Shudder and Well Go USA Acquire Rights to Irish Horror Film ‘Unwelcome’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

If there is one thing that horror fans can agree upon, it would be that it is never too early to start planning for which horror movies to watch next. For this is the golden age of the genre and great horror is pouring out onto the market and that’s why horror fans are always combing the web to learn more about future releases, so they know when they can get their fix and thankfully, Shudder continues to help with this process.
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For they keep acquiring amazing horror films, and they let fans know about what they have acquired as soon as possible so we can put that release on our radar, and let the hype build in our minds and this is relevant to our discussion today, simply because Shudder is once again building anticipation for tomorrow, today. For earlier, it was announced that Shudder and Well Go USA have acquired the rights to the Irish horror film, Unwelcome, and well… here are all the details on this creature feature, including its projected release dates, courtesy of Shudder.

‘Leading international and indie film distributor Well Go USA Entertainment has acquired North American rights to the chilling creature feature UNWELCOME, which spins a tale of what happens to people who come in contact with the violent, bloodthirsty goblins known originally in Irish folklore as the fear dearg or “far darrig,” now often referred to worldwide as the “Redcaps.” The film, releasing in the United Kingdom by Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc, will open in U.S. theaters from Well Go USA on March 17, 2022. In addition, AMC Networks’ Shudder—the premium streaming service for horror, thriller and the supernatural—has negotiated exclusive North American streaming rights with Well Go, with the film set to premiere later in 2022 following the conclusion of the theatrical window.

UNWELCOME, which is directed by Irish-born Jon Wright (Grabbers, Robot Overlords) and based on an original screenplay by Mark Stay, stars Hannah John-Kamen (Red Sonja, Black Mirror, Ant-Man and The Wasp, Ready Player One) and Douglas Booth (Loving Vincent, hit Netflix film The Dirt, Jupiter Ascending, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies) as a couple who escape their urban nightmare to the tranquility of rural Ireland only to hear stories of mysterious beings who live in the gnarled, ancient wood at the foot of their new garden. As warned by their new neighbors, in Irish mythology, the Redcaps will come when called to help souls in dire need of rescue, but it’s crucial to remember that there is always a dear price to pay for their aid.

“We are thrilled to bring this new spin on an age-old Irish legend to North American horror fans, who may or may not know about the legend behind this mysterious group of faerie folk,” said Doris Pfardrescher, President and CEO at Well Go USA Entertainment. “The entire ensemble of stellar, tried-and-true cast and crew members have really outdone themselves bringing this story to life, and we believe audiences will be delighted by the result.”

Additional cast members include Golden Globe nominee Colm Meaney (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Get Him to the Greek, Gangs of London) Jamie-Lee O’ Donnell (6 Degrees, Screw, Derry Girls), Chris Walley (The Young Offenders, Bloodlands) and Kristian Nairn (Game of Thrones, The Appearance). The film also has reunited the Grabbers creature team. The powerhouse ensemble includes prosthetics by Shaune Harrison, who has worked on some of the world’s highest-grossing blockbusters (including the Harry Potter films, Star Wars: The Phantom Menace and Avengers: Age of Ultron), creature designs by Paul Catling (Maleficent, Thor, Fantastic Beasts) and longtime Wright collaborator VFX supervisor Paddy Eason (28 Weeks Later, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Grabbers).’

So, as you can see, Shudder and Well Go USA, have locked up the rights to what appears to be a fascinating horror film. One that features a fresh twist on an age-old legend and well… it just means that Shudder has done it again. Because it is definitely safe to say that this is now on everyone’s mind, and we will all be keeping a close eye for a hard release date from Shudder… so we can make plans to enjoy another quality addition to the genre, from the comfort of our homes.   

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