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Paul Engelen died on November 3 at his home in West Sussex, England. He was a famous makeup artist who made players into unforgettable characters in movies and TV shows. Daniel Lawson Johnston, a fellow makeup artist and his son-in-law, said he was 75 years old and had been fighting cancer.

Over more than 50 years, Engelen had an amazing career in which he worked on some of the most famous movies ever made. For his work as a makeup artist, he won two Emmys and was nominated for two Academy Awards, solidifying his reputation as a master.

Engelen got his start in the business as an assistant makeup artist on Carol Reed’s “Oliver!” in 1968. He quickly became a major creative force in the field. Along with six James Bond movies, he worked on Steven Spielberg’s “Empire of the Sun” and “Munich,” as well as the first three seasons of HBO’s “Game of Thrones.

Paul Engelen, the British makeup designer who earned two Emmys and two Oscar nominations in a fabulous career that included work on Reds, Batman, The Phantom Menace, Gladiator and Game of Thrones, has died. He was 75.

Engelen died Nov. 3 of cancer at his home in West Sussex, England, his son-in-law (and fellow makeup designer) Daniel Lawson Johnston told The Hollywood Reporter.

Engelen also did makeup for three James Bonds — Roger Moore, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig — on the 007 films The Man With the Golden Gun (1974), The Spy Who Loved Me (1977), Moonraker (1979), Die Another Day (2002), Casino Royale (2006) and Quantum of Solace (2008).

He teamed with Blake Edwards on Victor/Victoria (1982), Trail of the Pink Panther (1982) and Curse of the Pink Panther (1983), with Steven Spielberg on Empire of the Sun (1987) and Munich (2005) and with Ridley Scott on Gladiator (2000), Kingdom of Heaven (2005) and Robin Hood (2010).

Engelen shared his first Academy Award nom with Rick Baker...

In the final moments of The Wicker Man, devout Christian Sergeant Howie (Edward Woodward) crests a hill on the remote Summerisle and sees his final resting place, a giant, twig-woven humanoid sculpture where he will be burned alive by the pagan islanders. Howie, an indignant policeman who came to Summerisle...

This November, Hammer Films marks an extraordinary milestone as it celebrates 90 years in the business of horror and beyond. Founded in 1934, the iconic British film studio remains one of the oldest in the industry, renowned for its indelible mark on horror cinema and for elevating gothic horror to an art form. To honour this remarkable anniversary, the studio has released Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters, a new documentary from Deep Fusion Films that delves into the studio’s legacy, alongside the re-release of the cult classic Captain Kronos Vampire Hunter in its first-ever 4K restoration.

The documentary, now available on Sky Arts and streaming on Now, brings together an impressive line-up of filmmakers and Hammer aficionados to recount the studio’s rise to cult status. Narrated by Charles Dance, Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters revisits Hammer’s early days and traces its journey to becoming a defining force in horror cinema.

Taiwanese stars Vic Chou and Hsueh Shih-ling and rising talents Liu Tzu-chuan and Ryan Pai, will headline the cast of the second series of hit local series The World Between Us for Taipei-based production and sales company Screenworks Asia, the production subsidiary of Catchplay.

Chou, well known for Meteor Garden, and Shih-ling, who won best supporting actor for Taiwan Crime Stories at last year’s Asia Contents Awards & Global Ott awards (Aca & G.Ott) in Busan, took to the stage on the second day of the Taiwan Creative Content Fest (Tccf) on November 7. Yang Kuei-mei and Hsieh Hsin-ying, who were not present at the event,...

Sir Christopher Lee is among the finest actors of his generation, having appeared in some of the biggest film franchises of the 2000s. Lee played the role of Count Dooku in the Star Wars prequels directed by George Lucas. He also had a pivotal supporting role as Saruman in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies.

Christopher Lee played Count Dooku in Star Wars (Credit: Lucasfilm).

During an interview before his passing, Lee spoke about his work in both the mega franchises. However, the veteran actor made one clever observation that despite what fans of the J. R. R. Tolkien-authored books believe, proves Lucas’ epic space opera saga is far superior in one department. Here is what Christopher Lee had to say about comparing the two franchises.

Christopher Lee Explained the One Aspect That Makes Star Wars Better Than Lord of the Rings

Sir Christopher...

James Wan is one of the most highly respectable names in the horror genre, and for good reason. The Australian filmmaker has made some of the most memorable horror movies as a writer, director, and producer. Over the years, his spine-chilling narratives have beautifully captured audiences’ attention. The Saw, Insidious, and The Conjuring movie series are some of his famous works. His entire filmography has done business north of $2 billion at the global box office.

