Cineverse Acquires U.S. Rights for Return to Silent Hill: " Cineverse (NASDAQ: CNVS), a next-generation entertainment studio, has announced today the acquisition of U.S. rights for Return to Silent Hill, the newest installment in the film franchise based on the wildly popular horror video game series from KONAMI. The announcement was made today ahead of the Cannes Film Festival. The film’s extensive visual effects were recently completed and a date for a wide theatrical release will be announced soon.
Return to Silent Hill follows James (Jeremy Irvine), a man broken after his relationship with the love of his life, Mary (Hannah Emily Anderson), ends. When a mysterious letter from her calls him back to Silent Hill, he finds a once-recognizable town transformed by an unknown evil. While James desperately searches for Mary he encounters terrifying creatures and begins to unravel the mystery of what happened to the town. But as he descends deeper into the darkness the secrets he uncovers lead to a horrifying truth, and James finds himself struggling to hold on long enough to save his one true love. The film is a faithful adaptation of the video game Silent Hill 2 which creator and publisher KONAMI remade and successfully released last year to wide acclaim.
The film stars Irvine (Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, War Horse) and Anderson (X-Men: Dark Phoenix, Jigsaw). Returning to the Silent Hill universe are director Christophe Gans (Beauty and the Beast, Brotherhood of The Wolf) who also directed the first Silent Hill film released in 2006 and Akira Yamaoka, original composer for the game franchise. Produced by Victor Hadida of Davis Films (Resident Evil and
Silent Hill franchises), Molly Hassell of Hassell Free Productions (Terminal, Braven) and David Wulf (Call Jane, The Card Counter, Inheritance).
“As we continue to build our slate of theatrical releases, we couldn’t be more thrilled to add the next release from a billion dollar, multi-platform franchise with a global box office of $156 million to date across the first two films,” said Cineverse Chief Content Officer Yolanda Macias.
“Silent Hill is one of the best video game franchises period and Christophe Gans did a phenomenal job capturing the atmosphere of the games once again with Return to Silent Hill,” said Cineverse Executive Director, Acquisitions Brandon Hill.
“I am delighted to partner with Cineverse, which has shown a genuine understanding of fanship. Return to Silent Hill is an adaptation created out of deep respect for a true masterpiece of a game, KONAMI’S iconic Silent Hill 2. I hope fans will enjoy and be fulfilled with the experience this new film has to offer,” said director Christophe Gans.
Producer Victor Hadida continues “We are impressed by Cineverse’s proven ability to handle franchise IP so authentically and with a fan-forward focus. The film is an immersive and stunning visual experience and we are thrilled that Cineverse will be bringing it to theaters for audiences across the US.
Silent Hill is one of the most recognized horror games worldwide. Game creator and publisher KONAMI released a remake of the iconic
Silent Hill 2 game in October 2024, selling more than 1 million copies in the first week and surpassing 2 million copies just a few months later. The Silent Hill 2 game remake secured numerous awards, nominations and accolades including 2024 Game of the Year by The Horror Game Awards. KONAMI has also announced Silent Hill f and Silent Hill: Townfall as upcoming games in the series.
Cineverse’s upcoming releases include Legendary & Troma Entertainment’s The Toxic Avenger on August 29, 2025, a reimagining of the 1984 slasher classic Silent Night Deadly Night on December 12, 2025 and Wolf Creek: Legacy in 2026.
The deal was negotiated by Macias and Hill for Cineverse and CAA Media Finance on behalf of the producers. International rights for Return to Silent Hill are with The Veterans who will be representing the film at the upcoming Cannes Film Market."
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THE NEW BOY: "From acclaimed filmmaker Warwick Thornton, The New Boy takes place in 1940s Australia at a remote monastery with a mission for Aboriginal children run by a renegade nun, Sister Eileen (Cate Blanchett). A new charge (Aswan Reid) is delivered in the dead of night – a boy who appears to have special powers. However, the boy’s Indigenous spiritual life does not mesh with the mission’s Christianity and his mysterious power becomes a threat. Sister Eileen is faced with a choice between the traditions of her faith and the truth embodied in the boy, in this story of spiritual struggle and the cost of survival."
DIRECTOR:
Warwick Thornton
FEATURING:
Cate Blanchett
Aswan Reid
Wayne Blair
Deborah Mailman
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Paranoid Android Films Announces New Dark Fantasy Film FAIRY DUST: "Hot on the heels of its recent releases of RUMPELSTILTSKIN and PUNCH, Paranoid Android Films announces it is once again returning to the world of fairy tales with FAIRY DUST, a new fantasy-horror film with writer-director Chad Michael Ward at the helm.
Described as “Hayao Miyazaki by way of Pan's Labyrinth”, FAIRY DUST is a surreal and oft-times dark tale about Saga, a struggling teen who would rather spend her days alone fighting imaginary monsters and her nights dreaming of a beautiful princess to avoid the problematic realities of growing up too fast in a world that’s ready to eat her whole. When the monsters and realms of her dreams become a reality, Saga must learn to accept herself if she's to survive the journey.
“FAIRY DUST is about the need to escape reality and the harm that comes with staying too long in the imaginary worlds we build for ourselves,” says Ward. “It’s about the struggle for identity and finding the courage to embrace the truth of who we are to ourselves and those around us.”
