fifteen years later, Trick ‘r Treat is as relevant as ever. Through its themes of community, resilience, and committed reverence for All Hallow’s Eve, the film beckons the audience to confront, to question, to rebel against society’s archaic expectations and standards. It provokes as much as it delivers a damn fine piece of entertainment, drenched in grotesque imagery, frightening kills, and tension-burning atmosphere. Beneath the filmmaking technique throbs a story about what it means to be a year-round horror fan and how our society perceives those a little weird and different as the other 一 and with a film so bold, we witness delicious comeuppance on those who laugh at us. Such visceral catharsis is what great horror movies are truly made of.

And we wouldn’t have it any other way.

The post ‘Trick ‘r Treat’: Finding Comfort in the Horror Anthology and Its Protector of All Things Halloween appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.

Available now, horror icons Billy The Puppet, Chucky, Leatherface, and Sam are now available in Rocket League, alongside new Event Challenges with horror-themed items, a collection of scary new content in the Item Shop, a new spooky Arena variant, two Limited Time Modes (LTMs), and Golden Pumpkins.

Players will be able to complete Event Challenges to unlock items themed after iconic horror villains such as the Billy The Puppet Decal, Jigsaw Blade Wheels, Chucky Doll Decal, Good Guys Wheel, Leatherface’s Mask Decal, Leatherface’s Chainsaw Wheel, Sam’s Trick Decal, and Sam’s Treat Wheel. Additional Challenge rewards will be Halloween-themed items and Golden Pumpkins (Golden Pumpkins will unlock items from Velocity, Triumph, and Auriga Item Series).

The Rocket League Item Shop is now host to The Billy The Puppet Goal Explosion, Hello Zepp Player Anthem, Chucky’s Laugh Player Anthem, Leatherface’s Chainsaw Player Anthem, Trick or Treat Player Anthem (Music by Douglas Pipes), John Carpenter’s iconic Halloween theme as a Player Anthem, and Muse’s song “You Make Me Feel Like It’s Halloween” as a Player Anthem will be available in the Item Shop for the duration of the event. The Billy The Puppet Goal Explosion will be priced at 800 Credits, while the Player Anthems will be priced at 300 Credits each.

As for the Arena Variant, the Farmstead Arena has gotten a spooky makeover for the upcoming Haunted Hallows event. Finally, for the new Limited Time Modes, you have the Spooky Cube and Heatseeker. Super Cube messes with mutators and changes the maximum speed, bounciness, and shape of the ball, which is now a cube shaped Jack-o’-Lantern. In addition, Heatseeker will also be returning for Haunted Hallows. Spooky Cube will be available from October 19 to October 26, while Heatseeker will be available from October 26 until November 1.

Haunted Hallows itself will be live in Rocket League from October 19 until November 1. You can play Rocket League via the Nintendo Switch, the Epic Games Store on PC, PS4 and Xbox One.

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Now funding on Kickstarter, which is the only place you’ll be able to grab it, this special edition features the original Trick ‘r Treat graphic novel adaptation of the film which has four evocatively illustrated tales of horror interwoven into one unforgettable Halloween night as the unsettling figure known as Sam pays a visit to an unsuspecting community.

Also featured is Trick ‘r Treat: Days of the Dead, the sequel graphic novel that features Sam on a journey back through Halloween history. Discover old-world lovers whose romance takes a chilling turn and Western pioneers who discover the dark side of the frontier. Travel to 1950s Los Angeles for a tale of pure horror noir and into the heart of small-town America to see some pranksters taught a lesson they’ll never forget.

And that’s not all…

“This Kickstarter-exclusive edition features an all-new, never published story from creator Michael Dougherty, new cover art by Zid, and a deluxe omnibus slipcase, all of which WILL NOT be available in retail.”

The Trick ‘r Treat 15th Anniversary Omnibus Collection is an oversized, 7.5″x11″ graphic novel featuring over 260 pages of content. You can grab your copy on Kickstarter now!

Oh and don’t worry, the project is already well over 100% funded!

The post ‘Trick ‘r Treat’ – 15th Anniversary Omnibus Collection Features a Brand New Story! appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.

Here are the coolest horror collectibles unveiled this week!

Trick ‘r Treat Action Figure from Trick or Treat Studios

Sam from Trick ‘r Treat is getting a deluxe 1:6 scale action figure from Trick or Treat Studios. Due out in March 2023, it stands 10″ tall and features over 30 points of articulation. Pre-orders are open for $199.99 with free shipping.

Sculpted by Alexander Ray, Sam comes with two interchangeable heads (masked an unmasked), six interchangeable hands, two lollipops (bitten and not), razor candy bar, trick or treat bag, light-up flaming jack o’lantern, and a sidewalk base that measures 7.5″ deep and 5.5″ wide. It’s packaged in a window box with opening flap.

Terrifier Shirt from Terror Threads

Celebrate Terrifier 2’s theatrical release with new Terrifier merchandise from Terror Threads. Yannick Bouchard created a menacing take on Art the Clown while also highlighting Tara, who’s ready to fight for her life. Available on T-shirts for $30, hoodies for $50, and 18×24 prints $20, they’re expected to ship the week of October 30.

Children Shouldn’t Play with Dead Things 4K UHD from VCI

Children Shouldn’t Play with Dead Things is celebrating its 50th anniversary on 4K Ultra HD, releasing on October 25 from VCI Entertainment. The 1972 zombie cult classic has been newly restored.

Bob Clark (Black Christmas, A Christmas Story) directs from a script he co-wrote with Alan Ormsby (Cat People). Ormsby also stars with Valerie Mamches, Jeff Gillen, Anya Ormsby, Paul Cronin, Jane Daly, Roy Engleman, Robert Philip, and Seth Sklarey.

Special features include a new introduction and Q&A with Ormsby, a feature-length documentary titled Dreaming of Death: Bob Clark’s Horror Films, an audio commentary with Ormsby, a booklet with liner notes, and more.

Godzilla Masks from Super 7

This Halloween, you can stomp around in Godzilla masks from Super 7. Officially licensed from Toho, the line includes retro-style masks of Godzilla alongside famous foes Hedorah and Mechagodzilla. Priced at $20, each vacuform mask features an elastic strap and is packaged in a vintage-inspired box.

Tom Atkins Shirt from Little Shop of Gore

Tom Atkins is an undisputed national treasure, and Little Shop of Gore’s new design pays tribute to two of his most iconic roles: Night of the Creeps’ badass Detective Cameron and Halloween III’s amorous Dr. Challis. It’s available on T-shirts ($28) and sweatshirts ($33), which will ship in one-two weeks.

For more merch madness, peruse the Killer Collectibles archives. You can also visit Broke Horror Fan.

The post 5 of This Week’s Coolest Horror Collectibles Including a New ‘Trick ‘r Treat’ Action Figure appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.

This week’s new releases include the return of an iconic horror franchise and the sequel to a recent cult classic, and that’s just the tip of this particularly bloody iceberg.

Here’s all the new horror arriving October 4 – October 9, 2022!

We kick off the week with brand new animated movie Trick or Treat, Scooby-Doo!, which was released on Digital today ahead of the DVD release on October 18th.

