The highly anticipated remake of Speak No Evil is in theaters now, and here is Theron Reynolds’ review of said remake, courtesy of our partnership with Theron’s YouTube Channel, T Watches a Scary Movie. So please, enjoy his thoughts and make sure you check out his channel for more wonderful insights regarding the world of horror!

There was a time when September, held vastly different meaning in the world. For it was indeed a time to celebrate the changing of the colors of the leaves and the right moment to bust out the ol’ sweater. Because that chill in the air was out and about, and really… everyone was just eager to embrace the change of the seasons and the march to a bevy of holidays that lie ahead on the calendar. But somewhere along the line, that flat out changed. Sure, we are all still excited about getting our winter gear ready and sipping on that PSL… but now… everyone has declared September to be the start of Spooky Season. Which means so many now, are ready to start watching horror movies, and even put the Halloween decorations up early.
​
Because we just plain love spooky stuff once that chill, hits the air, and well, Shudder is flat out making sure to help us with our newfound love for all things horror when the leaves start to change. For earlier they announced that today will kick off their Season of Screams, a three-month (yes, three-month) run of double features, amazing shows and epic films that will keep the horror celebration going until the time arrives to carve the turkey the same way Freddy carves up teenagers, and well, since this is enough to intrigue you… here are all the details on this event, and a teaser, to prepare us for what might be the best Spooky Season ever, thanks to Shudder.

‘Shudder, AMC Networks’ premium streaming service for horror, thrillers and the supernatural, announced today a supersized Season of Screams programming event kicking off today, Friday the 13th and featuring an epic lineup of new film releases, series, specials and live watch parties on Shudder TV. The three-month celebration of the best in horror will also bring back an all-new Ghoul Log, Shudder’s popular Halloween Hotline for those in need of horror movie recommendations from Shudder’s Head of Programming Samuel Zimmerman, and spotlight popular horror franchise films from Friday the 13th to Children of the Corn. Shudder will also be featuring a special limited-time offer for horror connoisseurs craving scares all year long, with an annual plan available at a 31% discount for the 31 Days of October.
 
Shudder’s Season of Screams features highly anticipated films such as the acclaimed In A Violent Nature, a new installment in the popular V/H/S franchise – V/H/S/Beyond – and the Russell Crowe-led The Exorcism, as well as a new season of The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula and the debut of the highly anticipated series, The Creep Tapes from writers and executive producers Mark Duplass and Patrick Brice. These new films and series join Shudder’s extensive library, including the Friday the 13th franchise (all 8 films), the Rob Zombie catalogue (all 7 films), cult classic It Follows, the streaming return of Mike Flanagan’s Hush, popular Halloween-set found footage horror The Houses October Built (2011), and the addition of Chucky Season 3 to complete the full series availability.
 
Fans can join Shudder for frights every Friday with LIVE Watch Parties at 9pm ET on Shudder TV spotlighting new premieres and curated double features, including:

• September 13: Neo-Slasher – In A Violent Nature and Lake Bodom
• September 20: Zombie Weekend – The Sadness and Undead
• September 27: Modern Master – Damian McCarthy’s Oddity and Caveat
• October 4: Found Footage – V/H/S/Beyond and Hell House LLC
• October 11: Horrifying Households – Daddy’s Head and Metamorphosis
• October 18: Shocking Scourges – MadS and Virus:32
• October 25: TBA
• October 30: Late Night with the Devil on Devil’s Night
• October 31: Halloween on Halloween
• November 1: Day of the Dead on Day of the Dead – Day of the Dead Collection

 
Also returning is Shudder’s popular Halloween Hotline (Dates TBA). Whether viewers are looking for a slasher film, ghost story, or monster flick, Samuel Zimmerman, head of programming for Shudder, will be on hand to offer personalized picks for a perfectly scary weekend based on each caller’s mood and preference.
 
And the team behind the new Shudder original series, Horror’s Greatest resurrects everyone’s favorite jack-o-lantern just in time for spooky season with The Rise of the Ghoul Log. The new hour-long video of the chilling, candlelit pumpkin sets the scene for horror fans beginning in October.
 
Shudder’s Season of Screams programming highlights below in chronological order (also available on AMC+):
 
In A Violent Nature (Shudder Original Film)  
New Film Premieres Friday, September 13 
When a locket is removed from a collapsed fire tower in the woods that entombs the rotting corpse of Johnny, a vengeful spirit spurred on by a horrific 60-year-old crime, his body is resurrected and becomes hellbent on retrieving it. The undead golem homes in on the group of vacationing teens responsible for the theft and proceeds to methodically slaughter them one by one in his mission to get it back - along with anyone in his way. Groundbreaking gruesome slasher from writer and director Chris Nash (ABCs of Death 2). 
 
