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- BEYONCÉ REFERENCES HORROR COLLECTION
This ain’t Texas, but Beyoncé's (Obsessed) new look is a bloody massacre (in a good way.) Yesterday’s release of the singer’s Cowboy Carter vinyl had the internet talking about new looks from the album’s booklet - including some final girl fashion. Drenched in dripping sequins and “blood”, the songstress posed in a piece from The Blonds’ 2013 Fall collection. Below is the piece’s Fall 2013 Fashion Week runway debut. Much of this collection took inspiration from Horror media, combining campy gory imagery with gilded textures and colors. Which look would you rock?
- UNIVERSAL’S HORROR NIGHTS GOES QUIET
In a theme park drowned in screams, one Horror Nights haunted house is going quiet. This Halloween season, Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Orlando will be debuting A Quiet Place attractions themed to the blockbuster franchise of the same name. According to NBC, the haunted houses will include “familiar visuals and set pieces seen in A Quiet Place and A Quiet Place II… Guests will traverse the creaking floorboards of the Abbot farmhouse including the safe house root cellar.” Universal adds, “The snarls of the larger-than-life predators will follow guests at every spine-chilling turn, and guests must remember, ‘if they hear you, they will hunt you.” One largely welcomed addition is the incorporation of ASL (American Sign Language) into the experience. While ASL is integral to A Quiet Place’s specific story, this update could potentially lead to improved accessibility for deaf audiences at all immersive horror events. Currently, Universal Studios Hollywood provides listening devices, amplified headsets, and sign language interpreting services free of charge in their day-to-day park operations. This haunted house is just the latest expansion of the Quiet Place universe, which will be getting a prequel film starring Lupita N’yongo and Joseph Quinn in theaters on June 27th (A Quiet Place: Day One.)
- NEON NOSTALGIA: I SAW THE TV GLOW REVIEW
Trigger warning: suicide “This is not my home!” By the time Justice Smith (Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom) screams these words in I Saw The TV Glow, there’s no denying the power of the Pink Opaque. In these heartbreaking moments, Director Jane Schoenbrun (We’re All Going to the World’s Fair) proves just how crucial Queer and specifically Trans storytelling are in film. A surrealist portrait of Queer self-discovery is no small feat. Long after the TV static has silenced, audiences are left with a hopeful exploration of identity bathed in the glow of neon nostalgia. Seconds in, viewers come face-to-face with Owen - a viewer whose eyes dart at the audience, challenging them with reflection. Thus begins a blurred line across reality, perception, and the fantastical. Smith thrives as the anxious Owen, who has taken the literal backseat to a world full of “drain lords” - toxic masculinity, cishet expectations, etc. Their mother’s worried eyes are all too familiar to Queer children burdened with discretion. Despite I Saw The TV Glow’s universal themes, its Trans specificity is its superpower. The idea that a more honest and whole version of oneself is buried in another dimension is both terrifying and romantic. Tender language distinguishes the project as well. Concepts such as change and transformation are embraced as simply “special.” Even suicide is framed through a compassionate lens - as a sort of “survival.” In an era where Trans youth suicide rates outnumber their cisgender counterparts, Schoenbrun leads with intentionality while never pulling punches in Horror imagery. There’s even a repeated wink to 1983’s Sleepaway Camp! Queer art and friendship are reflected as some of the only motivations in this haunting 90s “void” of reality. For many Queer audiences who grew up without social media, art was the only gateway to feeling seen. Brigette Lundy-Paine’s "Maddy" is both Owen’s only hope and worst fear. Their mission is to save their friend’s heart from melancholy by believing in something “more real than reality.” Superb acting and striking visuals illustrate the hues that color the world - as well as the very things that drain it of color. Schoenbrun’s script is a live wire sparking with reminders that no matter the crossroads, there is still time.