In the film, “Mystery Inc. has cracked the case to top all cases! They’ve tracked down Coco Diablo, the head of the notorious costume crime syndicate that colludes The Black Knight, Space Kook and the Ghost Diver. With Coco and her kitty in prison, Mystery Inc. thinks that they can finally enjoy a break. Wrong!

“Suddenly, menacing doppelgänger ghosts of the Scooby crew and favorite classic foes show up in Coolsville to threaten Halloween. Now it’s up to the meddling kids – and their unlikely new partner Coco – to unmask the latest scoundrel and save Halloween! For Shaggy and Scooby-Doo, with trick-or-treating on the line – this time it’s personal!”

Trick or Treat Scooby-Doo! features Frank Welker as Scooby-Doo/Fred Jones, Grey DeLisle as Daphne Blake, Matthew Lillard as Shaggy Rogers and Kate Micucci as Velma Dinkley. Executive Produced and Directed by Audie Harrison (“Uncle Grandpa”) from a teleplay by Audie Harrison & Laura Pollak (“Fairfax,” “Rise of the Pink Ladies”) and Daniel McLellan (“Lost in Space”). Sam Register (Looney Tunes Cartoons) serves as executive producer.

The practical effects-heavy They Crawl Beneath, which had its world premiere at the Texas Frightmare Festival, debuted on digital, Blu-ray and DVD today from Well Go USA.

In the film, “Young police officer Danny (Joseph Almani) is working on an antique car at his uncle’s remote ranch when a major earthquake hits, pinning him under the vehicle and leaving him bloodied, alone, and with no way to call for help. Just when he thinks the claustrophobic nightmare can’t get any worse, something truly horrifying emerges from the fissures in the ground, forcing Danny to engage in a brutal fight for his life—and his sanity.”

Directed by Dale Fabrigar (D-Railed, Lonely Boy), it also stars Michael Pare (The Lincoln Lawyer), Joseph Almani (Law of Attraction), Arthur Roberts (Not of This Earth), Christopher M. Dukes (Heaven’s Revenge), Karlee Eldridge (House of Bodies), Elena Sahagun (Tremors 3: Back to Perfection) and Natalia Bilbao (No Man’s Law).

Now available from Dread, the zombie movie Among the Living is written and directed by Rob Worsey, and it was released On Demand everywhere this morning.

In Among the Living…

“Stranded in the countryside in the aftermath of a deadly outbreak, older brother Harry fights to protect his younger sister, Lily, while he desperately searches to find refuge with their father. Harry and Lily are determined to survive their journey as they strive to avoid an infected population with a thirst for blood as well as the greater threat of other survivors.”

Dean Michael Gregory, George Newton, and Melissa Worsey star in Among the Living.

Mr. Harrigan’s Phone will be ringing its way onto Netflix on October 5. The film is an adaptation of one of the stories featured in Stephen King‘s collection, If It Bleeds (2020).

The new movie comes from “American Horror Story” creator Ryan Murphy and Blumhouse, with John Lee Hancock (The Blind Side) writing and directing.

King himself recently tweeted, “I have seen a close-to-finished cut of Mr. Harrigan’s Phone, written and directed by John Lee Hancock, and it’s nothing short of brilliant.”

In Mr. Harrigan’s Phone, “When Craig, a young boy living in a small town (Jaeden Martell) befriends Mr. Harrigan, an older, reclusive billionaire (Donald Sutherland), the two begin to form an unlikely bond over their love of books and reading. But when Mr. Harrigan sadly passes away, Craig discovers that not everything is dead and gone and strangely finds himself able to communicate with his friend from the grave through the iPhone in this supernatural coming-of-age story that shows that certain connections are never lost.”

Bloody Disgusting, Cinedigm, and Iconic Events are bringing Damien Leone‘s Terrifier 2 to theaters nationwide on October 6, the Certified Fresh sequel bringing uncut slasher movie mayhem to over 800 theaters across the United States. You can find a complete listing of locations over on the official website, where you can also grab your tickets now!

From Writer/Director Damien Leone (All Hallows’ Eve), the highly anticipated sequel to the cult-favorite slasher film welcomes back David Howard Thornton as the demonic killer, Art the Clown. Terrifier 2 also introduces Lauren LaVera as Sienna, who will become an instant fan favorite. Also returning is Samantha Scaffidi who will reprise her role as Victoria Heyes. Horror icon Felissa Rose (Sleepaway Camp) also makes an appearance. 

Terrifier 2 has Art the Clown up to his old tricks once again…

Following his gruesome demise in the first film, a sinister presence has brought Art back to life to rein terror on the residents of Miles County. On Halloween night, he returns to the unassuming town and sets his sights on fresh prey: a teenage girl and her little brother, portrayed by Lauren LaVera and Elliott Fullam, respectively.  

Once again, you can head on over to www.Terrifier2TheMovie.com for current listings or check Fandango or your local theater chain to get Terrifier 2 tickets near you RIGHT NOW!

Shudder is bringing SXSW horror hit Deadstream (read Meagan’s review) into our homes this Halloween season, the found footage horror-comedy arriving Thursday, October 6.

The feature directorial debut from husband-and-wife filmmaking couple Vanessa and Joseph Winter, who also share writing co-credits, premiered earlier this year at the 2022 SXSW Film Festival in the Midnight section to wild acclaim from audiences and critics. Joseph Winter also stars, alongside Melanie Stone and Jason K. Wixom.

Deadstream follows a disgraced internet personality who attempts to win back his followers by livestreaming one night alone in a haunted house. But when he accidentally pisses off a vengeful spirit, his big comeback event becomes a real-time fight for his life.

Shudder previews, “With Deadstream, a rare horror comedy as frightening as it is funny, the Winters have boldly announced themselves as exciting emerging talent ready to take the genre scene by storm. The work of the filmmaking duo can next be seen in a segment from Shudder’s hotly-anticipated V/H/S/99, the latest installment in the celebrated found-footage horror series, which premieres out of TIFF’s Midnight Madness later this month.”

Also on Thursday, October 6, Michael Dougherty’s Halloween horror classic Trick ‘r Treat will finally be released into movie theaters for the VERY FIRST TIME from Regal!

As you may recall, Warner Bros. and Legendary didn’t seem to know what to do with Michael Dougherty’s Trick ‘r Treat way back in 2007, showing the film at various festivals but not actually releasing it wide until 2009. And the film wasn’t even released in theaters at the time, instead brought direct to DVD. Oh how the times have changed, to say the very least.

Here we are 15 years later and Trick ‘r Treat has become a hugely popular fan favorite, with merchandise filling up Spirit Halloween stores every Halloween season. As Dougherty had hoped way back in 2007, Sam has become a bona fide horror and Halloween icon in the past several years, the film far exceeding any expectations Warner Bros. originally had for it.

Trick ‘r Treat features five interwoven stories that occur on Halloween…

“An everyday high school principal has a secret life as a serial killer; a college virgin might have just met the guy for her; a group of teenagers pull a mean prank; a woman who loathes the night has to contend with her holiday-obsessed husband; and a mean old man meets his match with the demonic, supernatural trick-or-treater whose name is Sam.”

Coming this week from Paramount Pictures is a sci-fi horror movie titled Significant Other, which will debut exclusively on Paramount+ on Friday, October 7, 2022.

