It's been about six month since we've heard anything about the upcoming Leprechaun reboot from WWE and Lionsgate. It previously announced that Dylan Postl (Hornswoggle) would be replacing Warwick Davis and we have some new information from a recent interview with WWE Studios president Michael Luisi.
While speaking with Crave, Luisi mentioned that this movie will not take any existing elements from the original films and the plan is for a darker and scarier film than the original: "The tone is going to be a little darker, a little more traditional horror than the Warwick Davis ones that people remember, trying to find a way to please fans of that genre but at the same time this is really being played for scares."
He also mentioned that they are open to having a role or cameo for Warwick Davis and that the script is still in development. Harris Wilkinson was hired last June to work on the Leprechaun script, so it's likely we'll see this project moving forward later this year.
Here's the original reboot announcement: "As first reported by Variety, WWE Studios is joining forces with Lionsgate for a two-film slate, the first of which will be a reboot of the hit “Leprechaun” franchise. “Leprechaun: Origins” will star WWE’s own mischievous Superstar Hornswoggle making his feature film debut, proving the old adage that there truly are no small parts, only small actors. A writer or director has yet to be announced.
The comedic horror series got its start in 1993, and starred Warwick Davis in the titular role. It also launched the career of “Friends” megastar Jennifer Aniston in her first major part. Five sequels followed, creating a cult favorite series. The formidable tag team of Lionsgate and WWE Studios – the same pairing responsible for “See No Evil” starring Kane and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin’s “The Condemned” – will share production costs and the development of marketing strategies for the relaunched franchise. Lionsgate will lead the distribution efforts.
Hornswoggle, a WWE fixture since 2006, will grace the silver screen for the first time. The master of the Tadpole Splash and former (and final) WWE Cruiserweight Champion, ‘Swoggle has also been the official mascot of D-Generation X. This Sunday, he will be the flag-bearer for Team Teddy in the huge WrestleMania battle with Team Johnny for General Managerial control of both Raw and SmackDown."
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.
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