- TWENTY TWENTY-GORE
We’re almost halfway through 2024, but so much Horror fare is still on its way to slaughter cinema screens. Here’s just a few upcoming releases that are on our radar, and should be on yours too. TAROT Fate is a dangerous game, especially for teenagers. That’s the promise of this adaptation of Nicholas Adams’ 1992 novel Horoscopes. Add in the directorial debut of Co-Director Anna Halberg and star-power from Avantika Vandanapu (2024’s Mean Girls) - and we’re seated. In Theaters: May 3rd I SAW THE TV GLOW After glowing reviews (pun intended) at its Sundance Film Festival debut, this movie serves as Director Jane Schoenbrun’s first project since 2021’s We’re All Going to the World’s Fair. Star Justice Smith plays a teenager exposed to a tv program that ultimately shifts their own reality. Emma Stone’s executive producer credit on this project is especially exciting as well. In Theaters: May 3rd THE STRANGERS CHAPTER 1 A Quiet Place isn’t the only franchise setting the clock back, as The Strangers is getting its own prequel reboot as well. In an ambitious turn, this film is set to launch an entirely new trilogy within The Strangers lore. In Theaters: May 17th THE EXORCISM With a title clearly capitalizing off of the success of The Pope’s Exorcist, this movie’s concept is more shrewd than its name suggests. Russell Crowe plays an actor starring in a supernatural thriller in this meta film that blurs the lines of fiction. In Theaters: June 7th A QUIET PLACE DAY ONE Us star and Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o returns to the genre for this prequel to 2018’s A Quiet Place. An explosive trailer teases a big city invasion flick along the lines of Cloverfield. In Theaters: June 28th MAXXXINE Following a tour de force (and memefied) performance in Pearl, Mia Goth is back to complete Ti West’s acclaimed X franchise. This time around, singer Halsey is co-starring in this tribute to exploitation cinema. In Theaters: July 5th LONG LEGS Never a stranger in the genre, Nicolas Cage (Willy’s Wonderland) returns to theaters just a few months after Arcadian’s premiere for Long Legs. A serial killer investigation takes an occult twist in this feature from Director Oz Perkins, son of Psycho star Anthony Perkins. In Theaters: July 12th CUCKOO Dan Stevens put in the WORK this year. He’s following Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire and Abigail with Cuckoo, starring Euphoria’s Hunter Schafer. This film’s cryptic marketing teases a sinister secret plaguing Schafer’s Gretchen and her family. In Theaters: August 9th TRAP Director M. Night Shyamalan (Sixth Sense, Old) brings a uniquely fun concept to the big screen, with an elaborate concert set up by police to trap a serial killer played by Josh Hartnett (30 Days of Night.) In Theaters: August 9th ALIEN ROMULUS It’s Uruguayan Director Fedé Alvarez’ (2013’s Evil Dead, Don’t Breathe) turn as captain of the Alien franchise. Core Alien fans can expect a story set between the first Alien and its sequel, Aliens. In Theaters: August 16th Did we miss a flick you’re dying to see? Let us know what’s on your radar!
- HORROR LOOKS THAT COULD KILL ON THE MET GALA CARPET
The first Monday of May, artists celebrate fashion at New York’s MET Gala. This year, the dress code theme was “Garden of Time'' - which was followed by Horror stars like Immaculate’s Sydney Sweeney, Nope’s Keke Palmer, and more. We put together our own list of Horror looks that would have absolutely slaughtered this year’s theme. Oliver, Saltburn This green-leaf embroidered white jacket paired with antlers portrayed the convincing innocence that Oliver intended. Bonus points for matching the MET Gala carpet. The May Queen, Midsommar A dress truly fit for a queen. Florence Pugh’s May Queen looked like a walking garden draped in layers of floral. Antler Queen, Yellowjackets Another great antler moment that EATS (pun intended); this time with a touch of the occult. As for the MET Gala dinner, might we suggest a cannibalistic ritual? Hippolyta, Lovecraft Country With more of an emphasis on the time portion of the theme, this metallic look adorned by lights would take spectators to the future of fashion. Scathach, American Horror Story: Roanoke Lady Gaga’s character was THE original supreme, and her look would hold up today. Yet another memorable antler headpiece straight from the garden of time. Which Horror looks would you want to see walk down that carpet?