Horror’s Greatest (Shudder Original Series) 
New Episodes Every Tuesday Until Season Finale on September 24
Celebrating the very best the genre has to offer, Horror’s Greatest is a deep dive into everything we love about horror. From fresh looks at classics to unearthing scores of hidden gems, this series has something for every fright film enthusiast. A gallery of ghoulish pros, including actors, directors, writers, composers, and special effects artists, draw on their unique knowledge to answer the big questions: What are the must-see films in horror’s many sub-genres? What’s the appeal of horror tropes, and how do today’s filmmakers subvert our expectations? What shape does horror take in countries outside of the United States? The answers encompass the breadth of the nightmares we watch for our entertainment. The series features interviews with David Dastmalchian (Late Night with the Devil), Joe Hill (Locke & Key, NOS4A2), Tom Holland (Fright Night, Child’s Play), Jenn Wexler (The Sacrifice Game, The Ranger), Jonah Ray Rodrigues (Destroy All Neighbors), Gigi Saul Guerrero (Satanic Hispanics, El Gigante), Alex Winter (Destroy All Neighbors), Tananarive Due (Horror Noire), Swanthula and Dracmorda Boulet (The Boulet Brothers Dragula) and more.

• Tuesday Terror – new installment of Horror’s Greatest paired with films featured in the episode will air every Tuesday in September at 9pm ET on Shudder TV

 
Oddity (Shudder Original Film) 
New Film Premieres Friday, September 27 
Dani is restoring an old castle in rural Cork County, Ireland, with her husband Ted, a doctor at a facility for the criminally insane. When Dani is brutally murdered, her blind occultist twin sister Darcy goes after those responsible using inherited haunted items as her tools of revenge. From writer/director Damian McCarthy (Caveat) and starring Carolyn Bracken and Gwilym Lee. 
 
Hush (Shudder Library Film) 
Film Premieres Tuesday, October 1
A deaf and muted writer who retreated into the woods to live a solitary life must fight for her life in silence when a masked killer appears at her window.
 
The Houses October Built 2011 (Shudder Library Film) 
New Documentary Premieres Tuesday, October 1
Looking for a good fright for Halloween, five friends set off on a road trip to discover the scariest underground haunts. As their trip appears to reach a dead-end, whispers of a haunt like no other draws them to the darkest corners of haunted attractions.
 
The original, unreleased 2011 haunted house documentary that went on to inspire the cult theatrical release of the same name. THE HOUSES OCTOBER BUILT – ORIGINAL VERSION goes deeper behind the scenes of extreme Halloween haunted attractions, introducing an entirely new narrative and unexpected conclusion.
 
The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula (Shudder Original Series) 
New Season Premieres Tuesday, October 1
Dubbed “Season 666,” the next chapter of Emmy-nominated The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula is the most ambitious and terrifying yet, with world-renowned actors and directors joining the judges' panel, raising the stakes to hellish new heights. Every episode promises spine-chilling, extreme physical feats that will push the cast of drag superstars to confront their darkest fears. This 10-episode season is bigger, bloodier, and more brutal than anything that’s come before, featuring expanded “on location” challenges, twisted new themes for the floorshows, cinematic sequences dripping with dread, and innovative drag that will leave viewers gasping. Season six of the Shudder original series boasts a star-studded lineup of guest judges, including Jennifer Tilly (Actor, Bride of Chucky, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills), Mike Flannagan (Director, Midnight Mass, Haunting of Hill House), Jamie Clayton (Actor, Hellraiser), Tatiana Maslany (Actor, Orphan Black, She-Hulk), Don Mancini (Creator and Writer of Chucky), Justin Simien (Director, The Haunted Mansion, Dear White People), David Dastmalchian (Actor, Late Night with the Devil, Dune, Suicide Squad), Akela Cooper (Writer, Malignant, M3gan, The Nun 2), Joe Bob Briggs & Darcy(Hosts of The Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs), Violet Chachki (RuPaul’s Drag Race), Alaska Thunderfck (RuPaul’s Drag Race), Tananarive Due (Author, Horror Historian), Darren Stein(Director, Jawbreaker), Mathieu Cote (Creator of Dead By Daylight), Landon Cider (Winner of The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula Season Three) and Niohuru X (Winner of The Boulet Brothers’ DragulaSeason Five).
 
V/H/S/Beyond (Shudder Original Film) 
New Film Premieres Friday, October 4 
The popular film anthology will feature six new bloodcurdling tapes, placing horror at the forefront of a sci-fi-inspired hellscape.
 
Segments include:
“Stork”: Directed by Jordan Downey, screenplay by Downey and Kevin Stewart
“Fur Babies”: Written and directed by Christian Long and Justin Long
“Live and Let Dive”: Directed by Justin Martinez, story by Martinez and Ben Turner, screenplay by Turner
“Dream Girl”: Directed by Virat Pal, written by Pal and Evan Dickson
“Stowaway”: Directed by Kate Siegel, written by Mike Flanagan
And a special presentation by Jay Cheel.
 
