Kevin Smith Just Started Shooting a New Monster Movie Called KILLROY WAS HERE
Kevin Smith has embarked on a new film project. He's just started shooting a horror anthology film called Killroy Was Here. I wasn't aware that Smith was working on this project, but apparently, he ended up ditching his Krampus movie project after Michael Dougherty released his Krampus movie. This new film took the place of that and the script for it was reworked to fit Killroy. As far as the main monster in the film, its name is Killroy and Smith describes him as ”Golem, the Boogeyman and the Grim Reaper combined.”
Smith wrote the film with executive producer Andrew McElfresh, and it's the first time Smith has shared a writing credit with anyone on his movies. The phrase “Kilroy Was Here” originated in American culture as graffiti during World War II. It featured a bald-headed man with a big nose peeking over a wall with his hands grabbing onto the wall. I provided an image at the bottom of the post.
When talking about the film in a press release Smith described the film, saying:
"This is a monster movie in the sense of a classic morality tale. No one wants to see you spill the blood of innocents, but when someone crosses the line and goes bad, you get to make them pay in horrible ways, and the audience cheers. Like The Twilight Zone, Killroy is full of ironic twists and grisly moments. We wanted to make an anthology film in the vein of Creepshow."
I really like the sound of that! Smith has brought on Robert Kurtzman of Creature Corps to create the monster. Kurtzman also created the walrus from Tusk. Smith is looking to use practical effects to bring the monster to life.
"I’m a rubber guy. With computer graphics taking over the movies, we wanted the Ringling College kids to get a taste of supernatural storytelling that comes from silicone-and-rubber, real-life practical effects. There’s a real difference seeing how you can terrify audiences with an artist’s airbrush.”
As a fan of old-school horror films, I love that Smith is going the route of practical effects to create the monster. Smith is currently shooting the film in Sarasota, Florida and he has partnered up with Ringling College of Art and Design. He's brought on 26 of the school’s students to work on the film with him.
“I tried going to film school but quit to go make a movie. If I’d had the chance to work with a real director, I probably would’ve graduated. Although I don’t consider myself a real director, but I do play one on TV and am portraying one again as we shoot Killroy in Sarasota!”
All the students will get credit for their work on the movie. The movie stars Azita Ghanizada (Alphas) and Ryan O’Nan (Fargo). It will be the first film in the anthology that Smith is planning.
