TERRIFIER Producers Developing a Reimagining of SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT
The producer behind the hit indie horror franchise Terrifier, Cineverse, is set to develop a new Christmas horror treat with a reimagining of the cult 1984 movie Silent Night, Deadly Night. It will be written and directed by Mike P. Nelson.
Silent Night, Deadly Night tells the story of “a child who is traumatized after seeing his parents killed by a man dressed as Santa Claus. Years later, he dons a Santa suit himself and gets bloody revenge.”
There was some controversy that followed the movie due to its hardcore graphic violence and advertising campaign. The posters and TV spots put an emphasis on the killer being dressed as Santa and the tagline read: “You’ve made it through Halloween, now try and survive Christmas.”
Parents actually gathered in groups and picketed outside of the movie theaters. They just weren’t happy with a Santa slasher movie. The National Parent & Teacher Association even fought to have the film removed from theaters.
Critics Siskel and Ebert even came out against the film. Siskel actually read the names of the production crew that worked on the film on air, and told them: “Shame on you.”
The studio behind the film, TriStar, ended up pulling all ads for the film six days after its release and it was taken out of theaters shortly after.
The movie actually had a strong opening and even made more than Wes Craven’s A Nightmare On Elm Street, which opened on the same day. The Santa slasher was only in theater for ten days and it made $2.4 million, which was three times its budget.
Cineverse Executive Director, Acquisitions, Brandon Hill said in a statement: “I have always been a huge fan of Silent Night, Deadly Night and can’t wait to bring Mike’s vision to fellow fans of iconic slashers.
“As we have seen this year, there continues to be incredible demand for independent horror films with bite, and we believe this can deliver strong audiences from theatrical to home entertainment and streaming.”
Nelson added: “The opportunity to work with producers involved with the original Silent Night, Deadly Night and to partner with the Terrifier 3 team is an honor. I’ll never forget walking into the video store at the mini mall when I was 5 and seeing that poster for the original film.
“I was in awe and started imagining what horrifying things would happen. To be a part of the film’s legacy many years later is insane! I’m looking forward to getting production underway, and unleashing my new take on this compelling story. Billy is back!”
What do you think about this 80s cult Christmas horror movie being remade?
Source: Deadline