Starring Maika Monroe (It Follows, The Guest, Watcher), Significant Other is written and directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen, the duo behind the under-seen 2019 gem Villains.

In the upcoming film…

“A young couple take a remote backpacking trip through the Pacific Northwest and face sinister events leading them to realize that everything about the place is not as it seems.”

Disney+ is howling at the moon as they continue to get into the Halloween spirit, with the Marvel Halloween Special “Werewolf by Night” set to debut on Friday, October 7.

Gael Garcia Bernal (M. Night Shyamalan’s Old) is playing a character who is capable of transforming into a werewolf while retaining human intellects.

In the special, Ulysses Bloodstone’s passing leaves the throne open for a new leader of his monster hunter guild. His wife has assembled a group of the most ruthless monster slayers at Bloodstone Castle for a ceremonious hunt to determine their new ruler. The winner of the quest must successfully retrieve the Bloodstone from a creature prowling the castle grounds, and the hunters are free to take out their competition if it suits them.

That paints a massive target on the back of Ulysses’ estranged daughter Elsa (Laura Donnelly), who’s crashed the ceremony to demand her birthright. She finds common ground with mercenary Jack Russell (Gael Carcia Bernal), a reluctant ally harboring a few shocking secrets.

Paramount Home Entertainment will release the psychological horror/thriller film The Visitor on Digital and On Demand on October 7, 2022, and on EPIX in December 2022.

In the film, “When Robert and his wife Maia move to her childhood home, he discovers an old portrait of his likeness in the attic – a man referred to only as ‘The Visitor’.

“Soon he finds himself descending down a frightening rabbit hole in an attempt to discover the true identity of his mysterious doppelgänger, only to realize that every family has its own terrifying secrets.”

The Visitor  stars Finn Jones (“Game of Thrones”), Jessica McNamee (Mortal Kombat), Dane Rhodes (Where the Crawdads Sing) and Donna Biscoe (“Saints & Sinners”). The film was written by Adam Mason (Songbird) & Simon Boyes (Songbird) and directed by Justin P. Lange (The Seventh Day).

One of the biggest new releases of the week, Hulu’s Hellraiser, a reimagining of Clive Barker’s 1987 horror classic from director David Bruckner, will debut in the U.S. on October 7.

In the new Hellraiser movie from Hulu, “A young woman struggling with addiction comes into possession of an ancient puzzle box, unaware that its purpose is to summon the Cenobites, a group of sadistic supernatural beings from another dimension.”

David Bruckner (The Night House), who helmed Netflix’s The Ritual as well as sections of Bloody Disgusting’s horror anthologies V/H/S and Southbound, is directing the relaunch of the Hellraiser franchise for Spyglass Media, set to be a Hulu feature film written by Ben Collins and Luke Piotrowski (SiREN, Super Dark Times, The Night House).

The project is being described as a “loyal, yet evolved re-imagining of Clive Barker’s 1987 horror classic,” and the best possible news is that Clive Barker is on board as a producer.

The ensemble cast includes Odessa A’zion (“Fam,” “Grand Army”), Adam Faison (“Everything’s Gonna Be Okay,” “Yes Day”), Drew Starkey (“Outer Banks,” “The Devil All the Time”), Brandon Flynn (“Ratched,” “13 Reasons Why”), Aoife Hinds (“The Long Call,” “Normal People”), Jason Liles (“Stereoscope,” “Rampage”), Yinka Olorunnife (“The Transporter”), Selina Lo (“Boss Level,” “Q8 Unleashed”), Zachary Hing (“Halo”), Kit Clarke (“Leonardo”), with Goran Visnjic (“The Boys,” “Timeless”) and Hiam Abbass (“Succession,” “Blade Runner 2049”).

In addition to Hulu’s Hellraiser, Odessa A’zion will also be seen in horror movie The Inhabitant this Halloween season, which will release on Digital on Friday, October 7.

Leslie Bibb (Mrs. American Pie), Dermot Mulroney (Umma) and Lizze Broadway (The Rookie) also star in the movie from director Jerren Lauder (Stay Out of the F**king Attic).

The film follows “Tara (A’zion), who like any other teenage girl, is just surviving high school — yet her father Ben (Mulroney) and mother Emily (Bibb) seem strangely distant. Amidst a nearby spree of gruesome axe murders, Tara has sightings of terrifying entities, forcing her to question her own sanity and shocking ancestry.

“After a visit to her aunt in a mental asylum and a night in Lizzie Borden’s actual home, Tara realizes she is inextricably tied to the horrifying curse that has plagued her bloodline for almost a century. As victims pile up and the police close in, Tara is left with no choice but to face her own demons.”

Kevin Bachar wrote the script for The Inhabitant.

Fiona Dourif is back in “Chucky” Season 2 this week, and Dourif will also be starring in the indie horror movie Don’t Look at the Demon. It arrives in select theaters on October 7.

In the film, “Led by the troubled medium Jules (Fiona Dourif), an American team of paranormal TV investigators – along with Harris Dickinson (Where the Crawdads Sing, Triangle of Sadness, The King’s Man), Jordon Belfi (Entourage), and Randy Wayne (Dukes of Hazard: The Beginning) – go to the home of a couple who claim to have experienced inexplicable, threatening disturbances. Delving into the mystery, they encounter possessions and apparitions more terrifying than any they’d witnessed before – actual contact with the other side.

“As the cameras roll and bodies are possessed, they’re inevitably overwhelmed by this violent supernatural force. Their only hope? Jules. She refuses to face what really happened when her first supernatural encounter left her sister dead. But her dark past, if she can unlock it, may be their only hope of stopping the demon before it’s too late.”

Director Brando Lee grew up on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur on a steady diet of Hollywood films like Jaws, The Exorcist, and Star Wars. He studied Film & TV at Columbia College and worked for various productions in Los Angeles. He created Brando Studios B&L Creative, which produced a stream of TV projects and theatrically released films in Malaysia. Lee also co-founded Barnstorm, which produced Don’t Look at the Demon.

“There is a Ying and Yang in all my pursuits,” Lee tells us. “I believe the world should have the Good and the Bad, both Angels and Evil beings. In essence it is all about maintaining the balance of the Universe. Intrigued by experiences I have been through, I started exploring the “them” around us. I am thrilled to be able to bring my personal vision to the movie screen, with my first-hand experience showing a realistic twist to a typical possession story.”

The post 13 New Horror Movies Releasing This Week Including ‘Terrifier 2’ in 800+ Theaters! appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.

Dougherty is working with Legendary on the planned sequel to Trick ‘r Treat, and though he made sure to mention that the movie isn’t greenlit, it is in “very active development.”

This isn’t the first time plans for Trick ‘r Treat 2 have been announced, but we’re hoping this is the time that something actually happens. Stay tuned for more as we learn it.

On a related note, Trick ‘r Treat is being released in Regal theaters on October 6, and the 2009 film is also bringing Sam to select AMC Theatres locations beginning October 21!

These new showings mark the FIRST TIME the film has ever released wide in theaters.

Trick ‘r Treat features five interwoven stories that occur on Halloween…

“An everyday high school principal has a secret life as a serial killer; a college virgin might have just met the guy for her; a group of teenagers pull a mean prank; a woman who loathes the night has to contend with her holiday-obsessed husband; and a mean old man meets his match with the demonic, supernatural trick-or-treater whose name is Sam.”