Chucky (Shudder Library Series) 
Season 3 Available Starting Friday, October 4; Seasons 1 and 2 Currently Available on Shudder
The comedy horror-drama television series from Child's Play film franchise creator Don Mancini sees Chucky take Washington DC in season 3 as the diabolical doll poses a threat to the President of the United States’ staff. 
 
Daddy’s Head (Shudder Original Film) 
New Film Premieres Friday, October 11 
In the wake of his father’s untimely death, a young boy is left in the eerie solitude of a sprawling country estate with his newly widowed stepmother. His stepmother, struggling to navigate the overwhelming task of parenthood, grows distant, leaving their fragile bond at risk of collapse. Amidst the growing tension, the boy begins to hear unsettling sounds echoing through the corridors. Soon, he is haunted by the presence of a grotesque creature bearing a disturbingly familiar resemblance to his late father. But as the boy’s warnings are dismissed as the imagination of a grieving child, the sinister entity tightens its grip on their crumbling lives.
 
MadS (Shudder Original Film) 
New Film Premieres Friday, October 18 
Eighteen-year-old Romain has just graduated and makes a stop at his dealer’s place to try a new pill. As he heads off to a party, he sees an injured woman on the side of the road and decides to help her, but when she gets in his car, she suddenly smashes her own head against the dashboard, bleeding out until she dies. Is this a bad trip? Or is it something else? One thing is for sure, it’s only the beginning of the night.
 
Azrael (Shudder Original Film) 
New Film Premieres Friday, October 25 
In a world in which no one speaks, a mysterious, devout community hunts down a young woman named Azrael who has escaped their imprisonment. Recaptured by its ruthless leaders, she is to be sacrificed to pacify an evil which resides deep within the surrounding wilderness – but Azrael will stop at nothing to ensure her own freedom and survival. From the seeds of this gritty, relentless parable of sacrifice and salvation, comes an immersive, real-time, action horror tale from the visionary minds of Simon Barrett and E.L. Katz and starring Samara Weaving.
 
The Exorcism (Shudder Exclusive Film)  
New Film Premieres Wednesday, October 30 
Academy Award-winner Russell Crowe stars as Anthony Miller, a troubled actor who begins to unravel while shooting a supernatural horror film. His estranged daughter, Lee (Ryan Simpkins), wonders if he's slipping back into his past addictions or if there's something more sinister at play. The film also stars Sam Worthington, Chloe Bailey, Adam Goldberg, and David Hyde Pierce.
 
The Creep Tapes (Shudder Original Series) 
New Series Premieres Friday, November 15
From writers and executive producers Mark Duplass and Patrick Brice, The Creep Tapes continues to unravel the mind of a secluded serial killer who lures videographers into his world with the promise of a paid job documenting his life. Unfortunately, as the tape rolls, the killer’s questionable intentions surface with his increasingly odd behavior and the victims will learn they may have made a deadly mistake.

About Shudder 
AMC Networks’ Shudder stands as the leading curatorial voice and cultural destination for genre entertainment, delivering an unparalleled selection of horror, thrillers, and the supernatural. With an ever-expanding library of films, TV series, and exclusive Originals, Shudder is accessible across most streaming devices in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. 
  
Shudder releases approximately thirty films per year, and has redefined genre streaming with a slate of groundbreaking and critically acclaimed titles, including Rob Savage’s HOST, Jayro Bustamante’s Golden Globe-nominated LA LLORONA, Phil Tippett’s MAD GOD, Coralie Fargeat’s REVENGE, Kyle Edward Ball’s SKINAMARINK, Christian Tafdrup’s SPEAK NO EVIL, Chloe Okuno’s WATCHER, Demián Rugna’s WHEN EVIL LURKS, and the latest installment in the V/H/S franchise. Shudder also boasts fan-favorite series such as the two-time Emmy Award-nominated THE BOULET BROTHERS’ DRAGULA, Greg Nicotero’s CREEPSHOW, and THE LAST DRIVE-IN WITH JOE BOB BRIGGS. Notable 2024 releases include Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala’s THE DEVIL’S BATH, Chris Nash’s IN A VIOLENT NATURE, Sébastien Vaniček’s INFESTED, Colin and Cameron Cairnes’ LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL, Damian McCarthy’s ODDITY, and Robert Morgan’s STOPMOTION.’

There’s a real buzz hanging in the air regarding The Walking Dead Universe. Because we are just days away from the premiere of season two of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol, a story that reunites us with not one, but two beloved characters from the original show from the franchise, and well… we simply cannot wait. For we must know if Carol and Daryl will reunite, we must know how Daryl is doing after his grand soul search in season one and thankfully, we won’t wait much longer to find out.
​
But of course, to help the fans cope with the wait, AMC Networks was kind enough to send some gifts our way. For earlier AMC released some key art, and a new teaser for the show. To give us that little bit of Daryl and Carol that we need to tide us over until the show arrives. All of which we will share with you now, as you eagerly count down the seconds to the return of the two greatest Best Friends for Life to ever grace the world of horror.