- HORROR CONNECTS LGBTQIA+ PRIDE AT LA’S “PRIDE OR DIE”
LOS ANGELES, CA - On Saturday, June 24th, Horror in Color’s celebration of Horror and LGBTQIA+ identity returned bigger and better for 2023. Pride or Die brought together a mini-marketplace of Queer-owned Horror businesses including Caffeinated Coven Co, Black Magic Cakery, Kelton FX, and Small Town Weirdo. These happy hauntings accompanied a jam-packed lineup of live entertainment at Media Pollution’s experimental art studio in Los Angeles. Horror Queers kicked off the free festivities with an exclusive episode of Joe Lipsett and Trace Thurman’s popular Horror podcast. Lights Out turned things up a notch with an electrifying performance and announcement of their latest themed experience, Lights Out: Nite Owl. Fresh off a collaboration with Ru Paul’s Drag Race’s Laganja Estranja, LVCRFT set the spooky mood with a two hour DJ set following the gruesomely glamorous TikTok sensation Major. Filmmaker Allisyn Snyder screened her short “Don’t Turn Off The Ghostlight” starring Chris Renfro before premiering an in-depth first look at her highly anticipated feature-length directorial debut, “Howdy, Neighbor!” The project was written by (and stars) Matthew Scott Montgomery and co-stars fellow Disney Channel heavyweights Debby Ryan and Alyson Stoner. Afro Horror podcast host Sadé Sellers then interviewed Snyder and Montgomery in a live, intimate conversation spanning filmmaking and Queer Horror. Health resources such as free HIV testing, MPOX vaccinations, COVID vaccinations, and more were provided courtesy of Aids Healthcare Foundation Pharmacy and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. None of this would have been possible without Pride Or Die’s official sponsors: Drklght Clothing, Morbid Visionz, and Dread Central.
- BRYAN FULLER ACCUSED OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT BY "QUEER FOR FEAR" DIRECTOR
In an age where unjust work treatment amasses viral attention and due reckoning, another powerful industry player faces harassment allegations. Bryan Fuller, a TV producer known for the Hannibal series, is being named alongside Shudder and AMC Networks in a lawsuit from Queer For Fear (2022) Director Sam Wineman. The suit details alleged sexual assault, discrimination, retaliation, and more between 2020 to 2023. Fuller, Shudder, Wineman, and AMC Networks all collaborated on the docu-series Queer For Fear, which examines the impact of LGBTQIA+ characters and artists across the Horror genre. Bryan Freedman, Fuller’s lawyer, gave a lengthy statement to Deadline threatening to sue Wineman for defamation of character and malicious prosecution. It is unforeseen how these allegations may impact the development of Fuller’s upcoming adaptation of Christine by Stephen King.
- ANGELICA ROSS REVEALS TRANSPHOBIA ON AHS SET, DETAILS OF SCRAPPED SEASON, AND MORE
As FX readies its latest season of American Horror Story, actress Angelica Ross (AHS: 1984, AHS: Double Feature) is bringing some of its ugliest truths to light. Specifically, the Pose star opened up about a transphobic interaction with Emma Roberts (Scream Queens, Scream 4), their relationship with creator Ryan Murphy, and a seemingly scrapped concept for the show. On an intimate IG Live, Ross shared that Roberts misgendered the actress on set and imitated the star - with an embellished, low octave voice. According to Ross, Roberts ended up calling to apologize after news of the revelation spread like wildfire online. Hours before, Ross took to X with screenshots that revealed their own pitched season of AHS centered on Black women characters. Murphy seems to confirm these plans in the screen grab, stating, “Well I’m doing it. Not sure of the story yet, but we will start a writers room in the fall.” Actresses Keke Palmer (Nope, Scream TV Series) and Gabourey Sidibe (Antebellum, AHS: Coven) are then suggested for casting before Ross replied with their own suggestions including the likes of Amiyah Scott, Angela Bassett, and Kerry Washington. What began as an exciting exchange eventually became radio silence when Murphy never responded. Years passed and Ross followed up, this time voicing their interest as a producer. More silence followed. Horror in Color readers may even recall Ross hinting at a possible producer role during our 2020 discussion. All of this was especially troublesome as Marvel had shown interest in Ross for years yet Angelica was given no clarity about their own contract positioning with AHS. These