We can finally share the news! @Mike_Dougherty announced tonight that he’s in “active development” with @Legendary on the sequel for TRICK ‘R TREAT and that everyone wants it to happen. Get ready for more from Sam. #trickrtreat @trickrtreat @am_cinematheque pic.twitter.com/9BNEC13ZTg

— Beyond Fest (@BeyondFest) October 2, 2022

Regarding a Trick ‘r Treat sequel, Dougherty says he’s excited about the possibility, Legendary is excited by the possibility, and it’s currently in active development, stressing that doesn’t mean it’s greenlit, but does add, “Very active development.” #TrickRTreat #BeyondFest

— Eric Goldman (@TheEricGoldman) October 2, 2022

The post ‘Trick ‘r Treat’ Sequel in “Very Active Development” According to Michael Dougherty! appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.

These new showings mark the FIRST TIME the film has ever released wide in theaters!

As you may recall, Warner Bros. and Legendary didn’t seem to know what to do with Michael Dougherty’s Trick ‘r Treat way back in 2007, showing the film at various festivals but not actually releasing it wide until 2009. And the film wasn’t even released in theaters at the time, instead brought direct to DVD. Oh how the times have changed, to say the very least.

Here we are 15 years later and Trick ‘r Treat has become a hugely popular fan favorite, with merchandise filling up Spirit Halloween stores every Halloween season. As Dougherty had hoped way back in 2007, Sam has become a bona fide horror and Halloween icon in the past several years, the film far exceeding any expectations Warner Bros. originally had for it.

Trick ‘r Treat features five interwoven stories that occur on Halloween…

“An everyday high school principal has a secret life as a serial killer; a college virgin might have just met the guy for her; a group of teenagers pull a mean prank; a woman who loathes the night has to contend with her holiday-obsessed husband; and a mean old man meets his match with the demonic, supernatural trick-or-treater whose name is Sam.”

The wait is over! TRICK ‘R TREAT is heading to select AMC Theatres locations beginning October 21. pic.twitter.com/XHwZ0I5EOl

— AMC Theatres (@AMCTheatres) September 27, 2022

The post ‘Trick ‘r Treat’ Also Coming to Select AMC Theaters on October 21st appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.

There is a long history of horror shorts being made into full-length features. The Evil Dead, Saw, Mama, The Babadook and Lights Out are just some prime examples. And with Parker Finn‘s Smile (based on Laura Hasn’t Slept) continuing the tradition in theaters this weekend, now is a good time to check out other similar transformations.

Larry (Come Play)

In Jacob Chase’s effective short Larry, the attendant in a paid parking lot gets the scare of his life when he spots something ghastly one night. Paramount later gave Chase the opportunity to direct and write a larger movie based on Larry, which includes a scene directly inspired by the original short. Rather than just a guy on stilts, though, the big-screen Larry in Come Play is the work of the Jim Henson’s Creature Shop.

Dara (Macabre)

Kimo Stamboel and Timo Tjahjanto’s Macabre is a little less easy to come by, though its source material is readily available. In the 2007 Indonesian short Dara by Kimo and Timo (collectively The Mo Brothers), the title character owns a popular restaurant. And after she invites a customer back to her place for dinner, we learn where she gets her meat from. The same directors’ 2009 adaptation keeps some of the short’s principal cast, changes a few details in the story, and magnifies the violence.

Excision

Richard Bates, Jr. shot his short Excision inside his parents’ garage in Virginia, which is still apparently stained in fake blood. The feature adaptation was filmed in less than a month in Los Angeles, and after its spot at Sundance in 2012, Excision gained praise for its humor, gutsiness and lead actor. Bates originally didn’t want to cast AnnaLynne McCord as the surgical savant, but he ultimately made the right decision.

The Sitter (When a Stranger Calls)

The oldest short here is also a goodie for When a Stranger Calls fans. The Sitter was hard to come by until a recent restoration of Fred Walton’s first feature. In fact, Walton was the one who directly provided the 35mm answer print for Second Sight’s Blu-ray restoration. Anyone familiar with the 1979 cult classic will get déjà vu as they watch this rarity; the movie’s iconic first act is a beat-for-beat remake of this suspenseful short film.

Oculus: Chapter 3 – The Man with the Plan (Oculus)

While Mike Flanagan’s Oculus was shot in 2012, then released in 2014, the original horror short was made in 2005. Around that time, parties were indeed interested in a full-length take on Oculus: Chapter 3 – The Man with the Plan, but Flanagan declined when they asked for a found-footage treatment. He simply said the format wouldn’t work with this story. Nevertheless, the longer feature was made in the end, and Flanagan has gone to become one of the most distinct voices in contemporary horror.

Tooth Fairy (Darkness Falls)

Joe Harris is better known as a writer for comic books these days, but back in 2001, he made a nasty short called Tooth Fairy. The short ultimately became the inspiration for 2003’s Darkness Falls, though Harris didn’t direct the adaptation. Jonathan Liebesman instead took on the tale of a spectral tooth collector. The short, which is hard to come by on home video, was reimagined as the opening (and for many, the best part) of Darkness Falls.

Rare Exports Inc. (Rare Exports)

The Finnish fantasy-horror movie Rare Exports came to be after the commercial production company Woodpecker put out a 2003 short film directed and written by Jalmari Helander. The short was so popular, a sequel was put out two years later called Rare Exports Inc: The Official Safety Instructions. Helander intended to make a third short, but he was encouraged to pursue a movie instead. The biggest problem he found was how he would expand on the short. He eventually realized the best course was to follow the backstory he had conceived.

Season’s Greetings (Trick ‘r Treat)

The fan-favorite Halloween-themed anthology Trick ‘r Treat began as an animated short in 1996. Michael Dougherty created the clip Season’s Greetings at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts Animation Department. And according to Dougherty, the short “was created using a twist on traditional animation methods, with each drawing painstakingly hand colored with markers then glued to clear animation cels and shot on 16mm film.” Cartoon Sushi fans may remember Season’s Greetings from its Halloween special.

They Live Inside Us

Originally a part of an anthology called The Witching Season, Michael Ballif’s segment They Live Inside Us was spun off into its own full-length movie. Successful crowdfunding financed the indie pic, which was primarily shot in Nephi, Utah. The short and movie share the same setup; a writer spends a chaotic Halloween night inside a supposedly haunted house (the Edwin Robert Booth House in real life). This wouldn’t be the first time a part of an anthology was fleshed out; Amateur Night from V/H/S was singled out and transformed into the 2016 movie Siren.

The Body

Originally a standalone short, Paul Fischer and Paul Davis’ The Body was met with acclaim when it was shown at various film fests in 2014. Davis originally wanted Mark Gatiss or Sean Harris for the lead role, the killer who hides in plain sight on Halloween, but the part finally went to Alfie Allen. And before the short was made into the premiere episode of Blumhouse’s telefilm series Into the Dark, it was spotted in the anthology movie Patient Seven.

Smile opens in theaters on September 30.

The post ‘Smile’ and 10 Other Horror Movies Based on Short Films appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.