James Wan At A Convention | Via Wikimedia Commons/Gage Skidmore

Wan recently put up his Halloween watch list with a selection of some of his favorite vampire movies.

Bram Stoker’s Dracula A Scene From Bram Stoker’s Dracula | Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures

This movie, released in 1992, is an adaptation of author Bram Stroker’s novel of the same title. Directed by none other than Francis Ford Coppola, the film steers a tad away from the...

Actor Christopher Lee died in 2015 at the age of 93, following an incredible career in the arts. Lee appeared in nearly 300 films, but around these parts he'll always be best known for his portrayal of Saruman, the duplicitous wizard from Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings films. Lee infused Saruman with humanity as well as ire, making him a villain who was enjoyable to watch even as he worked tirelessly to undermine the heroes.

And it turns out, we haven't seen the last of Lee's Saruman quite yet. NME reports that this December, we'll hear the voice of Saruman again in the new Lord of the Rings animated movie, The War of the Rohirrim. This news comes from TheOneRing.net, who had the opportunity to speak with Philippa Boyens, a longtime collaborator of Jackson's who co-wrote both The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films and is back for War of the Rohirrim.

On Monday, Hammer Films’ latest documentary, Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters, had its world premiere at Cineworld Leicester Square in London, bringing together horror icons and dedicated fans in celebration of the legendary studio’s 90th anniversary. The premiere offered an exclusive preview of the documentary, which will officially air on Sky Arts this Halloween at 9 pm, promising horror enthusiasts an inside look at the iconic British studio’s storied past and its enduring impact on the genre.

The red carpet was graced by Hammer’s beloved stars, including Caroline Munro (Captain Kronos Vampire Hunter), Madeline Smith (The Vampire Lovers), and Martine Beswick (One Million Years B.C.), who reminisced about their time with the studio that defined gothic horror for generations. Joining them was the film’s narrator, the acclaimed Charles Dance OBE, whose storied career and commanding voice bring depth to the documentary’s rich history.

Guests were also...

A new documentary celebrating the 90-year history of Hammer Film Productions will include a digitally recreated performance of beloved British actor Peter Cushing. The Sky Arts special, titled “Hammer: Legends, Monsters, and Heroes,” examines the studio’s evolution from modest beginnings to prominence in the horror genre.

Cushing, who passed away in 1994, is best known for his roles in Hammer Films such as Baron Victor Frankenstein and Van Helsing. As a central figure to Hammer’s success, producers saw including him as crucial to accurately telling the studio’s story. Deep Fusion Films obtained permission from the Cushing estate to generate his likeness through artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

The documentary, narrated by actor Charles Dance, features insights from renowned directors like Tim Burton, John Carpenter, and Joe Dante. It chronicles Hammer’s rise from a small London office to renowned horror studio. Cushing’s AI appearance aims to honor his...

I’m honestly a little shocked that we’re already at the end of October, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to stop watching horror movies! If you’re looking for some recommendations, particularly of the vampire variety, horror maestro James Wan has shared a list of some of his favourite vampire movies to celebrate the release of ‘Salem’s Lot on Max.

Check out the list of 15 of James Wan’s favourite vampire movies below!

Bram Stoker’s Dracula The Night Stalker (1972) Captain Kronos: Vampire Hunter Vampire Circus Vampire Lovers Horror of Dracula Salem’s Lot (1979) Dracula (1931) Nosferatu (1922) Interview with the Vampire Near Dark Fright Night Blade Subspecies II Planet of the Vampires

As a big fan of Hammer Horror, it’s great to see a few of their iconic vampire movies on this list. Horror of Dracula is a particular favourite. You just can’t beat Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing.

Although Peter Cushing has already been digitally re-created for a posthumous role in Rogue One, Deadline is now reporting that the iconic actor will have his likeness regenerated again with the help of AI. This time, he will be featured in a Halloweentime documentary, Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters, on Sky. Cushing was a regular in the Hammer horror films, which included new adaptations of classic monsters, such as Dracula and Frankenstein.

Sky said it is part of presenting “powerful and poignant reveal of Hammer royalty” and they are doing this as a “special homage” to Cushing. Ben Field, who runs the production company, Deep Fusion, said the project had secured all necessary permissions. He stated that this decision was to show how Cushing is “tied to his significance to the Hammer legacy.” He added, “As a figure central to Hammer’s success, Cushing’s presence is crucial to telling the story authentically.

Archive recordings of the late Christopher Lee will be used to voice Saruman in this year’s animated film, The Lord Of The Rings: War Of The Rohirrim.

The late, great Christopher Lee played many iconic roles in his incredible career, including an excellent late career flourish as Saruman, the evil wizard who opposes the heroes of Middle-earth in Peter Jackson’s beloved adaptation of Jrr Tolkien’s The Lord Of The Rings.