revelations come after AHS: Delicate faces allegations of scabbing amid the WGA and SAG AFTRA strike. Ross was inspired to share this story after listening to the audiobook of Zakiya Dalila Harris’s The Other Black Girl. Harris’s literary thriller about a Black woman being isolated as the sole Black employee of a publishing firm was recently adapted into a Hulu original series. Angelica shared an excerpt from the novel that seemed especially relevant: “With heightened awareness of cultural sensitivity comes great responsibility. If we’re not careful, ‘diversity’ might become an item people start checking off a list and nothing more - a shallow, shadowy thing with but one dimension.” - Zakiya Dalila Harris, The Other Black Girl
- JORDAN PEELE ANNOUNCES BLACK HORROR ANTHOLOGY
One of the most prolific directors in modern Horror, Jordan Peele, is taking on a new medium with a literary project titled Out There Screaming: An Anthology of New Black Horror. The Academy Award-winning filmmaker behind Get Out, Nope, and Us will be curating chilling Horror tales in a new book featuring an introduction by Peele himself. As its title suggests, this work of fiction includes contributions from Black Horror writers who explore “not only the terrors of the supernatural but the chilling reality of injustice that haunts our nation.” “A cop begins seeing huge, blinking eyes where the headlights of cars should be that tell him who to pull over. Two freedom riders take a bus ride that leaves them stranded on a lonely road in Alabama where several unsettling somethings await them. A young girl dives into the depths of the Earth in search of the demon that killed her parents. These are just a few of the worlds in OUT THERE SCREAMING, and—like Peele’s spine-chilling films—the anthology’s stories prey on everything we think we know about our world and redefine what it means to be afraid,” the book’s publisher promises. Contributions include Erin E. Adams, Violet Allen, Lesley Nneka Arimah, Maurice Broaddus, Chesya Burke, P. Djèlí Clark, Ezra Claytan Daniels, Tananarive Due, Nalo Hopkinson, N. K. Jemisin, Justin C. Key, L. D. Lewis, Nnedi Okorafor, Tochi Onyebuchi, Rebecca Roanhorse, Nicole D. Sconiers, Rion Amilcar Scott, Terence Taylor, and Cadwell Turnbull. Penguin Random House will release the highly-anticipated collection on October 3rd, 2023 - just in time to serve as a Halloween treat. Pre-orders are available now.
- BLACK MIRROR REVIEW: SUPERNATURAL SIXTH
After four long years, Black Mirror is finally back with their highly anticipated sixth season. While Black Mirror is known for its technological horrors, season 6 takes a slightly more supernatural turn. This change has left some fans disappointed, crying out for the familiar use of technology and fable about how the incorrect use of it can lead to the downfall of humanity. Even though this aspect that the earlier seasons always had is missing in some episodes of this season, Black Mirror’s new angle is still as captivating as the earlier seasons. A fan-favorite of the season seems to be Loch Henry, which documents a true crime and how the media then goes on to monetize every single aspect of it. The ending certainly left many shocked at the turn of events. However, the episode that left a bit of a bigger impact was Beyond the Sea. With incredible acting from the well-known cast of Aaron Paul, Josh Hartnett, and Kate Mara, this episode was incredibly thought provoking and truly had audiences at the edge of their seats in the final act. Beyond the Sea starts off innocently enough, with viewers being shown how Paul’s Cliff and Harnett’s David go about their daily lives as both their replicas down on earth and their real bodies up in outer space. But with Black Mirror, fans know not everything is as nice and cheerful as it may seem. We then see how two men devolve after experiencing atrocities that are out of their control. Other notable highlights of the season include Joan is Awful, where you find out what might just happen if you don’t read all terms and conditions thoroughly. And finally, season 6 ends with a bang, showcasing a retro 70’s aesthetic in Demon 79. Black Mirror’s season 6 has a mixture of previous seasons’ elements with newly opened opportunities for any future seasons that Charlie Brooker would want to create. While these episodes may not have been what everyone was expecting, at the end of the day, Black Mirror always leaves you with one final question in mind: could this have been prevented?