Of course, some of these cinematic deaths were bound to be stranger than others, with killers often utilizing unexpected tools to get the gruesome job done. With that in mind, we recently published an article spotlighting six unusual weapons in horror movies, hoping to celebrate the creativity behind some of these iconic death scenes. However, with so many homicidal movies to choose from, we could never stop with a single list. That’s why we’re back with six more of the most unusual weapons in horror movies, this time featuring a couple of suggestions from readers like yourself!

Like last time, the list will be operating under a few rules. First, weapons will be selected according to the overall creativity surrounding their use, so it’s no use complaining that the rest of the movie wasn’t any good. Second, entries must have been actively wielded as a weapon, so no living creatures (like the alligator from Eaten Alive) or environmental hazards (like the liquid nitrogen from Jason X).

With that out of the way, don’t forget to comment below if you think we missed an important tool of the trade.

Now, onto the list…

6. Corn on the Cob (Sleepwalkers)

Written by Stephen King and directed by master of horror Mick Garris, Sleepwalkers is an odd yarn about a homicidal duo of shapeshifters looking for a virgin. While it’s often remembered as one of the worst King adaptations out there, I personally think that this reputation is undeserved, as the film is exceptionally fun if you appreciate it as an intentionally campy midnight movie.

A great example of this entertaining cheesiness is when genre veteran Alice Krige uses a corn on the cob to backstab an unsuspecting police officer, followed by a 007-esque line delivery in the form of “no vegetables, no dessert”. This moment is so ridiculous that it must be seen to be believed, which is why this lethal bit of corn makes its way onto the list.

5. Trombone (The Town That Dreaded Sundown)

Based on a real series of Texarkana murders, it seems odd that Charles B. Pierce’s classic The Town That Dreaded Sundown would feature one of cinema’s most absurd death scenes. However, when teenage musician Peggy finds herself helplessly tied to a tree, the Phantom Killer proceeds to stab her in a ridiculously elaborate way, attaching a pocket-knife to the end of his victim’s trombone and playing it into her.

While it’s technically the knife at the end of the instrument that kills the victim, this death just wouldn’t have the same impact without the killer’s bizarre penchant for performance art. Fortunately for fans of creative murder, the trombone would later reappear in 2014’s underrated sequel/reboot, directed by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon.

4. The Sentinels (Phantasm)

One of the most under-appreciated masters of low-budget horror, Don Coscarelli is best remembered for his work on Phantasm, which follows a boy attempting to stop a villainous undertaker from enslaving our planet’s dead. While Angus Scrimm’s intimidating performance as the menacing Tall Man is scary enough, he also boasts a series of floating metal orbs that do his bidding and are responsible for the franchise’s most memorable kills.

In a world filled with generic axe murderers and machete-wielding madmen, it’s fun to see filmmakers think outside the box when coming up with iconic horror villains and weapons, which is definitely the case here. And with their ability to constantly evolve in between films, becoming more and more absurd in the sequels, the Sentinels are about as iconic as horror can get.

3. Holy Water Super Soaker (From Dusk till Dawn)

Calling From Dusk till Dawn a horror movie may be a bit of a spoiler (though the film is over thirty years old at this point, so you only have yourself to blame), but the second half of this Rodriguez/Tarantino mash-up features some of the most creative vampire-slaying ever put to film. In fact, it’s kind of hard to choose a favorite weapon from a movie that features Tom Savini firing a crotch-gun, but I’d have to go with the holy water Super Soaker.

Not only is it one of the film’s most deliciously schlocky ideas, but it’s also a great little piece of character development, with the emergency holy water serving as a sign of Harvey Keitel’s renewed faith. These water-guns were also accompanied by a series of holy water balloons, which are less stylish but equally effective.

2. Candy Razor (Trick ‘r Treat)

Rivalled only by John Carpenter’s iconic contribution to the slasher genre, Michael Dougherty’s Trick ‘r Treat is one of the most Halloween-centric experiences of all time, with this seasonal anthology featuring almost everything we love about the spooky holiday. Naturally, this means that the movie references several urban legends that surround this festive occasion, including the classic “razor blade hidden inside Halloween candy”.

This sugar-coated trap is wielded by the deceptively cute Sam like a cheeky little pocket-knife, with the pumpkin-headed child memorably using it to slice Brian Cox’s Achilles’ tendons like stale candy corn. Unorthodox but effective!

1. Double-Sided Dildo (Deathgasm)

Jason Lei Howden’s Deathgasm is a bloody fun ride for fans of heavy metal and demonic horror comedies. Following a group of metal-loving teenagers as they accidentally unleash an ancient demon who possess the residents of their small New Zealand town, the film has no shortage of gory kills. However, a particular scene of supernatural carnage stands out due to its sheer absurdity.

Our heroes find themselves trapped by the murderous possessed, with the only weapons at their disposal being a creative assortment of sex toys hilariously hidden inside a box marked as “church stuff”. Naturally, a comedic battle ensues with the teenagers using a series of phallic objects to defend themselves, including the double-sided dildo. Not exactly my preferred zombie-slaying weapon, but it’s surprisingly effective when wielded like a veiny nun-chuck!

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A whole bunch of brand new goodies are up for grabs this year, and Spirit Halloween has even turned both Trick ‘r Treat and Killer Klowns into fun Halloween snow globes!

Now available in stores and online, the “Unmasked Sam Snow Globe” and the “Shorty Snow Globe” are officially licensed collectibles made of high quality polyresin and glass.

The Trick ‘r Treat snow globe ($24.99) features a base that looks like Sam’s costume, with Sam’s unmasked head floating inside, while the Klowns globe puts Shorty inside a replica of the 1988 horror-comedy’s cotton candy gun. The Klowns snow globe is a bit pricier at $44.99, but that’s probably because it comes to life with an “on” switch that spins Shorty around.

Both globes of course feature glittery “snow” flakes that rain down inside.

Grab them over on Spirit Halloween’s website now!

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Here we are 15 years later and Trick ‘r Treat has become a hugely popular fan favorite, with merchandise filling up Spirit Halloween stores every Halloween season. As Dougherty had hoped way back in 2007, Sam has become a bona fide horror and Halloween icon in the past several years, the film far exceeding any expectations Warner Bros. originally had for it.

What’s next for Trick ‘r Treat? Despite a sequel being announced several years back, no progress has actually been made on that front. But the original movie is coming to theaters this Halloween, we’ve learned today, the film’s first ever theatrical run in wide release!

The official WB Classic Films Twitter account has announced today that “Trick ‘r Treat is coming to theaters this fall for the first time EVER,” alongside The Lost Boys and other fan favs!

According to Regal’s website, Trick ‘r Treat will be playing in theaters on Thursday, October 6, so be sure to head over there to check for locations and grab your tickets.

Trick ‘r Treat features five interwoven stories that occur on Halloween…

“An everyday high school principal has a secret life as a serial killer; a college virgin might have just met the guy for her; a group of teenagers pull a mean prank; a woman who loathes the night has to contend with her holiday-obsessed husband; and a mean old man meets his match with the demonic, supernatural trick-or-treater whose name is Sam.”

This will be your first and perhaps ONLY chance to catch the film in theaters. Don’t miss it!