With his glowering eyes and brash arrogance, Lee brilliantly portrayed the human face of evil in the trilogy, embodying and humanising the corrupting forces of darkness and offering a pitch-perfect foil to Ian McKellen’s Gandalf. With news recently emerging that McKellen is set to return as Gandalf in at least one new live action Lord Of The Rings film, it’s lovely to hear that Lee will also be reprising his role as the villainous Saruman one more time,...

Exclusive: Fans of Peter Cushing are in for a Halloween treat, with the iconic Frankenstein star the latest to be resurrected by AI.

In Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters, a Sky doc airing in two days’ time, viewers will be treated to a “powerful and poignant reveal of Hammer royalty,” Sky said, with what is being described as a “special homage” to Cushing.

Cushing, who died in 1994, played Doctor Van Helsing in five Dracula films and Baron Frankenstein in six movies from that franchise. He will be the latest celebrity given the AI resurrection treatment. Yesterday, the doc’s producer Deep Fusion Films unveiled a “world first” podcast hosted by a replica of the late chat show presenter Michael Parkinson.

Narrated by Charles Dance, the doc is celebrating Hammer Films’ 90th birthday and will track its progression from a back office in London’s Regent Street to its iconic status within the horror film genre.

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim is an upcoming anime fantasy film based on J. R. R. Tolkien’s epic creation. The film is set decades before the events of the Peter Jackson-directed live-action Lord of the Rings trilogy, which featured veteran actor Christopher Lee in the role of Saruman. Despite Lee’s passing, the animated film is expected to bring him back.

Lord of the Rings actor Christopher Lee passed away in 2015 (Credit: New Line Cinema).

During a recent interview, the film’s producer confirmed that Lee’s voice was being recreated for the movie so that he could reprise the role of Saruman, one more time. However, the producer admitted that the film will not rely on Artificial Intelligence technology to revive the late actor. Here is how the new Lord of the Rings movie brought back Christopher Lee as Saruman.

New Lord of the Rings...

We knew that Saruman would appear in The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, but we didn’t know who would be voicing the White Wizard. Turns out, none other than Sir Christopher Lee will return to voice Sarumon in The War of the Rohirrim. As Lee sadly died in 2015, you might expect this to be an A.I. situation, but fear not, the production has made use of archival recordings of Lee.

While speaking with The One Ring, Lord of the Rings screenwriter Philippa Boyens said they reached out to Birgit Kroencke (Lee’s widow who died earlier this year), who gave her blessing. “[Kroencke] said the thing that I think that Peter [Jackson] felt in his heart, which was that actually Sir Christopher would’ve wanted this.” Boyens said. “So we went into his records, I got to go back and hear his voice–not just doing the lines,...

Christopher Lee is one of the integral elements of the cinematic Middle-earth experience. The Saruman actor breaks bad in Peter Jackson's "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy and is the central antagonist in "The Two Towers." Lee reprised the role for the "Hobbit" prequel films, too, depicting an earlier version of the White Wizard of Isengard who was harboring ill intent but hadn't yet openly joined Sauron's cause.

While Lee played Saruman across two trilogies, his Middle-earth journey came to an end when the actor died in June 2015 — just half a year after "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies" released. Since then, multiple studios have initiated various projects based on Tolkien's world. Prime Video's "The Rings of Power" was able to skirt the issue of recasting Saruman for multiple reasons, including the fact that Saruman isn't in its Second Age story (even if they did technically...

by Chad Kennerk

Image courtesy of Sky Arts

Christopher Lee may have become famous for his iconic performance as a young, suave, debonair Dracula, but his work went far beyond the Hammer Horror roles he is most often associated with. With a commanding voice, penetrating eyes and his imposing height, he often found himself cast as the villain, but like Vincent Price and his other horror contemporaries, the villains Lee played were often the most interesting and layered performance in the film.

Following a long and expansive career that began with uncredited roles in the 1940s, he worked later in life with the biggest names in the industry, appearing in major franchises like The Lord of the Rings and Star Wars. He made five films with director Tim Burton and worked with Martin Scorsese on Hugo. Beyond his work on the screen, Lee led a fascinating life. Before his acting...

Spooky season is here, which means it’s time for movies featuring all manner of ghouls, creeps, and monsters. And there may be no monster more famous than Count Dracula, the blood-sucking vampire introduced in Bram Stoker’s gothic horror novel Dracula. He’s appeared onscreen countless times in various iterations – far too many to list here. But here are a few notable Dracula adaptations to sink your teeth into this Halloween.