- HORRORINCOLOR PARTNERS FOR EARLY SCREENING OF "THE BLACKING"
Laughter and tensions filled the theater when we had the opportunity to be a screening partner for an early showing of #TheBlackening. This movie delivers what audiences have been missing since the early Scary Movie installments, all while still offering something excitingly new. Laugh-out-loud comedic performances and multiple blink-and-you’ll-miss-it pop culture references make this a must see; especially on #Juneteenth. We recommend getting a group of friends together to see this in a cabin in the woods. Just don’t split up, okay?! #SupportBlackHorror #horror #scarymovie #screening #BlackHorror #blackcinema
- MICHAELA JAE RODRIGUEZ JOINS AHS: DELICATE
American Horror Story’s (AHS) twelfth season is fast approaching, with casting updates making waves online daily. The newest addition to the glamorous cast is Golden Globe winner Michaela Jae Rodriguez, star of Ryan Murphy’s critically acclaimed Pose. She is joined this season by fellow AHS rookies Cara Delevingne and Kim Kardashian. Pulling a “Surprise, B*tch” on us all is Emma Roberts’ (Scream 4, Scream Queens) return to the franchise for American Horror Story: Delicate. Roberts has been absent from the FX series since 2019’s American Horror Story: 1984. Rodriguez follows fellow Pose costar Angelica Ross as the latest Transgender actress to star in Murphy’s Horror series. Check out the logo teaser for the new season below. Who would you like to see join the cast? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xlffMTna90
- GREMLINS: SECRETS OF THE MOGWAI DEBUTS TRAILER
Those with a Gizmo-sized hole in their heart just scored a big win. After years of demand from Gremlins fans, Gizmo and his fellow creatures of mischief are returning for a new animated Max series set in 1920s China, decades ahead of the 1984 original. The show will also explore Chinese folklore and mythology. Showrunner Tze Chun (Gotham) has been adamant about the show’s APPI representation, stating “I remember on day one…I got to write as the first line: ‘Note to the reader. Unless otherwise noted, all characters are Chinese.” Ming-Na Wen (50 States of Fright, Prom Night), James Hong (Godzilla, The Vineyard), BD Wong (American Horror Story, Jurassic World), and Sandra Oh (Umma) are just some of the AAPI Hollywood titans gracing this cast. “Behind the camera, so many of the storyboard artists, and directors are Chinese American. We have an incredible Chinese and Asian voice cast,” shared Chun. Hide your water and watch the trailer below.
- FORWARD INTO THE UPSIDE DOWN
Tucked away in the hills of Montebello is an unsuspecting passageway to the small town of Hawkins - where a spectacle of visual delight awaits for Stranger Things fans. Our team had the opportunity to enjoy Stranger Things: The Experience during its limited time run in LA - and these are a few of our highlights. After establishing its rules, this experience’s pacing finds its stride upon entry of the first room. A mishmash of physical interaction, character acting, and video components solidify the world of the revered Netflix series around you with fervent detail. Without giving too much, the program’s climax utilizes captivating technology that can rival even the newest theme park offerings. However, once the show elements end, a whole new experience begins upon entering “The Mixtape” - a free-roam space with photo opportunities, arcade games, food, a bar, merchandise offerings, and more. This is where you and your party can stay as long as you’d like to soak up the 80s music and neon light vibes. The VIP combo comes with a gift in a collectible tote as well as a drink from The Upside bar. Our favorite drink had whipped cream and dark chocolate liqueur topped with candy. Even the mocktail selections were delicious. Despite its unassuming location, the pure scope and detail of Stranger Things: The Experience is impressive and a must-see for any fan of the series. Tickets are available here and its Los Angeles run will end in the next two weeks, so hurry!