‘AMC Networks released today the official key art and a new teaser for the highly anticipated second season of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon - The Book of Carol, premiering Sunday, September 29 at 9:00 pm ET/PT on AMC and AMC+. 
 
The new season picks up where The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon left off, following fan-favorite characters Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus) and Carol Peletier (Melissa McBride). They both confront old demons while she fights to find her friend and he struggles with his decision to stay in France, causing tension at the Nest. Additionally, Genet’s (Anne Charrier) movement builds momentum, setting Pouvoir on a violent collision course with the Union of Hope in the fight for France's future.
 
In addition to Reedus and McBride, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol stars Clémence Poésy, Louis Puech Scigliuzzi, Laika Blanc Francard, Charrier, Romain Levi, Eriq Ebouaney and Joel de la Fuente and is executive produced by showrunner David Zabel, Scott M. Gimple, Reedus, McBride, Greg Nicotero, Angela Kang, Brian Bockrath, Daniel Percival, Jason Richman and Steve Squillante.’

Truly one of the most unsettling and unique found footage franchises to hit theaters in the past few years, is the Creep franchise. Simply because it defies tropes and cliché, courtesy of its inventive storytelling and dynamic characters. Who continue to captivate us after all these years since there’s so much to explore when it comes to Josef, Aaron, or whatever he is choosing to call himself in any given story. But alas, all we have are two demented stories to work with and dissect since writers Patrick Brice and Mark Duplass have yet to expand the story beyond a second film.
​
But that is all about to change. For come November, Shudder will be home to The Creep Tapes. A six-episode series from Mister Brice and Mister Duplass, that will indeed return us to this world and further explore the maddening machinations of a serial killer obsessed with toying with his victims before offering up the fatal blow. And well… to properly offer this news the justice it deserves, here are all the details on this upcoming chapter in this storied and scary franchise, courtesy of Shudder.

‘Shudder announced today it will debut the next installment of the iconic found horror footage franchise CREEP with an all-new series, The Creep Tapes, from writers and executive producers Mark Duplass and Patrick Brice.  Duplass will reprise his leading role in the six-episode Shudder Original series set to premiere Friday, November 15 on Shudder and AMC+. The series will debut with a two-episode premiere, followed by new episodes releasing weekly on Fridays on both platforms.
 
The Creep Tapes continues to unravel the mind of a secluded serial killer who lures videographers into his world with the promise of a paid job documenting his life. Unfortunately, as the tape rolls, the killer’s questionable intentions surface with his increasingly odd behavior and the victims will learn they may have made a deadly mistake.
 
Said Mark Duplass, “A little over 10 years ago, Patrick Brice and I spent a week together in my cabin with a small digital camera. We emerged with a found footage horror film that was so wildly strange and uncomfortable we assumed no one would see it. To be continuing this unholy legacy in the series format is a true nightmare come true.”
 
Said Courtney Thomasma, EVP of streaming for AMC Networks: “Patrick and Mark have given us two of the most unique and exciting takes on psychological horror with CREEP and CREEP 2, both of which amassed a huge fan following and camp audience. We’re thrilled to be working alongside them in expanding this popular franchise with six thrilling episodes that will unfold more of this twisted story and Peachfuzz antics.” 
 
The Creep Tapes is produced by Duplass Brothers Productions and Shudder. Executive producers include series star Duplass and Patrick Brice who both also serve as co-writers, with Brice directing all episodes. Additional Executive Producers include Mel Eslyn, Jay Duplass and Chris Donlon, and Shuli Harel serves as co-executive producer. 
 
About Shudder
AMC Networks’ Shudder stands as the leading curatorial voice and cultural destination for genre entertainment, delivering an unparalleled selection of horror, thrillers, and the supernatural. With an ever-expanding library of films, TV series, and exclusive Originals, Shudder is accessible across most streaming devices in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. 
  
Shudder releases approximately thirty films per year and has redefined genre streaming with a slate of groundbreaking and critically acclaimed titles, including Rob Savage’s HOST, Jayro Bustamante’s Golden Globe-nominated LA LLORONA, Phil Tippett’s MAD GOD, Coralie Fargeat’s REVENGE, Kyle Edward Ball’s SKINAMARINK, Christian Tafdrup’s SPEAK NO EVIL, Chloe Okuno’s WATCHER, Demián Rugna’s WHEN EVIL LURKS, and the latest installment in the V/H/S franchise. Shudder also boasts fan-favorite series such as the two-time Emmy Award-nominated THE BOULET BROTHERS’ DRAGULA, Greg Nicotero’s CREEPSHOW, and THE LAST DRIVE-IN WITH JOE BOB BRIGGS. Notable 2024 releases include Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala’s THE DEVIL’S BATH, Chris Nash’s IN A VIOLENT NATURE, Sébastien Vaniček’s INFESTED, Colin and Cameron Cairnes’ LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL, Damian McCarthy’s ODDITY, and Robert Morgan’s STOPMOTION. 
 