‘Nosferatu’ Max Schreck as Count Orlok in ‘Nosferatu’ | Frederic Lewis/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Vampires have fascinated filmmakers since the early days of cinema. Director F.W. Murnau’s 1922 Nosferatu is an unauthorized adaptation of Dracula. The movie was nearly lost to history when all copies were ordered destroyed after Stoker’s widow sued for copyright infringement. But a print survived, and the movie has gone on to become an influential classic. (The Witch director Robert Eggers’ remake is due out later this year.

Hollywood has its share of glamor, glitz, and golden status, but some stars have snagged a very different kind of prize, a spot in Guinness Book of World Records. Since 1955, the most recognized title has kept a track record of the most bizarre, extraordinary, and even ridiculous accomplishments. While most of us think of Guinness Records as home for the world’s longest fingernails, a surprising number of celebrities have found their places within its pages.

Whether it’s for holding the longest film career or record-setting stunts, Hollywood’s biggest names have carved out their names in ways that most people would never imagine. Curious to know the names of the star-studded lineup that made Hollywood proud by earning an entitlement in the Guinness Book? Here are the most popular celebrities that have taken home global recognition.

Will Smith

Will Smith has been in the industry for over three...

While Halloween is right around the corner, some of us are already looking towards next year. This includes Star Wars writer Cavan Scott, who gave a sneak peek for his next Star Wars Halloween special.

The longtime writer of the Vader's Castle all-ages Dark Horse Comic series and one-shots, going back to when the title was still under Idw Publishing, gave a sneak peek in his newsletter. Showing off his past titles like Tales from Vader's Castle and the spinoffs like Tales From the Rancor Pit and Tales From the Death Star, Scott's tease was a rather simple one. He said:

I am writing a brand new Star Wars Halloween Special for 2025. But where is it set? Well, so far we’ve been to Vader’s Castle… we’ve been to the Rancor Pit… and we’ve even been to the Death Star… but in 2025 we're going somewhere new… Where?...

In 2019, The World Between Us captured global attention, marking one of the first Taiwanese series to successfully address local social issues while resonating with audiences worldwide. Its success created a significant impact on Taiwan’s original drama, bringing it into the international entertainment landscape and driving investment and production within the industry.

After five years of meticulous development, the award-winning team behind The World Between Us is proud to unveil the teaser poster for the highly anticipated sequel at MIPCOM. The poster’s powerful imagery of fire and lingering scars symbolizes the flames and the enduring wounds that continue to haunt the characters portrayed by Vic Chou (Meteor Garden), Hsueh Shih-ling (Taiwan Crime Stories), and Hsieh Hsin-ying (The Assassin).

The World Between Us II begins with an arson at a supermarket, unraveling a complex web of connections among six families whose lives have been intertwined for over two decades. As they grapple with revenge,...

Screenworks Asia has picked up international rights to the second season of award-winning Taiwanese drama series The World Between Us and will commence sales at MIPCOM.

The series, which wrapped earlier this year and is currently in post-production, is produced by Screenworks Asia parent company Catchplay, Taiwanese broadcaster Pts and Koko Entertainment, with support from Taiwan Creative Content Agency (Taicca). Former Taicca executive Chia-hua Yeh has recently joined Screenworks Asia as sales executive and will be attending MIPCOM to introduce the series to international buyers.

Lin Chun-yang, director of the first season, has returned to direct after also working on acclaimed series such as Gold Leaf and Netflix’s Wave Makers. The cast is headed by Vic Chou (Meteor Garden), Hsueh Shih-ling (Taiwan Crime Stories) and Hsieh Hsin-ying (The Assassin).

Broadcast in 2019, The World Between Us was one of the first Taiwanese drama series to tackle local social issues, including mental health,...

Christopher Lee was never one to shy away from sharing his thoughts, and when it came to The Lord of the Rings, he had a lot to say. The late actor, known for his iconic role as Saruman, had some serious mixed feelings about Peter Jackson’s decisions during filming. While he appreciated the chance to work alongside Ian McKellen, there was a part of him that wasn’t thrilled with how things unfolded.

Christopher Lee as Saruman the White in Lord of the Rings | Credits: New Line Cinema

Lee felt the pressure of the creative choices and the weight of expectations on his shoulders. But he stayed professional, bringing his own magic to the screen while navigating the drama behind the scenes.

Christopher Lee: A Legacy in Shadows and Saruman’s Struggles Ian McKellen as Gandalf | Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

Though Christopher Lee passed away in 2015, his mark on cinema is eternal.

After fleshing out Bram Stoker's iconic bloodsucking character like never before in Dracula—Book 1: The Impaler, Matt Wagner and Kelley Jones are now shining a spotlight on Dracula's bloodthirsty brides in Dracula—Book II: The Brides, and with the graphic novel now on Kickstarter, we caught up with Matt and Kelley in a new Q&a feature!

