Horror Highlights: THE MORTUARY ASSISTANT, THE CALLING WITCH, MARSHMALLOW, GODZILLA

THE MORTUARY ASSISTANT Trailer and Release Info: "Epic Pictures and Dread, the genre specialty releasing label of Epic, today announced nationwide theatrical release plans for Shudder’s THE MORTUARY ASSISTANT, the highly anticipated feature film adaptation of the best-selling horror video game from creator Brian Clarke. Directed by Jeremiah Kipp (Slapface) and starring Willa Holland (Arrow) and Paul Sparks (Boardwalk Empire), THE MORTUARY ASSISTANT will be released in theaters nationwide by Epic Pictures and Dread on February 13th, 2026 with theatrical booking handled by Seismic Releasing. The film will then stream on Shudder, the leading curatorial voice and cultural destination for genre entertainment on March 27th, 2026.

THE MORTUARY ASSISTANT follows newly certified mortician Rebecca Owens (Holland), who accepts a night shift at a mortuary, embalming bodies alone after hours. As disturbing events escalate, Rebecca uncovers demonic rituals, the dark secrets of her enigmatic mentor (Sparks), and her own buried trauma—racing to survive the night before her body becomes a vessel for possession.

Originally released in 2022 on PC, The Mortuary Assistant game quickly became a viral sensation and cult favorite, and made available on additional gaming platforms including Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. The film will expand on the game’s world and mythology and delve deeper into the lore of the demonic entities plaguing River Fields.

Patrick Ewald, producer and CEO of Epic Pictures said, “With THE MORTUARY ASSISTANT, we’re thrilled to translate one of gaming’s most unnerving experiences into a relentlessly immersive feature film. This is an authentic adaptation grounded in the same dread, the same characters, and the same world that made the game so unforgettable. We’re bringing River Fields Mortuary to life in full detail, building it from the ground up as a practical set to preserve its claustrophobic atmosphere and sinister realism. The result is a chilling blend of storytelling and sustained tension, and we can’t wait for audiences to step into this terrifying new chapter of horror cinema."
Writer and game creator, Brian Clarke, said, “Seeing THE MORTUARY ASSISTANT make the leap from game to film is incredibly rewarding. Fans of the game will finally witness the world they’ve explored come alive, while genre film audiences will discover a story filled with tension, dark secrets, and unforgettable scares. It’s a unique crossover that bridges two communities of horror fans in a way I’ve always imagined.”

THE MORTUARY ASSISTANT was written by Tracee Beebe and Brian Clarke. The film was produced by Patrick Ewald’s Epic Pictures via the Company’s horror division, Dread, Cole Payne’s Traverse Media and Jacob P. Heineke. Executive producers include Brian Clarke, Katie Page, Yulissa Morales, Randy Sinquefield, Patrick Fischer and Oliver Garboe.

Dread is the same company that brought audiences the original Terrifier film, continuing to push the boundaries of extreme horror. With THE MORTUARY ASSISTANT, fans can expect another thrilling, unforgettable film from a team passionate about redefining the genre."

In Theaters Nationwide On February 13th, 2026

Streaming On Shudder March 27th, 2026

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THE CALLING WITCH Trailer: " After author Meredith Laye’s suicide, her creation of the child-devouring Calling Witch seems to come alive. Meredith’s children, Edward and Virginia, must defend their home and uncover the dark link between fiction and family."

Director: Mark Wilson

Cast: Danika Golombek, Grayson Eddey, Nathalie Söderqvist, Marcus DeAnda, Zach Cowan, Greg Lutz, and Hilary Barraford

Release: January 20, 2026 on Amazon Prime, Fandango at Home, DirecTV, and Vubiquity

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HEMLOCK CIRCLE PRODUCTIONS ANNOUNCES SEQUEL TO SUMMER CAMP HORROR FILM "MARSHMALLOW": "Hemlock Circle Productions has announced that its recent horror sci-fi feature, Marshmallow, will be getting a sequel coming to audiences soon. Director Daniel DelPurgatorio, writer Andy Greskoviak, and cast members Kue Lawrence, Kai Cech, Dylan Friedman, and Max Malas are all confirmed to return for the sequel to the film, which made several Best Genre Films of 2025 lists, including Esquire’s Best Sci-Fi Movies of 2025.