The cat’s out of the bag! Trick r Treat is coming to theaters this fall for the first time EVER! https://t.co/Ty2UHPALHH

— WB Classic Films (@wbclassicfilms) September 2, 2022

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First up, Sam from Trick ‘r Treat is getting a Head Knocker bobblehead toy. NECA previews, “The mysterious trick-or-treater is seated next to a jack-o-lantern in this hand-painted bobbling head resin piece that measures almost 7 inches tall and over 5 inches wide.”

The Billy puppet from the Saw franchise is also getting a Head Knocker from NECA, featuring the iconic puppet on his tricycle. Made of hand-painted resin, this Head Knocker is 8″ tall.

Last but not least, Jigsaw’s Billy puppet has also been turned into a 12″ action figure, again riding his tricycle. The action figure also comes equipped with sounds from the Saw movies.

NECA explains, “This 12” action figure of Billy the Puppet on Tricycle features new paint deco and closed box packaging. Press a button to hear sound from the movie!”

Head over to NECA’s Facebook page to learn more about all three toys.

The post NECA Announces New ‘Trick ‘r Treat’ and ‘Saw’ Toys for Early 2023 Release appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.

Jumbo from 1988’s Killer Klowns from Outer Space gets the blacklight treatment, while the retro Halloween character known as “Chuckles” from Trick ‘r Treat gets a toy of its own.

Blacklight Jumbo: Bring the macabre madness of cult-classic Killer Klowns from Outer Space to any home or desk with the new Blacklight Jumbo.

Standing at 6.25 inches tall, this exclusive blacklight take on fan-favorite Jumbo features bold and bright colors that come to life under blacklight. For an extra frightening feature, this one-of-a-kind Jumbo is complete with a mallet hidden behind the character’s back.

Chuckles: Diehard Trick ‘r Treat fans will be dying to get their hands on the first-ever Chuckles Funko Pop! figure. The all-new Chuckles figure features the creepy clown’s instantly recognizable mass of red hair and signature sinister smile for a terrifying take that’s nothing to laugh at. Standing at 6.25 inches tall, Chuckles is the perfect collectible to haunt any space.

Both exclusive figures are available for $14.99 on SpiritHalloween.com now and they can also be found in select Spirit Halloween stores starting this week. Keep your eyes peeled!

The post Spirit Halloween Just Released Exclusive New ‘Trick ‘r Treat’ and ‘Killer Klowns’ Funko Toys appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.

Coming soon, Loungefly will be releasing a Trick ‘r Treat-themed mini backpack, lollipop crossbody bag, and flap wallet, each item based on the iconic look of the lovable Sam.

Trick ‘r Treat Sam Cosplay Mini Backpack – $85

Sam, from Trick ‘r Treat, is coming to enforce the rules of Halloween as this Loungefly Trick ‘r Treat Sam Cosplay Mini Backpack. On the front of this backpack, Sam comes to life in applique and burlap detail. A zipped compartment, near the tied loop around Sam’s neck, opens and closes with a clear resin lollipop charm pull. On the back, the message “Always check your candy” serves as a reminder to stock up on chocolate and add a thrill to your adventures. It’s the perfect accessory for trick-or-treating—or any fun outing you have planned.

Backpack features include gunmetal hardware, adjustable straps, vegan leather (polyurethane), side pockets, a clear resin zipper charm, real 3D buttons, and applique, embroidered, and burlap details. Note the coordinating lining.

Trick ‘r Treat Sam Lollipop Crossbody Bag – $75

Stock up on plenty of candy and pull off a sharp look with this Loungefly Trick ‘r Treat Lollipop Crossbody Bag. This figural bag, in the shape of a circle, brings Sam from Trick ‘r Treat to life with burlap and embroidered details. On the front of this crossbody bag, Sam’s half-eaten jack-‘o-lantern lollipop is covered with burlap and clear PVC material over the bitten, jagged parts. The lollipop stick extends past the base of the candy in black and orange vegan leather (polyurethane) stripes. Removable, adjustable straps, in black and orange, complete the look. The burlap material extends around all sides, with embroidered work for the stitches on the back. Its’ the perfect accessory for trick-or-treating—or for any fun outing you have planned.

Crossbody bag features include gunmetal hardware, vegan leather (polyurethane), adjustable and removable straps, and embroidered and burlap details. Note the coordinating lining.

Trick ‘r Treat Sam Cosplay Flap Wallet – $40

Sam, from Trick ‘r Treat, is coming to enforce the rules of Halloween as this Loungefly Trick ‘r Treat Sam Cosplay Flap Wallet. On the front of this wallet, Sam comes to life in burlap detail with real 3D buttons and embroidery. On the back, two yellow patches, against an orange background, finish the look. Inside this bifold wallet, you’ll find 4 slots for holding cards on either side, and a clear slot for holding your ID. Stock up on chocolate and add a thrill to your adventures. It’s the perfect accessory for trick-or-treating—or any fun outing you have planned.

The Loungefly Trick ‘r Treat Sam Cosplay Flap Wallet is made of vegan leather (polyurethane). Wallet zips and snaps closed, has sturdy gunmetal hardware, and features printed, burlap, and embroidered details. Take note of the coordinating pattern of the inside lining fabric.

We’re also getting two new Funko toys of Sam. Check everything out below!

The post ‘Trick ‘r Treat’ Collection from Loungefly Includes Sam Backpack, Bag, and Wallet appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.

Now available for pre-order, the two Trick ‘r Treat toys are set for release this coming April, with a standard toy plus a Chase Variant that features Sam’s lollipop weapon.

For the standard toy, Sam is holding his candy sack instead.

Funko also previewed a few other upcoming Vinyl Soda toys today, based on horror properties including Gremlins, Frankenstein, “Gargoyles,” Carnage, and “The Witcher.”

Preview the upcoming releases below.

Coming soon: Funko Vinyl SODA: Trick ‘r Treat – Sam with Chase. Pre-order for your collection today! https://t.co/VZIc9U8kR7 #Funko #FunkoSODA pic.twitter.com/2jxvEW56sV

— Funko (@OriginalFunko) February 8, 2022

Coming soon: Funko Vinyl SODA: Gremlins – Gizmo with Chase. Pre-order for your collection today! https://t.co/ct07aeOztT #Funko #FunkoSODA #Gremlins pic.twitter.com/apS34gsh4q

— Funko (@OriginalFunko) February 8, 2022

Coming soon: Funko Vinyl SODA: Universal Monsters – Frankenstein with Chase. Pre-order for your collection today! https://t.co/DT0QJpFVE7 #Funko #FunkoSODA pic.twitter.com/9ocJ0AcAck

— Funko (@OriginalFunko) February 8, 2022

Coming soon: Funko Vinyl SODA: Disney Gargoyles – Goliath with Stone Chase. Pre-order for your collection today! https://t.co/iw3s1gBOSb #Funko #FunkoSODA #Disney pic.twitter.com/8GRcCNTPtu

— Funko (@OriginalFunko) February 8, 2022

Coming soon: Funko Vinyl SODA: Marvel – Carnage with Chase. Pre-order for your collection today! https://t.co/07BDJdRjUU #Funko #FunkoSODA #Marvel pic.twitter.com/ENB9GzW1Px

— Funko (@OriginalFunko) February 8, 2022

Coming soon: Funko Vinyl SODA: The Witcher – Geralt with Chase. Pre-order for your collection today! https://t.co/BcQoGzjlod #Funko #FunkoSODA #TheWitcher @witchernetflix pic.twitter.com/wHBjScAgTQ

— Funko (@OriginalFunko) February 8, 2022

The post New ‘Trick ‘r Treat’ Toys Coming Soon from Funko appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.