Kelley and Matt, thank you for taking the time to answer questions, and congratulations on Dracula—Book II: The Brides! You previously fleshed out the backstory of Bram Stoker’s iconic bloodsucker like never before in Dracula—Book I: The Impaler, and now you’re giving the same insightful treatment to Dracula’s Brides. What was it about the Brides in particular that made you want to further explore their stories in Book II?

Matt Wagner: Well, as with so many aspects of Dracula’s history, persona and villainy, much of...

Some of the best movies to watch during the Halloween season (and some of the coolest movies in the horror genre) are the classic Universal Monsters movies. Those awesome black and white movies that were built around characters like Frankenstein’s Monster, Dracula, The Mummy, the Wolf Man, and the Creature from the Black Lagoon, among others. So now that Halloween weekend is upon us, we here at Arrow in the Head have put together a list: Universal Monsters Franchises Ranked! Below you’ll find our rankings of the classic franchises, from least to favorite. Check it out, and let us know how you would rank these franchises by leaving a comment!

Honorable Mention: Abbott And Costello

The comedy duo of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello certainly weren’t Universal monsters (or any other kind of monsters), but they earn an honorable mention on this list because they played an...

Few franchises have gone as far off the rails as the Howling franchise did, and it did so very quickly, going to one of the best werewolf movies ever made with director Joe Dante’s The Howling to director Philippe Mora’s oddball follow-up Howling II: Your Sister Is a Werewolf. Still, Howling II does have it charms and its fans, so Vinegar Syndrome have given the film a 4K release – and they’ve brought it to 4K with a ton of bonus features! Copies are available to order on the Vinegar Syndrome website and go for the price of $37.99.

Directed by Philippe Mora from a screenplay by Robert Sarno and Gary Brandner, Howling II has the following synopsis: Ben is mourning the recent death of his sister, Karen, whom he believes to have been killed in a savage wolf attack. At her funeral, Ben is approached by the mysterious Stefan,...

Featuring: Peter Serafinowicz, Peter Jackson, Joe Dante, John Landis, Caroline Munro, Paul Maslansky, Jonathan Rigby, Harriet Walter, Juan Rodriguez | Written and Directed by Jon Spira

The Life and Deaths of Christopher Lee, written and directed by Jon Spira, is a look at one of the most iconic, versatile and conversely underrated actors in the genre.

Narrated by a marionette of the late actor, voiced quite convincingly by Peter Serafinowicz the film starts with a quick overview of Lee’s heritage and formative years that included he and his mother being abandoned by both his father and stepfather. Interviews with his niece, an award-winning actress in her own right, talk about how this influenced both his personality and the direction his life would take.

The part he played in World War II is covered as well. Although there are no new revelations of his still-classified work tracking down war criminals. Work...

An adaptation of the classic Mary Shelley novel Frankenstein has long been a dream project for director Guillermo del Toro, the filmmaker with such credits as Pan’s Labyrinth, The Shape of Water, Hellboy, and Blade II. He’s been talking about it for at least 17 years – and now he’s actually making it! After previous attempts to get the project going fell through, Netflix stepped up to let del Toro make the Frankenstein movie he’s been dreaming of. They haven’t announced a release date for the film yet, but while we wait for that news to come along, here’s Everything We Know About Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein:

Long Road To Production

Del Toro has named Frankenstein as his favorite novel, and in 2007, he told us that the project he “would kill to make” is a faithful “Miltonian tragedy” version of Frankenstein. He said that he...

The prevailing wisdom on Tim Burton is that the filmmaker lost his touch somewhere between 1996's "Mars Attacks!" and 2003's "Big Fish." Especially in the post "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" years, when he really embraced CGI, the general consensus is that Burton became somewhat of a parody of himself. But with "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" it seems the filmmaker has gotten his mojo back, reviving his love of practical effects and the subversive element of his earlier films to deliver a movie that proves the now 66-year-old has still got it.

For me, Burton will forever be one of, if not my favorite filmmaker, simply because his earlier movies set my young imagination alight in a way no other film, TV Show, or any media has. Specifically, his 1992 "Batman" sequel "Batman Returns" remains my most transporting movie experience. The world created by Burton and production designer Bo Welch felt so immersive...

Exclusive: Guy Ritchie’s Young Sherlock series has cast the title character’s older brother. Max Irons (Condor) is set as a series regular on the Prime Video show, playing Mycroft Holmes opposite Hero Fiennes Tiffin’s Sherlock. Speculation about Irons’ casting started last month when he was snapped on the set of the series; his character had not been revealed until now.

