While most of the world only gets into the horror spirit once the summer heat breaks, the frenzy fright fans of the Horror Nation need their fear fix all year round. Here at Horror-Nation.com, we have the most up to date listings of this summer’s films, shows, and books. (Please continue to check back on our web page and social sites as release dates often change)
FILMS
MAY 13: FIRESTARTER
Based off of the 1980 novel from Stephen King, “Firestarter” was first made into a feature film in 1984, which starred Drew Barrymore. The plot revolves around an eleven-year-old girl who can harness the power of fire at will. As she begins to hit puberty, it becomes harder for her to control her dark gift. This re-boot promises to bring a darker tone to the plot. Find out at theaters and Peacock on May 13th.
JUNE 24: THE BLACK PHONE
More literature adaptions hit the big screen on June 24th, with “The Black Phone.” Joe Hill (Stephen King’s son) wrote this tale in short story form in 2004. Eighteen years later, the talented team behind the smash hit “Sinister” come together to bring forth a big screen adaptation. “The Black Phone” tells the terror tale of a young boy who has been kidnapped and isolated in his captures basement. The killer’s previous victims call the young boy from a disconnected phone in the room. If this team can capture the same atmosphere that creeped out audiences in “Sinister,’ mixed with Hill’s prose, this could be the scream sleeper hit of the summer.
JULY 22: NOPE
After the smash hit, “Get Out,” acclaimed director Jordan Peele has taken a bit of a critical beating with the confusing, “US” and quickly forgotten “Candyman” spiritual sequel. Peele looks to rebound strong with his new film, “NOPE.” While early details are being kept under wraps, the teaser trailer appears to tell the terror tale of a black owned horse farm and small desert community under siege from alien forces. Everyone in the horror nation is hopeful for a return to glory from what many call the new king of horror.
August 5: BODIES BODIES BODIES
There is no better way to end the heat season then with a summer slasher. A24 has been turning out some great high brow horror over the last few years and got down with the gore with their recent release, “X.” A party game, set during a hurricane, goes terribly wrong when a group of wealthy young adults take the game to another level. With a strong R rating, and strong performances and high quality cinematography that A24 is known for, this summer slasher could become a cult hit. Check it out on nationwide theaters on August 5th.
TELEVISION
May 27: Stranger Things (Netflix)
The streaming sensation enters its fourth season on Netflix this May 27th. The series will be delivered in two parts, with the second set of episodes slated for July 1st. Before every season of this popular show, the producers keep promising a darker entry. While the popularity of the program is unquestioned, the level of hard core horror has often had horror hounds yawning. With the cast now at high school age, will this finally be the year “Stranger Things” takes the dark lore to the next level?
August: Interview With A Vampire (AMC)
Still a tentative date as the showrunners scramble to put the finishing touches on this immortal classic. Originally a critically acclaimed novel from the late Anne Rice, the story found glory with the smash hit film adaption that starred Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt. (Rice loathed the adaption and the cast selection, wanting darker performers and a more sinister plot) As The Walking Dead stumbles towards an overdue conclusion, will this series be able to carry the network that has made a tidal wave of cash in terror?
BOOKS
June 15: 70 by Lance W. Reedinger from New Book Authors Publishing
After the indie success of his first two works, “Goblins” and “Claws.” Reedinger has teamed up with New Book Authors for the release of his vampiric novel “70.” An original spin on an old tale, this neo goth novel will feature a senior citizen being turned. The anti-hero Robert slowly begins to wreak havoc on a world that has left him behind.
August 23: Clown In A Cornfield 2: Frendo Lives by Adam Cesare from Harpers Teen
Two years prior Cesare redefined the YA horror genre with his brave slasher, “Clown In A Cornfield.” While sequels are often frowned upon in the publishing game, Cesare is bringing back final girl Quinn for another bloody battle. Now college age, Quinn is fighting the demons of the past attacks along with rumors that she made the whole thing up. Once another clown attacks her at the University, Quinn must head back to the corn to uncover the truth once and for all. If Cesare can deliver anything close to the action packed original, terror tale fans are in for another treat.