ABOUT DUPLASS BROTHERS PRODUCTIONS
Under their banner Duplass Brothers Productions (DBP), award-winning filmmakers Mark Duplass, Jay Duplass and Mel Eslyn create original projects for film, television, and digital media. In television, DBP is under a first-look deal with HBO which has yielded the hit series ROOM 104, TOGETHERNESS, and the animated series ANIMALS. Most recently they produced HBO's award winning show SOMEBODY SOMEWHERE, which was named an AFI TV Program of the Year in its first season and won a Peabody Award in its second.

In the early 2000’s Mark and Jay first gained recognition for writing, directing and producing several acclaimed independent and studio films, including THE PUFFY CHAIR, CYRUS, and JEFF, WHO LIVES AT HOME. The teams' numerous feature film credits in the decades following have included THE ONE I LOVE, TANGERINE, SAFETY NOT GUARANTEED, CREEP (1 & 2), THE SKELETON TWINS and Eslyn's BIOSPHERE.  Documentary feature credits include HBO's TONY HAWK: UNTIL THE WHEELS FALL OFF for which they won a PGA Award, and JASON ISBELL: RUNNING WITH OUR EYES CLOSED.  DBP is also active in the docuseries television space, best known for producing Netflix’s WILD WILD COUNTRY, winner of the Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series. Additional credits include the critically acclaimed series THE LADY AND THE DALE on HBO, Hulu's SASQUATCH and their latest Netflix series AMERICAN CONSPIRACY: THE OCTOPUS MURDERS, which debuted at #3 in the U.S. top 10 TV list.

Most recently Eslyn and Mark co-created the series PENELOPE, which premiered at 2024's Sundance Film Festival before premiering on Netflix US on September 24. Other upcoming releases include Morrisa Maltz's JAZZY, Nnamdi Asomugha's THE KNIFE, Hulu's OUT THERE: CRIMES OF THE PARANORMAL, and the third season of SOMEBODY SOMEWHERE.’

Caution: This article contains minor spoilers for the motion picture, ‘The Demon Disorder’.

One particular aspect of the horror genre that is genuinely surprising, is the sheer fact that it follows trends just like any other genre out there. And what makes that so surprising, is that one wouldn’t expect horror to subscribe to such a thing. After all, it is the trailblazing genre, one that has shaped modern storytelling and inspired all kinds of creatives to become novel writers and filmmakers, and it of course… has challenged tropes, invented monsters and gone where storytelling rarely does. So, it is a bit of a shock when you realize that one popular zombie story, will lead to a bevy of zombie stories because that’s now the trend and formula for success.

But the surprises don’t end with the fact that horror isn’t immune to trends, because it is how the genre handles trends that is of note. Because a hot zombie story doesn’t necessarily mean that cruddy cash grabs will follow. It likely means that a bevy of creatives want in on the action and want to tell a quality story that builds upon what came before and tries to do something fresh and new. Making trends quite welcome in this genre, and that is why we are suddenly seeing a bevy of horror features that delve into the power of trauma and why we must confront and resolve it. Because it allows for so many other minds to offer their take on how best to do that, and the risks that come with denying our souls that freedom. 
​
If anything, that particular trend is top of mind today, simply because there is a brand-new horror film on Shudder that offers a refreshing take on this trend, in The Demon Disorder. Which is a story that introduces us to a troubled man named Graham who is doing his best to get by in life after escaping his hometown shortly after his abusive father passed, and for a time… he seems to be finding what he wants. For he has a successful mechanic business that is growing. But alas, when his brother Jake arrives, filled with concern that their baby brother Philip might be transforming into a monster a la father, Graham returns home. To see what’s causing odd behaviors in his brother, and what he finds, is horrifying. Since it appears that Philip has been possessed by the spirit of their awful father, in the hopes that he might live again and continue his emotional reign of terror.

Which really is, a refreshing take on such matters. Because it does what few, if any, other horror stories have done… and it transforms trauma and PTSD and the evil that parents sometimes impart on their children and transforms it into an actual monster. A being that will stop at nothing to terrorize its children and feed off of the pain caused by abuse. Which brings about a story that uses personification of pain to explore how it stays with us, how we fear it so deeply and are willing to do toxic things to be rid of it, and of course, how we must fight that and put it down. So, we find peace over being haunted by ghosts of days gone by. A move that is brilliant, quite frankly. Because it hammers the point home, through the very fear presented in the film, since this movie is indeed unsettling and disturbing, and downright horrifying.