Inspired by Andy Lane’s book series, Young Sherlock is described as an irreverent, action-packed origin story of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s beloved detective in a re-imagining of this iconic character. At age 19, Sherlock Holmes (Fiennes Tiffin) is disgraced, raw, unfiltered, and unformed, when he finds himself caught up in a murder mystery at Oxford University which threatens his freedom. Diving into his first-ever case with a wild lack of discipline, Sherlock manages to unravel a globe-trotting conspiracy that will change his life forever.

In addition to Fiennes Tiffin,...

Collectors Call, hosted by Lisa Whelchel, takes viewers inside the world of pop culture memorabilia collectors. In the upcoming episode, airing on Me-tv on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at 6:30 p.m., the show features Christopher Lee, a passionate collector, builder, and champion of Lego Masters. The episode explores Christopher Lee’s vast knowledge and involvement with […]

Collectors Call: Chris Lee: Lego...

If Peter Jackson had dropped his iconic Lord of the Rings trilogy today, he’d probably face a social media firestorm, all thanks to a deleted Liv Tyler scene that never saw the light of day. Imagine the frenzy—fans outraged, hashtags trending, and think pieces flying left and right. Back in the early 2000s, Jackson made his directorial choices without TikTok think tanks or Twitter trolls.

Peter Jackson. | Credit: Mike Walen/Cca-by-sa-3.0/Wikimedia Commons.

But fast forward to today, and that one scene featuring Tyler’s Arwen could have sparked an internet riot. It’s a different world now, where one cut can lead to a viral uproar, and Jackson would have had to answer for every snip and trim made to his beloved saga.

Arwen’s Deleted Battle Scene: A Missed Opportunity in Today’s Call for Representation Karl Urban as Éomer in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers...

There’s no stopping the expansion of the Sheridanverse, the sprawl of interconnected dramas about the American heartland created by actor-writer-director Taylor Sheridan. Having exploded into existence with Yellowstone, and grown to include 1883, 1923 and other generation-spanning spinoffs, the Sheridanverse has — perhaps inevitably — reached the realm of Las Vegas fine dining with the opening of the new Four Sixes Ranch Steakhouse, at Wynn. Just days after the limited-time pop-up opened its books, thousands of reservations and dozens of buyout requests came flooding in.

“We have seen incredible demand even before the doors open on September 16,” says Brian Gullbrants, COO of Wynn Resorts North America.

Four Sixes Ranch Steakhouse will take over the space occupied by Wynn’s breakfast and brunch restaurant, Tableau, every evening after Tableau closes for the day. The menu, built around beef sourced from Sheridan’s 6666 Ranch in Guthrie, Texas — which he, along with a group of investors,...

For a good while, it seemed as though everything Steven Spielberg touched turned to gold. Having established the very concept of the blockbuster with "Jaws" in 1975, the director went on to make hit after hit with "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" (1977), "Raiders of the Lost Ark" (1981), and "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" (1982). Even 1984's "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" was a box office success, despite shocking some viewers who weren't used to such a dark and oddly violent effort from the director. Critical response to the movie was also more mixed than it had been for its predecessor. Of course, anyone following Spielberg's career closely would have known that "Temple of Doom" was not the first time the seemingly infallible director had fallen afoul of the critics.

Sandwiched between "Close Encounters" and "Raiders" in Spielberg's filmography is "1941." Made in 1979, this war comedy featured an ensemble cast that included Dan Aykroyd,...

Killer Collectibles highlights five of the most exciting new horror products announced each and every week, from toys and apparel to artwork, records, and much more.

Here are the coolest horror collectibles unveiled this week!

Sewer Slashers Figures from Toy Snobs

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles become iconic horror villains with Toy Snobs’ Sewer Slashers mashup figures. They’re $50 each or $190 for the set of four.

The line includes Raph Voorhees (with machete), Leatherface Leo (with chainsaw), Mikey Meyers (with knife), and Donny Krueger (with claw glove).

Each 5.5″ toy is packaged on a retro-inspired cardback. Pre-orders are open through October 4 and are expected to ship in Spring 2025.

Howling II: Your Sister Is a Werewolf 4K Uhd from Vinegar Syndrome

Howling II: Your Sister Is a Werewolf transforms on 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray on October 29 via Vinegar Syndrome. The 1985 werewolf sequel has been newly restored in 4K from the 35mm original camera negative with Dolby Vision Hdr.

Christopher Lee not attending The Lord of the Rings premiere? Talk about unexpected drama straight out of Middle-earth! The legendary actor, known for his menacing portrayal of Saruman, shocked everyone when he decided to boycott the film’s big night. Why? Well, an ugly behind-the-scenes spat with director Peter Jackson left Lee feeling like he’d been dealt a bad hand.

