In this edition of Horror Highlights, we have the one-night-only theatrical release details for Alejandro G. Alegre's I Heart Willie, trailers for Elric Kane's The Dead Thing and Mark Anthony Green's Opus, and the cover art and release info for John Harrison's new novel Residue: Paramentals Rising.
I HEART WILLIE Theatrical Release Date: "Hewes Pictures is excited to announce the special One Night Only®, release of I HEART WILLIE, a Steamboat Willie-inspired horror/slasher, coming exclusively to theaters across North America for One Night Only®, February 26th, 2025. Directed by Alejandro G. Alegre, this chilling origin story presents genre fans with a sinister reimagining of one of the most iconic cartoon characters in history, along with one of the most horrifying love stories of the year.
Synopsis: Popular YouTubers Daniel and Nico are invited to investigate a haunted property drawn by rumors of a malevolent force. The legend centers around a boy born with deformities, resembling a human-mouse hybrid, who inspired Walt Disney's Steamboat Willie. Abused and isolated, the boy, now known as Willie, crafts a bodysuit from the skins of trespassers. Over the years, his gruesome legacy fades into folklore—until a series of disappearances sparks renewed interest. As Daniel and Nico set up for a night of thrills, they unknowingly step into a deadly game of survival.
Produced by longtime collaborators Princeton Holt (2050) and David Vaughn (American Rust), the film was written by Vaughn, who also stars as Willie. I HEART WILLIE also features performances by Maya Luna, Micho Camacho, Sergio Rogalto, and Daniela Porras.
"We're thrilled to bring I HEART WILLIE to audiences everywhere," says executive producer Princeton Holt. "This film was made with the fans in mind, and we can't wait for it to be an unforgettable experience—packed with scares, thrills, and a great time for everyone. We are confident I HEART WILLIE will become a cult classic, leaving fans talking long after the credits roll. By the way, speaking of end credits, don’t leave to early, or you might miss something."
The One Night Only® cinema event will be distributed in the United States and Canada by Rubey Entertainment, LLC.
I HEART WILLIE was filmed 100% on location in Michoacán, Mexico, with local producers Liz Sanchez and Arturo Renteria bringing their unique perspectives to the project. The cast and crew, consisting largely of Mexico City residents, worked tirelessly to bring this dark tale to life. The film premiered to a sold-out audience at the Morbido Film Fest in Mexico City, receiving an encore screening due to overwhelming demand. I HEART WILLIE went on to win Best Actress, Best Actor, and Best Director at various film festivals.
For more information, please visit https://iheartwillie.com."
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The Dead Thing Trailer: Alex is trapped in a downward spiral of shallow hookups and tepid connections, but she is caught off guard when her dating app swipes lead her into the arms of a mysterious, charming young man Kyle. Despite their passionate night, when the sun rises, the mystery man is nowhere to be found. Alex then sets out to find the one person who made her feel alive. Through her investigation, she reconnects with Kyle, but also digs up a ghastly supernatural secret. The pair quickly descend into a whirlwind of obsession, dependence, lust, and infatuation that has grave consequences.
Director: Elric Kane
Screenwriters: Elric Kane, Webb Wilcoxen
Cast: Katherine Hughes, Blu Hunt, John Karna, Brennan Mejia, Joey Millin, Ben Smith-Petersen, Aerial Washington
Producers: Matt Mercer, Monte Yazzie
Executive Producers: Rebekah McKendry, Blu Hunt
Director of Photography: Iona Vasile
Editor: Star Rosencrans
Language: English
Running Time: 95 minutes
Streaming on Shudder Friday, February 14th"
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Opus Trailer: "A young writer (Ayo Edebiri) is invited to the remote compound of a legendary pop star (John Malkovich) who mysteriously disappeared thirty years ago. Surrounded by the star's cult of sycophants and intoxicated journalists, she finds herself in the middle of his twisted plan.
Written and Directed by Mark Anthony Green
Produced by Collin Creighton, Brad Weston, Poppy Hanks, Jelani Johnson, Mark Anthony Green, Josh Bachove
Starring Ayo Edebiri, John Malkovich, Juliette Lewis, Murray Bartlett, Amber Midthunder, Stephanie Suganami, Tatanka Means
Release Date: March 14th"
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Release Details for John Harrison's Residue: Paramentals Rising: "Available on 2/11 from Wordfire Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and others
https://wordfirepress.com/products/residue-paramentals-rising
After a catastrophic New Year’s Eve explosion in the heart of the city, twenty-three-year-old Miki Preston, embarks upon a treacherous odyssey into the devastated area known as the Quarantine Zone in search of her famous photojournalist sister, Jennifer, who has disappeared. But a malevolent psychic energy called Paramentals is loose in the city, and the sinister conspiracy that may (or may not) be responsible reaches into the highest levels of power.
ADVANCE PRAISE FOR JOHN HARRISON’S RESIDUE: PARAMENTALS RISING
“Harrison's fiction lingers long after you turn the final page. He's a born storyteller.” – CLIVE BARKER, New York Times Best Selling Author
“RESIDUE is an eerie supernatural suspense tale with real psychological terror. Razor-sharp writing filled with details that will stay with you long after you finish reading.” – KEVIN J. ANDERSON, New York Times bestselling author of the Dan Shamble, Sisterhood, The Dune Prophecy
“John Harrison’s RESIDUE leaves an indelible mark on the mind of the reader. Dark, disturbing and compelling. Highly recommended, but not for the faint of heart.” – JONATHAN MABERRY, NY Times bestselling author of V-WARS and GLIMPSE
John Harrison Bio
Writer, director, composer, John Harrison, began his career collaborating with famed horror director, George Romero. He has since written and directed multiple TV episodes for a variety of networks as well as world premiere TV movies and miniseries, including the two Emmy-winning miniseries adaptations of Frank Herbert’s Dune and Children of Dune, which he wrote, directed and co-produced. He is an Executive Producer of the current big screen adaptation of Dune for Legendary Pictures. His first feature length film, Tales From The Darkside: The Movie for Paramount Pictures won Harrison the Grand Prix du Festival at Avoriaz, France. He co-wrote the Disney animated feature, Dinosaur, and wrote and directed the theatrical adaptation of Clive Barker’s Book of Blood. He is currently developing the TV series, Blank Slate for producer Dean Devlin and Electric Entertainment. His psychological thriller, Passing Through Veils, was published by WordFire Press, August 2023. His latest novel, Residue: Paramentals Rising, will be published by WordFire Press, February 2025."