These ten Halloween-themed horror movies run the gamut from requisite holiday favs to deep cuts, each using Halloween in some way to bring the chills, thrills, and, occasionally, laughs.

As always, here’s where you can stream them this week….

Oh and Happy Halloween! 

The Changeling – AMC+, Arrow, Midnight Pulp, Plex, Shudder, Tubi

George C. Scott stars in this seminal haunted classic as a music professor attempting to start fresh after his wife and child’s death. He relocates to Seattle and moves into a historic Victorian mansion with plans to work on his music, but he experiences strange phenomena right away. The more the paranormal activity increases, the more he’s drawn into a decades-long mystery involving a child. The Changeling is a quiet chiller grounded by a fantastic lead performance and an intriguing murder mystery. Mostly, though, it’s full of dread and creepy moments – no other horror movie will make you afraid of bouncing balls quite like this one.

The Child – Arrow, Tubi

If you’re in the mood for obscure Halloween fare, Tubi has you covered. The Child follows a recently hired nanny who arrives at her employer’s rural home to find that their eleven-year-old daughter harbors a few very nasty secrets. It’s another entry in the creepy, killer child category of horror but stands out for its bizarre leaps and eerie atmosphere. One memorable jack-o-lantern scare stands out, setting the perfect mood for the Halloween season.

Dark Night of the Scarecrow – Roku Channel

Don’t let the simplicity of this made-for-TV movie fool you; Dark Night of the Scarecrow is compelling storytelling. Set in a small Southern town over the Halloween season, a mentally challenged man is wrongfully murdered for a crime he didn’t commit. When his murderers evade justice, a mysterious scarecrow systematically takes them out one by one. Halloween décor, scarecrows, farmland, and a fantastic performance by horror stalwart Larry Drake makes for one perfect Halloween season movie.

Flatliners – Hulu

Five medical students experiment with near-death experiences; each taking turns flatling for the possibility of knowledge and medical insight into death. The more they dabble, the more their past sins catch up to them, threatening grave physical harm. This star-studded supernatural thriller sees its ambitious characters too preoccupied with their work to embrace Halloween, but Death won’t let them forget. Ghosts of the past get so much stronger on Halloween night.

Hell Fest – Netflix

Gregory Plotkin’s Halloween slasher unleashes a masked killer that uses a Halloween theme park as his slaying grounds, blending in with the scare actors while committing murder. The terrorized group of friends cannot seek help, either; the patrons think the terror is all part of the event. Hell Fest uses a requisite holiday pastime- the haunt- as the center stage for this slasher that seeks to retool the definition of “Final Girl.” The inventive set pieces add to the fun. But if it’s not scary enough for you, Haunt takes itself far more seriously and is available on Shudder.

I Am Not a Serial Killer – AMC+

John Wayne Cleaver (Max Records) adheres to a strict therapy regimen and rules to ward off his sociopathic, homicidal impulses. His darker nature makes him deeply curious when a string of murders ensues in his small midwestern town, each leaving behind traces of black goo. This adaptation of Dan Wells’ novel offers a unique blend of supernatural mystery and a sweet yet strange coming-of-age tale. While it doesn’t wholly embrace Halloween, the holiday does factor into the film’s events. Christopher Lloyd also stars.

Idle Hands – Pluto TV

If you’re in the mood for something that doesn’t take itself seriously at all and goes full-throttle on the Halloween fun, this is it. Devon Sawa stars as Anton Tobias, a high school slacker whose hand becomes possessed and homicidal. That proves problematic when it comes to wooing the girl of his dreams, though his undead friends have his back. Idle Hands offers plenty of splatstick, irreverent charm set around Halloween. Including one prominent third act set at the Halloween high school dance. It even includes several music-based cameos.

Night of the Demons – AMC+, Pluto TV, Shudder

Angela Franklin (Amelia Kinkade) and her best bud Suzanne (Linnea Quigley) decide to throw their Halloween party at Hull House, an abandoned mortuary with a dark past. Sure enough, an evil presence awakens after a séance, and their group is trapped inside Hull House while demonic spirits prey on them one by one. Night of the Demons offers a spooky, fun title sequence, cool demon FX, a memorable villainess, and a wide embrace of horror iconography- right down to a bookended trick-or-treating tale. It’s a holiday cult classic.

Trick’ r Treat – HBO Max

It’s near impossible to exclude Trick’ r Treat from any Halloween horror watchlist; it’s the perfect genre interpretation of the holiday in every way. Writer/Director Michael Dougherty seamlessly interweaves five tales of terror, all set on Halloween night, each representing a different rule or facet of the holiday. And then there’s Sam, the physical embodiment of Samhain, who’s crossed over from celluloid into reality to become a proper Halloween mascot, merch and all.

WNUF Halloween Special – Shudder

This clever retro-styled horror-comedy presents itself as an off-air recording of WNUF’s Halloween special that aired on October 31, 1987. Television reporter Frank Stewart (Paul Fahrenkopf) investigates the haunted Webber House on-air throughout the news broadcast. It begins benign enough, but the further Frank gets into his broadcast, the creepier the house becomes. Keeping with the recorded-off-TV format, WNUF Halloween Special is loaded with faux commercial breaks and infomercials that evoke Halloween nostalgia.

The post Stay Home, Watch Horror: 10 Halloween-Set Movies to Stream This Week! appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.

While I’ll always prefer original ideas and characters when it comes to horror (and I also appreciate it when long-running franchises recognize that it may be time to stop), it’s naïve to assume that Halloween Ends will really be the last time that we Michael Myers on the big screen. Even if the character does end up meeting his demise in that film, we’re always a simple reboot/remake/retcon away from a new entry in this 43-year-old series, and it wouldn’t be the first time that the William-Shatner-faced killer evaded death.

The real question here isn’t if we’ll be seeing more Halloween films in the future, but how these films might continue a story that seems headed towards a decisive finale. Personally, I think the answer lies in the franchise’s origins at the hands of John Carpenter. Nowadays, the original film’s ambiguous ending is often interpreted as an iconic case of sequel-bait, but the director never really intended to continue the story of Michael Myers. The killer’s unexplained disappearance was actually meant to imply that the boogeyman will live on forever in people’s minds, not that Michael would continue to stalk Laurie, though it was clear that audiences wanted more.

When approached by the sequel-hungry studio, Carpenter and producer Debra Hill originally pitched the idea of turning Halloween into an anthology franchise. With the 1978 film being modeled after the classic urban legend about a lunatic escaping from an insane asylum and proceeding to murder unsuspecting babysitters, it’s not that much of a stretch to imagine the franchise moving on to other horrific legends that might happen on All Hallows’ Eve.

Halloween is more than just Michael Myers!

Unfortunately, the studio would only try the anthology approach with Tommy Lee Wallace’s controversial Halloween III: Season of the Witch. The film has been re-evaluated over the years, but its off-beat story of pagan rituals and pumpkin-spice automatons was a bit too much for general audiences who just wanted more Michael Myers. This unconventional approach didn’t work back in 1982, especially when compared to the eerie simplicity of Carpenter’s original, but I think that that contemporary audiences are much more accepting of aging franchises experimenting with new formulas.