Thanks in large part… to what the monster looks like and how it functions and thrives. Since it is the stuff of nightmares and outright showcases how anyone who has been abused emotionally or physically, would likely view their abuser. But what matters more, is that its birth and its push to exist, is gory as hell in nature, and leads to stomach churning special effects that hold nothing back and also serve as an allegory related to the theme. Since the creation of this monster brings physical harm, a move that speaks to the power of generational trauma and how abusive cycles come to life. Which makes the monster ten times more terrifying and unwholesome and gives rise to a magnificently intelligent horror film. 
​
For this one really does think hard upon such matters and explores them with a bluntness that is impactful and terrifying, and it also doesn’t hurt, that it has an amazing cast to sell such matters. For Christian Willis sells the pain that Graham carries in his heart with a shocking honesty, and John Noble brings forth a riveting and chilling performance as the abusive patriarch of this family, all of which adds gravity to one engaging plot. One that gives us plenty to chew upon when it comes to its central theme and of course, showcases… how trends do indeed benefit horror. For had the horror industry not been keen on further exploring this particular topic, who knows if this magnificent feature would have come to light, and it not existing would be a shame. For this one, is that rare horror feature, that perfectly blends together scares and commentary in a manner that stays with you long after the terror has come to an end.

It is definitely safe to say, that horror fans everywhere have been energized by Anne Rice’s Immortal Universe on AMC. Simply because this new horror universe, has updated classic stories for a new century, and in doing so, is able to use classic characters to tackle/examine some of our biggest issues. That also means that these stories are able to move in bold new directions and the endless possibilities and everything we’ve enjoyed so far, is simply sublime and has brought forth some amazing stories, that do engender excitement. But the best news of all, is that the Universe continues to expand into new territory in the process.
​
After all, Anne Rice’s The Talamasca is now on the horizon, and that will explore a new corner of Anne Rice’s work that primarily operated in the shadows in her books and… this amazing new series also has its lead actor now. For earlier today, AMC Networks announced that Nicholas Denton will lead the cast of this series, and undoubtedly wow us in the process, courtesy of his impressive resume and well… to properly celebrate this wondrous news, here are all the details on Nicholas’ casting, as we inch toward the next chapter in this bold new Universe.

‘AMC Networks today announced that Nicholas Denton (Dangerous Liaisons, Glitch) has been cast as the lead of the third series in its expanding Anne Rice Immortal Universe, a drama focused on a secretive society called The Talamasca.  Anne Rice’s The Talamasca (wt) is slated for a 2025 premiere on AMC and AMC+ with production beginning next month in Manchester, England. The six-episode season will focus on the men and women responsible for tracking and containing the witches, vampires, and other creatures scattered around the globe.
 
Denton will star as Guy Anatole.  He is brilliant, handsome and sharp on the surface, but he’s always known his mind works a little differently. On the cusp of graduating law school, he is approached by a representative of the Talamasca, a secretive agency that monitors and protects us from the supernatural world.  When Guy learns that the Talamasca has been tracking him since his childhood, he falls headlong into a world of secret agents and immortal beings who, up to now, have maintained a fragile balance with the mortal world. But for that balance to hold, and for Guy to survive, he will have to learn to embrace the dark, treacherous depths of his true and singular self.
 
Anne Rice’s The Talamasca is executive produced by Oscar-nominated John Lee Hancock (The Blind Side) and Mark Lafferty (The Right Stuff, Halt and Catch Fire), who also serve co-showrunners, and award-winning producer Mark Johnson, who oversees the Anne Rice Immortal Universe.  Hancock will also direct.
 
The series joins Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire, which concluded its critically acclaimed second season earlier this year, and Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches, returning for a second season in early 2025, in the expanding Anne Rice Immortal Universe on AMC and AMC+.
 
Denton is repped by UTA, United Management in Australia and Conway Van Gelder Grant, and he previously starred as “Valmont” in the Starz/Lionsgate prequel to Dangerous Liaisons and was a recipient of a coveted spot among the 2018 Heath Ledger Scholarships Finalists. He trained in the theatre while appearing in numerous television and film projects, including Ron Howard's Eden, the critically acclaimed indie Holding the Man, series Glitch, Utopia and Acorn TV’s My Life Is Murder. 

About AMC Networks
AMC Networks (Nasdaq: AMCX) is home to many of the greatest stories and characters in TV and film and the premier destination for passionate and engaged fan communities around the world. The company creates and curates celebrated series and films across distinct brands and makes them available to audiences everywhere. Its portfolio includes targeted streaming services AMC+, Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now, ALLBLK and HIDIVE; cable networks AMC, BBC AMERICA (operated through a joint venture with BBC Studios, which includes U.S. distribution and sales responsibilities for BBC News), IFC, SundanceTV and WE tv; and film distribution labels IFC Films and RLJE Films. The company also operates AMC Studios, its in-house studio, production and distribution operation behind acclaimed and fan-favorite originals including The Walking Dead Universe and the Anne Rice Immortal Universe; and AMC Networks International, its international programming business.’  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘Horror’s Greatest’. To revisit the Series Premiere, click here.

There are a great many incredible monsters that make up the horror landscape. After all, there’s the vampire. A fascinating creature that captivates us courtesy of the strange relationship it harbors with life and death. Plus, there’s the zombie, a being that puts fear into so many of us because of how it is an insult to our biological purpose in life, death. And one cannot forget about the werewolf, and how it tends to reflect the darkest parts of our soul unleashed. But of the many monsters that captivate us and that we discuss, there’s one that we don’t talk about enough, specifically… giant monsters.