- THE BIG BLOODY APPLE: SCREAM VI REVIEW
“Who gives a f*** about movies?!” growls Ghostface before “Scream VI” splashes on screen. His killing spree through New York challenges what fans consider a faithful Scream movie…with gratifying results. Since Neve Campbell bowed out due to insufficient pay, the stakes weighing on the film only tripled. Would audiences care about Ghostface WITHOUT Sidney Prescott? What would that mean for the fate of Courtney Cox’s Gale Weathers? Will Jenna Ortgea, fresh off her Wednesday success, have a bigger role after being sidelined for 2022’s Scream? Thankfully, it’s obvious just how much of a f*** Directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett give about Wes Craven’s Horror treasure. Bertinelli-Olpin and Gillett quickly indicate that this is not your older sibling’s Ghostface. Subverted expectations earmark the opening sequence, from immediate unmasking to the killer’s disregard for cinema. New York sets the scene for a gorier Ghostface - who's terrifyingly comfortable with a shotgun. Toto, we’re not in Woodsboro anymore. Familiarity still rewards devout fans, especially with the plot mirroring Scream 2. The reveal of a Ghostface family is exciting, even though the trio has the weakest performances in a solid cast. To be fair, Mikey Madison’s Amber is a tough act to follow. Hayden Panettiere’s return as Kirby is a welcome callback to Scream 4. Gale also returns with a bit more venom than her previous iteration. There’s not much time to miss Dewey or Sidney thanks to the dynamic trauma-bond of the affectionately named core four. Melissa Barrera’s Sam and Ortega’s Tara vividly portray opposite ends of trauma processing. The Meeks-Martin siblings get some shine with love interests and a “rule” breakdown that would make their uncle proud. Although, Jasmin Savoy Brown continues to seem criminally under-used. Despite Brown’s love interest meeting an untimely demise, the Queer threads throughout Scream VI remain lively and strong. A conversation between Gale and Sam drives home the idea of “making your own family,” a narrative all too familiar with LGBTQIA2S+ communities. Gale’s near-death experience was convincing for a moment. But Weathers would HAVE to live in order for her latest book to be adapted into the crime series she mentions so that Scream 7 can mirror Scream 3. Sorry, did that reach hurt your back? The Halloween season timeline makes room for a bevy of Horror cameos ranging from Us’ tethered to Midsommar’s May Queen. All in all, the pacing and emotional core of this film make for a thrilling and exciting new chapter in Ghostface mythology. In fact, some fan-catered moments (like the repeated Loomis sanity breaks) drag on rather than respect the new elements that make this film a Scream.
- M3GAN x MARC JACOBS
Add “fashion killer” to @meetm3gan’s resume. The dolled-up icon is the newest face of the @marcjacobs #Heaven campaign. Check out the full look below!
- HORROR COMMUNITY RALLIES FOR MARK PATTON
After years of giving his time and energy into the Horror community, Mark Patton is receiving that love back in the midst of his own health nightmare. Best known for his starring role in the Queer coded A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge, Patton has long embraced his title as Horror’s first male “scream queen.” Many Elm Street fans have had the pleasure of meeting Patton at his plethora of convention appearances and events. His documentary - Scream, Queen! My Nightmare on Elm Street - dives into the 63 year-old’s journey in the genre whilst navigating his LGBTQIA2S+ identity. Patton has also been known to donate generously to LGBTQIA2S+ charities and HIV treatment centers. Just days ago, a Go Fund Me campaign managed by Patton’s manager (Peter Valderrama) hit the internet. Valderrama explained the actor’s recent canceled appearances while updating on his overall health status. “...Sadly his health has taken a drastic turn for the worse. He has been ill for quite some time now…but now it is quite clearly AIDS related ailments that he is managing,” writes Valderrama. According to the fundraiser description, Patton is currently hospitalized in a facility overcrowded with COVID cases, leaving him especially vulnerable. In the days since the campaign’s launch, the Horror community has helped surpass the set donation goal. If you’d like to support Mark Patton, you can donate here. The Horror icon closes the description in his own words. “If anyone is able to contribute, it would mean a life-saving option for me to be recovering in a place that can cater to my condition. Thank you all. Love, Mark.”