Saruman the White – Lord of the Rings played by Christopher Lee | Credits: New Line Cinema

Fans who expected to see him celebrating alongside the cast were in for a surprise when his absence spoke volumes. For an actor as iconic as Lee, skipping such a monumental event was no small deal, and it added an unexpected twist to the Lotr saga—both on and off-screen.

Christopher Lee Ditched The Return of the King Premiere After Saruman’s Scene Got Axed Peter Jackson. | Credit: Mike Walen/Cca-by-sa-3.0/Wikimedia Commons.

Christopher...

The vampire subgenre has been at the forefront of horror for over 100 years, and the myths of undead creatures living off of human blood go back countless years further. The best vampire movies ever made are, mostly, incredibly varied. There’s a whole lot of great “Dracula” movies out there, sure, but also art-house nightmares, mainstream action movies, silly comedies, Neo-westerns, heartwarming romances and more. And if you ask us, these are the very, very best.

(Film Arts Guild) “Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror” (1922)

F.W. Murnau’s eerie silent classic is 100 years old, and it still has the power to shock and horrify. Telling an extremely plagiarized version of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” – Stoker’s estate successfully sued, and nearly had every single copy of “Nosferatu” destroyed – the film stars Max Schreck as the verminous Count Orlok, who moves from his haunted castle to Germany, and brings a supernatural plague along with him.

Stars: Boris Karloff, Christopher Lee, Mark Eden, Barbara Steele, Michael Gough, Virginia Wetherell, Rosemarie Reede, Derek Tansley | Written by Mervyn Haisman, Henry Lincoln, Jerry Sohl | Directed by Vernon Sewell

The Tigon-produced The Curse of the Crimson Altar is often regarded as a classic of the genre due to its eerie atmosphere and notable cast, which includes genre icons Boris Karloff, Christopher Lee, and Barbara Steele. Directed by Vernon Sewell, the movie loosely adapts H.P. Lovecraft’s short story The Dreams in the Witch House but takes creative liberties in its storytelling.

The film centres around Robert Manning (Mark Eden), an antique dealer who visits a remote mansion while searching for his missing brother. He is invited by the seductive Eve (Virginia Wetherell) to stay at the mansion, which is presided over by the mysterious Morley family, led by the imposing J.D. Morley (Christopher Lee). During his stay, Manning begins to experience strange,...

In the midst of several historical epics, J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings still remains a classic. The movie series brought to life by the genius Peter Jackson created a magical universe of its own and did complete justice to the British author’s source material. However, it seemed as if the franchise was constantly being stretched for other material gains.

Gandalf the White in The Lord of the Rings || Credits: New Line Cinema

For instance, after the Lotr movies, Jackson brought The Hobbit trilogy, which, in the audience’s eyes, felt subpar. Now, after almost 10 years since The Hobbit, Jackson is stepping back into the franchise with The Hunt for Gollum, which in itself serves as a big worry for the Lotr fanbase.

Fans Share Their Opinions on Ian McKellen’s Recent Update on The Hunt for Gollum

The Lord of the Rings fans have a moment to rejoice,...

Everyone knows that Steven Spielberg's "1941" was a notorious box office flop. And everyone ... is wrong. Despite its reputation over the years, Spielberg's 1979 war comedy was not a box office failure. It just looked that way because, well, it was a Steven Spielberg movie. In '79, in the wake of the record-breaking box office juggernaut that was "Jaws" and its successful follow-up "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," Steven Spielberg seemed untouchable. It felt like the wunderkind director could not fail — that, like a cinematic King Midas, everything he touched would turn to gold.

"1941" changed that. While the film went on to become a modest box office success, taking in $94.9 million on a $35 million budget, it was not well received. Critics were mixed at best on the film. As Roger Ebert wrote, "The movie finally reduces itself to an assault on our eyes and ears, a nonstop series of climaxes,...

Late Christopher Lee and Sir Ian McKellen are two titans of the acting world who were brought together in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, helmed by Peter Jackson. Their roles as Saruman and Gandalf became iconic parts of the legendary fantasy franchise.

Ian McKellen as Gandalf in the movie series Lord of the Rings | New Line Cinema

But beneath their commanding performances, even some of the most seasoned actors are prone to experiencing moments of vulnerability. Some actors aspire to relentless perfectionism and strive to have that one shot that perfectly encapsulates their character and the essence of the scene, and Christopher Lee was no different.

Ian McKellen on Christopher Lee in Lord of the Rings

In an interview for Independent, McKellen recalled his first meeting with Christopher Lee which took place at a dinner held by Peter Jackson. The Gandalf actor deeply admired Lee’s career and was...