But we should, for the big creatures that terrorize so many in horror are in fact, backbone creatures that mean as much to the genre as the monsters we mentioned above. Which is likely why the next episode of Horror’s Greatest took the time spotlight ‘Giant Monsters’. For they deserve their day in blocking out the sun and well… this ended up being quite the comprehensive look at this particular creature. One that explored the humble and low budget origins of giant monsters. Since so many of the earliest films in that vein featured rubber suits, and giant props for people to act against. But they did captivate, and they became so much more.

For in later years, movies such as Tremors would feature amazing upgrades for these creatures from a special effects standpoint and make them far more enthralling, and of course, the use of CGI has made them household spectacles that leave us in terrified awe or in the case of one particular giant monster… upgrades to special effects have given it longevity. Because one cannot talk about giant monsters without talking about the one, the only, Gojira. Or Godzilla as he has come to be known and truly, he is the quintessential giant monster. One that everyone knows, and everyone loves, and his amazing body of work was also put on display here.

But what truly made this episode worthwhile, was the fascinating analysis that accompanied this grand spotlight of these fascinating creatures. Because their journeys do offer incredible meaning, and they are filled with powerful commentary. After all, their original stories deeply reflected our fears of the atomic age and explored our worst nightmares regarding the power of mother nature. And the more recent stories have obviously pondered upon the trauma of natural disasters, and how hard it is to reconcile that we are nothing more than tenants on this world, and we live alongside beings that can in fact, turn upon us and that all offered up some wonderful depth to these films and informed us why they deserve to be celebrated more often.
​
For these monsters are indeed the same caliber of any other horror monster out there, they may however… be seen as less because of how mainstream they’ve become and because at times they have their own measure of parody and don’t realize their potential. But clearly, they are as scary as the vampire and as disturbing as the living dead and that is why this series is so important. Because it really is spotlighting and showcasing some of the best parts of the genre, and the parts that we sometimes gloss over and forget about, and it will be interesting to see what other beings and moments this show intends to showcase, as season one of this fascinating series continues along. Until next time.

One of the best aspects of The Walking Dead Universe, is that the franchise has never really held itself to being fixed in a singular location. Which has allowed for us to see how the death of death impacted societies around the globe, and it has allowed for the characters that make up the TWDU to meet new people in new locations and explore their lives at the end of everything. If anything, this wondrous aspect of the saga is top of mind today because earlier… it was made clear that this proud tradition is going to continue.
​
For AMC Networks announced that new cast members have been added to season three of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon. A story that is already set in Spain, so it does make sense that we would meet folks in that shattered corner of the world as well. But even then, it’s just lovely to see a series that took this concept to the next level, embrace it tighter and further expand our worldview of a planet devastated by living death. And well… to properly celebrate this news and to inform you of whom is joining the cast, here are all the details on this wondrous news as we prepare for season two and beyond of this amazing chapter in the franchise.

‘AMC Networks announced today the initial Spanish cast for the third season of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon currently being filmed in Spain. Eduardo Noriega (The Devil's Backbone, Vantage Point), Óscar Jaenada (Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Hernán) and Alexandra Masangkay (The Platform, Valley of Shadows) will be joining the cast as series regulars, in addition to Candela Saitta (Máxima, Último primer día) and Hugo Arbués (Through My Window, Past Lies), among others, in recurring roles. The announcement was made today in FesTVal, a national television festival celebrated annually in the city of Vitoria in Spain.
 
Production of season three is based in Madrid with extensive location shooting planned in the Galicia, Aragón, Catalonia and Valencia regions, each providing a new and unique backdrop for the post-apocalyptic world. Production has begun just ahead of the series’ highly anticipated season two premiere on October 4 in Spain, and September 29 in the U.S. on AMC and AMC+.
 
Season three follows Daryl Dixon and Carol Peletier as they continue their journey to somehow return home and to the ones they love.  As they struggle to find their way back, the path takes them farther astray, leading them through distant lands with ever-changing and unfamiliar conditions as they witness the various effects of the Walker apocalypse.
 
Debuting in 2025, season three is executive produced by Scott M. Gimple, Showrunner David Zabel, Reedus, McBride, Greg Nicotero, Brian Bockrath, Angela Kang, Jason Richman, Dan Percival and Steve Squillante with Silvia Aráez and Jesús de la Vega from Ánima Stillking joining as executive producers this season. Peregrinos SP24 provides Spanish production services for season three.
 