A completely unrelated story might still be a hard sell, but keeping a few familiar faces and locations could help to win over audiences. To me, a Trick ‘r Treat styled anthology flick with interconnected segments taking place in Haddonfield on Halloween Night seems like the most entertaining route that a future installment could take. Michael Myers wouldn’t even have to be completely removed from the picture, as the producers could have one of the stories still focus on the iconic killer or the aftermath of his murderous rampage. This would allow for a series of original Halloween yarns without completely alienating die-hard fans, and I wouldn’t mind watching several more sequels if they all presented us with new and exciting stories.

There is a small chance that Halloween Ends will kill off Michael for good, but there’s another option for potential sequels that might not want to veer too far from the traditional path. In the 2018 film, it’s revealed that the villainous Dr. Ranbir Sartain had become pathologically obsessed with Michael after attempting to analyze him, going so far as to commit murder in order to further his own studies. This twist may have been a little controversial, but it seemed to suggest that the killer’s madness is somehow contagious, kind of like that Friedrich Nietzsche quote about gazing into the abyss and having the abyss gaze back at you.

One of the best moments in the entire franchise!

Not only is this a fascinating concept in and of itself, but it also means that the franchise has opened the door for copycats and a possible next generation of boogeymen and women. There’s already a precedent for this in Halloween 4, with Danielle Harris’ Jamie Lloyd ultimately suffering from the same psychotic impulses as her murderous uncle and being set up as the family’s next killer. While that film’s sequels failed to deliver on this undeniably interesting premise, a replacement for Michael Myers is still on the table in David Gordon Green’s new mythology.

Of course, the most obvious (and arguably the easiest) approach for future sequels would be to simply refuse to explain Michael’s inevitable resurgence, ditching most of the established lore and fully embracing the killer’s status as the legendary boogeyman. Filmmakers could just assume that he’s a cyclical evil that has to be defeated again and again by different sets of unsuspecting characters, staying true to Carpenter’s original urban legend inspirations.

Michael’s questionable mortality has always been one of the most compelling aspects of the franchise, and focusing on his ambiguous nature would make it easier for him to once again become an unstoppable killing machine with no discernable motives. It would also eliminate the need for plot contrivances to explain how he’s still alive or why he’s hunting the new protagonists, allowing for more streamlined stories in a series that already has way too much baggage.

At the end of the day, there’s no real way of knowing which direction the franchise will take once this incarnation of the Myers story is over, but it’s fun to speculate about what might happen to Haddonfield and its unlucky denizens as we wait for Halloween Kills and its eventual sequel. After all, no matter how the story ultimately ends, we all know that there’s no stopping the boogeyman, and The Shape will keep getting up no matter how many times you shoot him.

Halloween Lives

The post You Can’t Kill the Boogeyman: What’s Next for the ‘Halloween’ Franchise After ‘Halloween Ends’? appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.

Lord plays Shawn Gunderson, an Oklahoma high school student obsessed with Japanese culture and anime. He even takes karate lessons at the local dojo, taught by Newt Grafstrom (Billy Zane). When Shawn gets his hands on a rare anime, it winds up changing his life.

The actor shared why he was drawn to the project, “It was set in the ’90s, which is something I wanted to do because I haven’t quite been on the screen in the ’90s before. Superheroes were something that I was itching to do. There were a whole bunch of different factors. One of the other main ones was speaking a language other than English on-screen and having that language also be Japanese because when I was around nine or 10, I wanted to visit Japan.

“I grew up with Robotech and Transformers because my dad grew up with them, and he thought I should grow up with them as well. I’ve become a big fan of the G1 Transformers TV show, all the way up until the movie. Then Robotech: The Macross Saga, I liked the character of Rick Hunter. I felt so close to Rick Hunter with this because he also turned into a Mech. Yeah, I enjoy playing that character.”

In other words, Lord’s role felt tailor-made for him. Lord acted opposite Zane, who provides a lot of the film’s comedic relief as the karate sensei that seems to make up moves. When asked what it was like to share scenes with the actor, Lord shared, “There were so many takes. He’d whip out a witty one-liner, and it would be a different way each time. I don’t know how many he’s got stored up in that brain, but oh my. It was such a blast to film that.“

There’s a handmade quality to Iké Boys that makes this one of Lord’s favorite projects yet, citing one particularly unique element. “The animation, because it was done by two animation studios, and it was hand-drawn. They literally did the whole hand-drawn thing all the way through. Eric oversaw it for all the post-production. It took a while, drawing each and every frame of the 2D animation, but it hit home with the nostalgia for a lot of people, myself included.”

Iké Boys only mildly touches on horror in the final act, so we asked Lord if he’d ever like to return to horror proper. He had a specific answer, “Well, I couldn’t say no to a Trick ‘r Treat sequel, but I’m not really in charge of that. You have to ask Michael Dougherty about that.”

The post ‘Trick ‘r Treat’ Actor Quinn Lord Talks ‘Iké Boys’ and Transforming into a Live-Action Anime Character appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.

In fact, we’re getting a bunch of brand new Trick ‘r Treat goodies this year!

Previewed over on Spirit Halloween’s official website, the Trick ‘r Treat collection expands this year with blind bag vinyl figures of the film’s characters, along with dish towels, coffee mugs, a tabletop projector, a flannel shirt, and even a Countdown to Halloween calendar.

One of the coolest new pieces is the “Sam Planter Pot,” a biggie-sized replica of Sam’s (masked) head that can be used either as a planter or a bowl for your Halloween candy.

Head over to SpiritHalloween.com to browse the full Trick ‘r Treat collection!

BLIND BAG FIGURES

TABLETOP PROJECTOR

DISH TOWELS – 2 PACK

LOLLIPOP COFFEE MUG

VAMPIRE HALF MASK

ADULT FLANNEL SHIRT

SAM PLANTER POT

COUNTDOWN TO HALLOWEEN SIGN

SAM DOORMAT

RULES OF HALLOWEEN JOURNAL

The post New ‘Trick ‘r Treat’ Products from Spirit Halloween This Year Include Figures, Masks and Shirts! appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.

Announced over the weekend during the company’s Comic-Con at Home streaming event, the figure is set for an Early 2022 release, and it will feature interchangeable head and hands, coming with a slew of accessories (candy bar, pumpkin lollipop) and a sidewalk base.

You’ll be able to display Sam either masked or unmasked, and you can check out some first-look images from the aforementioned Comic Con at Home streaming event down below.

Or, if you prefer, watch the whole video right here!

The post ‘Trick ‘r Treat’: New Sam 1/6 Scale Figure Coming Soon from Trick or Treat Studios! appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.

This particular Sam toy is different than Funko’s other Trick ‘r Treat offerings because it depicts the lovable pumpkin boy *without* his mask, flashing a mischievous smile.

Sam is also holding his trademark weapon, a deadly pumpkin lollipop.

The new toy is a Hot Topic exclusive, up for pre-order now!

The post Sam Removes His Mask for Brand New ‘Trick ‘r Treat’ Vinyl Toy from Funko appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.