- UNIVERSAL BRINGS HORROR TO VEGAS
Sin City is getting more screams, courtesy of Universal Studios. They announced a year-round Horror attraction in development for Las Vegas, Nevada. This 110,000 sq ft. destination is a departure for Universal considering their parks only offer Halloween Horror Nights on a seasonal basis. “Horror is not just for Halloween anymore,” shared Mark Chairman of Universal’s resorts division. According to Bloomberg, both historical and upcoming films will be featured on the property. Universal’s legendary Horror collection ranges from classics like Dracula and Frankenstein to modern blockbusters like Insidious and Nope. No word yet on which specific characters fans can expect to see, but many have speculated that the figures in the released concept art seem to resemble original characters from Universal Studios Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights. Check out the concept art for yourself and tell us who you’d like to see.
- ELVIRA, MISTRESS OF THE DOLL
Last week belonged to M3gan, but there’s a new mistress of the dolls now. Elvira, the vivacious character brought to life by Cassandra Peterson, is getting dolled up thanks to a new collaboration with Barbie manufacturer Mattel. As part of Mattel’s Monster High School Skullector series, Elvira’s new doll sold out moments after it went on pre-sale on Friday the 13th. This detailed new figure pays homage to the classic silhouette that helped cement the comedic vixen in Horror history. Elvira’s signature eye makeup, bejeweled dagger, and voluminous beehive hairdo adorn the doll alongside original touches like spider web heels and cascading earrings. Mattel even released a photo shoot with what appears to be a recreation of her Movie Macabre set. The Queen of Halloween even rocks an easter egg from her cult classic film Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. This release is huge for both toy and Horror industries, especially with Cassandra Peterson having recently shared her LGBTQIA2S+ identity with the world. Check out some detailed photos of the hotly demanded item below.
- TOYS AND TRIUMPHS: M3GAN REVIEW
James Wan (Saw, Dead Silence) has been puppeteering the horror box office for the better part of the last two decades. Now, Wan has a shiny new toy in his arsenal - M3gan. Bravely competing in theaters with one of the highest grossing films of all time, M3gan emerged victorious with killer box office numbers. She can sing! She can dance! She can definitely get a bag. But is this sensational toy truly titanium? Since last October, this movie’s marketing campaign has been inescapable. From Twitter to TikTok, M3gan danced her way into the pop cultural zeitgeist; bloodied machete in hand. Blumhouse even sent “dolls” on a flash mob tour across major cities. What breaks the feature apart from its viral counterparts is its lack of gimmick. The film surprises in its substance and world building, thanks to writer Akela Cooper (Malignant). There’s no rehashing of tired A.I. horror tropes. Instead of dwelling on the pathos of granting artificial intelligence its own agency, M3gan’s existential turmoil grounds the narrative. For example, one of the musical doll’s most chilling lines is even offered as moral judgment upon her youngest victim. Violet McGraw’s portrayal of traumatized orphan Katie heightens the sense of reality here. Gemma (Get Out’s Allison Williams) and her Frankenstein-esque relationship to her creation adds textured nuance as well. Apart from Katie’s cringe-worthy entrance into final confrontation and the obligatory police siren ending, M3gan struts along a well-balanced line between horror and comedy. Horror can be fantastically effective in every rating. Director Gerard Johnstone revealed the production's reshoots aimed at a PG-13 rating. Changes like these often occur to appeal to younger audiences for greater profit. Johnstone credits these changes as having improved the final product. Yet, in a time where A.I. art is criticized for stripping artists of identity, it’s noteworthy that this art ABOUT A.I. would modify to fit a marketing algorithm. No matter how she was manufactured, M3gan is a great deal of fun that is surprisingly worthy of her hype. We’re just waiting on that next model.




