The film stars newcomers Zoe Villiers and Sam Todd, as well as Ayvianna Snow (HOW TO KILL MONSTERS), Annabella Rich (EATING MISS CAMPBELL), Joss Carter (RUMPELSTILTSKIN) and Josephine McAdam (SCARE PACKAGE). Production begins later this year in the UK, which promises a visually striking backdrop for the film’s strange and wondrous adventure.
“I first became aware of Fairy Dust via some of the incredible imagery Chad had posted online from a proof-of-concept shoot. I knew there and then it was a unique world I wanted to see more of, and I'm privileged to be able to help make that happen” adds producer Andy Edwards. “Having recently made Rumpelstiltskin I'm aiming to use my knowledge of producing fantasy on a low budget, but this time with a completely original story."
“There is a question I’ve had wedged in my brain since I was very young: ‘What is the world and who am I in it?’ FAIRY DUST, I think, is a chance to answer that question for both myself, and others who might see themselves in the film,” Ward admits.
Ward is best known for his evocative photography and growing catalogue of horror-tinged short films, including DESOLATION HEART, releasing next year with THE WITCHER’S Agnes Born in the lead role. Since 2020, Paranoid Android Films has been making horror and dark fantasy movies, including GRAPHIC DESIRES, CUSTOM, PUNCH, and RUMPELSTILTSKIN.
Edwards launched an Indiegogo campaign earlier this month at https://igg.me/at/
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QUEER ICONS, PUNK SUPERSTARS AND TROMA LEGENDS ABOUND IN BLACK FOREST FILMS’ LATEST PROJECT, ‘GRAND FINALE’: A NEW YORK ODYSSEY: "Australian-based indie film studio Black Forest Films is bringing queer icons, punk superstars and Troma legends to their latest project, Grand Finale: A New York Odyssey. Currently crowdfunding on IndieGoGo, the film will be shot on location in New York City in November of 2025. The feature film is part of a four-picture distribution deal between Black Forest Films and distributor Black Mandala.
In the vibrant heart of New York City, the clock ticks down on LC, (Love Connie, Legally Blonde, Ru Paul’s Drag Race). Known for her iconic cookie commercial and the unforgettable catchphrase, “One bite just ain’t enough,” LC embraces her final day alive with a fierce sense of boldness and humor. As she traverses the chaotic streets of the city that shaped her, LC prepares for one last, spectacular performance, determined to make her exit a dazzling showcase of audacity.
With time running out and a terminal illness threatening to dim her spark, LC immerses herself in the pulse of the city—buying drugs, hawking her cherished vintage VHS collection, and narrowly evading a creepy stalker whose phone calls haunt her every step. Amidst the chaos, she encounters an old flame that reignites dormant passions and bittersweet memories, forcing LC to confront the scars of her past even as she dances toward her dazzling finale. Will she make it through the day? Or will her plans be snuffed out by obsession?
Joining Love Connie in the film are the legendary Ezra Buzzington, (Ghost World, Brooklyn '45, The Fabelmans), Galen Howard (The Book of Boba Fett), underground film queen Debbie Rochon (Tromeo and Juliet), Peter Stickles (Shortbus), Nora Burns (Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist), David Ilku (At Home With Amy Sedaris), Adam Cardone (Punk rock legend from Toilet Boys), viral comedy star Steve Bridges, Vito Trigo (Eating Miss Campbell, Power of Positive Murder), NYC stand-up comic Jonas Barnes and Lloyd Kaufman, the legendary founder of Troma and creator of The Toxic Avenger.
Grand Finale: A New York Odyssey aims to be a celebration of queer culture, drag artistry and horror comedy that aims to push the boundaries in a fresh and fearless way. The current crowdfunding campaign aims to raise $20,000AUD which will go towards payment of cast, crew, costumes, locations, props and transport. Perks available through the campaign include exclusive posters, items signed by the cast and an exclusive VHS version of the film.
“We've been fortunate enough to make films in a lot of different genres and places but none have got me as excited as I am to really lean heavily into the ultra-gory New York Giallo vibes.”
-Addison Heath
“Launching this Indiegogo campaign is our way of inviting others to help bring a bold, uncompromising vision to life. In a time when the political climate threatens to silence voices and censor individuality, we believe in the urgency of telling stories that challenge, provoke, and affirm the right to self-expression.”
-Jasmine Jakupi
About Black Forest Films
Black Forest Films is a multi-award-winning independent film company that has been making movie magic for over a decade. These films include thrilling Japanese tale The Viper’s Hex (2018), crime caper/slasher My Cherry Pie (2021), and the hilarious, gonzo road trip comedy An American Masquerade (2025). Black Forest Films has recently completed queer horror romance Haunted & Devoted (2025) which will be targeting the festival circuit mid-year and is part of the four-film distribution deal with Black Mandala."
Link to campaign: https://igg.me/at/grand-finale/x#/
After spending more than 10 years as a consultant in the tech and entertainment industry, Jonathan James launched Daily Dead in 2010 to share his interest in horror and sci-fi. Since then, it has grown into an online magazine with a staff of writers that provide daily news, reviews, interviews, and special features.
As the Editor-in-Chief of Daily Dead, Jonathan is responsible for bringing the latest horror news to millions of readers from around the world. He is also consulted with as an expert on zombies in entertainment and pop culture, providing analyses of the zombie sub-genre to newspapers, radio stations, and convention attendees.
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