Eduardo Noriega is a Spanish actor renowned for his roles in films such as Thesis, Open Your Eyes, The Wolf, The Devil’s Backbone and Vantage Point and has been nominated for Best Actor in the Goya Awards in two occasions. Óscar Jaenada is an established Spanish actor known for his performances in films and series such as Camarón: When Flamenco Became Legend, for which he won the Goya Award for Best Actor, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Luis Miguel, Hernán and Cantinflas, for which he won the Platino Award for Best Actor. Alexandra Masangkay is a Spanish actress who made her film debut with 1898: The Last of the Philippines and The Platform and also has stand out performances in Código Emperador and most recently Valley of Shadows. Spanish actor Hugo Arbués has garnered attention for his roles in films such as The Warning and Through My Window and series Madres. Amor y vida and Cathedral of the Sea. Candela Saitta is an Argentine actress based in Madrid who has drawn notice for her roles in Máxima, El primero de nosotros and Último primer día, for which she was nominated for Best Actress in the Produ Awards.
 
About AMC Networks
AMC Networks (Nasdaq: AMCX) is home to many of the greatest stories and characters in TV and film and the premier destination for passionate and engaged fan communities around the world. The company creates and curates celebrated series and films across distinct brands and makes them available to audiences everywhere. Its portfolio includes targeted streaming services AMC+, Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now, ALLBLK and HIDIVE; cable networks AMC, BBC AMERICA (operated through a joint venture with BBC Studios, which includes U.S. distribution and sales responsibilities for BBC News), IFC, SundanceTV and We TV; and film distribution labels IFC Films and RLJE Films. The company also operates AMC Studios, its in-house studio, production and distribution operation behind acclaimed and fan-favorite originals including The Walking Dead Universe and the Anne Rice Immortal Universe; and AMC Networks International, its international programming business.’

There is a grand debate raging in our world right now. Specifically, how does humanity get on the same page when it comes to treating Planet Earth with the respect it deserves. Because like it or not, it is our home, and we are indeed causing it great harm. Yet, there is such a divide. For there is one side that understands the damage being done and is eager to stop it and repair it, and the other side of the debate could care less. They simply want the status quo that is no longer sustainable and are more worried about dividends and profits over a better tomorrow for the children of the world and future generations.
​
Hence, the debate at hand, and a true mystery of how we get people to listen and move toward saving our world from roasting akin to a Thanksgiving Turkey and well… one such idea that has been floated about now and again… is just forcing that change upon people. Wherein here are the new regulations. Here are the new rules for the world, and its people, and it is best we live with them, regardless of whether someone likes it. Which is an idea that has merit, since there happen to be a great deal of blowhards that fall in line when they finally get a firm no. But would that work? Well, that’s a question that is oddly answered in the next episode of Tales from the Darkside.

A feat that ‘A New Lease on Life’ accomplishes by introducing us to a man named Archie Fenton. A hotshot that is rising through his ranks at work and just stumbled upon the deal of a lifetime. A rent-controlled room that is only two-hundred bucks a month at the St. George Apartment Complex. Which seems to be good to be true, and perhaps it is. Since this is something of a green community he’s moved into. One that requires its residents to send their organic waste into a recycling chute and where some of the trappings of the old world aren’t allowed. But Archie has his wants and his needs and being green in this manner aren’t part of that and that prompts him to pushback often. An act that reveals that there are penalties for ignoring such simple rules, the kind that involve dealing with a building that is far more eco-friendly than expected. In fact, it is alive and will have what it wants.

Which answers that all-important question in a very bold manner. In that, no, people would not just all fall in line and be good with the rules. They would struggle with them, and they would disobey them and continue to create trouble and strife because of the creature comforts they know and love. Giving rise to the reality that fixing the future is a two-pronged approach. One where the rules must come down, but education and understanding must work in tandem to get buy in. Which is a slow process, but important none the less and had Archie’s landlord, the mysterious Madame Angler, explained the why behind everything… maybe Archie would have survived this tale. But alas, he is a product of an embedded mantra. That the individual’s needs are priority over the greater good.
​
But fascinating commentary aside, the kind that does give us pause, make no mistake about it… there are some brilliant horror elements here as well. Because the thought of a building being alive, and someone being forced to live within it to create an eco-system of sorts… is just amazing. For it truly brings forth a creepy vibe that is further enhanced by little things that parallel some of our own fears. For instance, we are always taken aback by groaning pipes in a new place, and we oft associate them with just the house settling. But here, it might be indigestion, or hunger and that’s deeply disturbing. Plus, it also doesn’t hurt that we get a look at the damn apartment building’s ‘mouth’, since that’s something quite gross and so unsettling. All of which just preys upon our fears of the unknown and our fears of something that should be inert, coming to life.

If anything, this is just another Darkside episode that it is ahead of is time. For what was quirky and off the wall in 1986 turned out to be prophetic in nature, and truly reflects the battle in our world over climate change and change in general, and that makes for one delightful and downright brilliant tale. One that truly plays into our fears of the unknown, and the reveal that the building is alive and hungry still has gravity after all these years and that makes this, quite the season two treat. After all, year two has seen its share of misses, so it is quite delightful to be immersed in a story that leans back into the outlandish and horrific and hopefully what lies ahead will continue to do so, as we inch toward the season two finale of his iconic series. Until next time, try to enjoy the daylight.