Set years after the events of the first film, the sequel follows the lingering damage left behind - not just to the world, but to those who survived it. The story descends into far darker territory, expanding the mythology while erasing any remaining sense of safety as the consequences finally come due. “Marshmallow opened the door to a world that still has a lot of dark corners left to explore. We’ve always believed there was more story to tell, and the response from audiences has only reinforced that,” said Todd Friedman, co-founder at Hemlock Circle Productions.

Marshmallow is currently streaming on Paramount +, Amazon and Shudder. Daniel DelPurgatorio is repped by Abram Nalibotsky and Sean Barclay of Gersh."

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Pabst Blue Ribbon and Godzilla Deliver 99 Reasons to Celebrate the Post-Season: "Pabst Blue Ribbon is kicking off 2026 with a very large post-season surprise. The brand is officially bringing back its famous 99 Pack, designed for when PBR drinkers show up to own the moment, and this time it is getting the full Godzilla treatment courtesy of artist ATTACK Peter. Building on the momentum of PBR’s recent Godzilla can collaboration with Toho International, the new 99 Pack wraps 99 Pabst Blue Ribbon cans in a gigantic, all-new original illustration featuring characters from the Godzilla universe.

"It’s not our style to spend millions of dollars for a few seconds of airtime during the big game.” says, Rachel Keeton, Senior Brand Director of Pabst Blue Ribbon. “Instead we’re getting in on the post-season action in a way our drinkers can have some fun with. The Godzilla 99pk is here to loudly crash tailgates and watch parties everywhere."

This drop is extremely limited. Only 4,000 packs will hit stores across the country, and each one is covered in an expanded ATTACK Peter panorama that turns the oversized case into an instant collectible and an aisle-dominating, impossible-to-miss retail presence. Building on the original Godzilla, Mothra, Mechagodzilla, and King Ghidorah designs from PBR’s recent collaboration, which put original Godzilla art on over 60 million PBR cans, the 99 Pack features brand new character additions and expanded artwork that ATTACK Peter developed exclusively for this release.

The 99 Pack continues to stand as one of PBR’s most talked-about releases. It returns bigger and bolder, a Godzilla-esque giant, perfect for a big game moment. By pairing the viral pack the brand is leveling up one of its most iconic drops and giving fans a new way to collect and celebrate the worlds of both PBR and Godzilla.

Known for his distinctive hand-carved linocut style and official collaboration with the Godzilla franchise, ATTACK Peter says, “A WHAT pack?? That was my first reaction when the gang at PBR asked me to team up on this design! The 99 pack is one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen and I knew they were going to MOVE so I incorporated some designs of the Ghidorah and Mechagodzilla soaring into action! And don’t underestimate the Mothra larva crawling its way onto the package; they’re no strangers to mixing it up with the biggest bads! I’m so stoked with how these PBR packs have become a way for fans across the country to collect my artwork and this 99 pack steps that up in a MASSIVE way!”

With its mix of pop culture, oversized creativity, and that unmistakable PBR spirit, the special edition 99 Pack arrives as the newest chapter in the brand’s long-running art program, which has showcased original designs on hundreds of millions of cans nationwide.

“This collaboration represents the intersection of pop culture, art, and lifestyle. Seeing the Godzilla universe come to life across an entire 99 Pack is something we’re incredibly proud of, and it speaks to the brand’s continued evolution,” said Kristin Parcell, General Manager of Toho International. “Working with Pabst Blue Ribbon and ATTACK PETER gave us an opportunity to reimagine how fans engage with Godzilla beyond the screen and we’re excited for fans to experience this original artwork in such a unique way.

Hitting shelves nationally in early 2026, the 99 Pack shows up right when fans across the country are stocking up for the biggest games of the year, ready to crash the party, whatever team you’re yelling about."