Stars: Peter Cushing, Edward Judd, Carole Gray, Eddie Byrne, Sam Kydd, Niall MacGinnis, James Caffrey, Liam Gaffney, Roger Heathcott, Keith Bell | Written by Edward Mann, Al Ramsen | Directed by Terence Fisher

Island of Terror, directed by Terence Fisher, is a 1966 British horror film that stands out for its intriguing premise and unique creature design, though it often pales in comparison to the director’s more iconic work within the Hammer Horror series. While Fisher is best known for his stylish and atmospheric contributions to the genre, including classics like The Curse of Frankenstein (1957) and Dracula (1958), Island of Terror offers a more subdued and, at times, uneven experience.

Set on a remote island off the coast of Ireland, Island of Terror revolves around a group of scientists investigating a series of mysterious deaths linked to an experiment gone awry. The plot is straightforward, but it manages to build a sense of isolation and dread effectively.

Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy remains one of Hollywood’s modern classics, earning widespread critical and commercial acclaim. The trilogy is beloved by fans of Tolkien’s works, starring a slew of great acting talent such as Sean Astin, Sir Ian McKellen, Elijah Wood, and Sir Christopher Lee, among others.

Sir Ian McKellen with Elijah Wood in Lord of the Rings [Credit: New Line Cinema/Allstar]

Having won 17 Academy Awards on the back of just three films, there is little dispute when it comes to Lord of the Rings being declared as one of the best fantasy adaptations of all time. However, there seem to be some who think the award is better suited for Harry Potter, which is apparently, according to some on the internet, leagues better than what Lord of the Rings has to offer to its viewers.

There are some who believe Harry Potter is...

Count Dracula made his debut in Bram Stoker's 1897 novel but the Count's presence on the silver screen has been just as vital in making him a horror icon. Bela Lugosi, Sir Christopher Lee, Gary Oldman, and Nicolas Cage are just a few of the actors who've played Dracula. With the dozens of Dracula movies out there, what's the cream of the crop? We've got you covered with /Film's choices for the best Dracula movies.

But the vampire lord's adventures don't end at movies; he is just as much a creature of the funny books. He's quite similar to Frankenstein's Monster that way, who has also starred in plenty of comics. Dracula has faced superheroes on both sides of the Marvel/DC divide, from Batman to Wolverine (rapid healing blood is the most delicious).

Argentinian cartoonist Alberto Breccia turned Dracula into a gothic comedy bravely satirizing the fascist Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet.

Lotr - The Hunt for Gollum: Ian McKellen Reportedly Asked to Reprise Gandalf Again - Main Image

Ian McKellen had originated so many great roles in his lifetime from X-Men’s Magneto to Sherlock Holmes, but it looks like he could be going back to one of his most infamous cinematic roles from the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

And no, it’s not Gus the Theatre Cat from the musical Cats.

Ian McKellen Asked to Reprise Gandalf

Deadline reports that McKellen has been asked to reprise the role of Gandalf in the upcoming prequel movie which has been given the working title The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum. No details have been given on how large Gandalf’s role would be in the film, but since he’s been alive pretty much since the beginning of the Third Age, he could very well be traveling around Middle-earth,...

Joe Dante’s pointedly cynical Gremlins 2: The New Batch contains some of the most ingenious fourth wall breaking ever conceived.

Deadpool & Wolverine may perhaps be the highest-grossing film ever to break the fourth wall – that is, shatter the invisible barrier between the audience and the actors on the screen, who traditionally are supposed to pretend that nobody’s watching. But while Ryan Reynolds’ winks to his viewers and irreverent, self-referential jokes are part-and-parcel of both the Deadpool character and the franchise as a whole, the practice of breaking the fourth wall has been a staple of cinema for over a century.

Yet while numerous movies have brought their stories to give a knowing look to the audience, few have broken the fourth wall as creatively as Joe Dante’s 1990 sequel, Gremlins 2: The New Batch. A sequel to his own festive horror comedy, 1984’s Gremlins, the movie was...

Few people in the history of the world have lived such eventful lives as the late, great Christopher Lee. It would take a lengthy TV series to explore all his stories properly – even the ones he was willing to share – so it’s a bold thing to take them on in a film with a runtime of just 90 minutes. Director Jon Spira does a surprisingly thorough job, and although he isn’t able to go into depth with much of the material, this is a solid start for those interested in exploring further.

Probably the biggest mistake in the film is trying to present it as if it were narrated by Lee himself. There’s ample reason for this conceit: Lee was an impressive and eager narrator (his audiobooks don’t get a mention here but are well worth checking out), and during his lifetime he was often affectionately teased about.

As Pigeon Shrine FrightFest 2024 is now well underway, legions of horror film fanatics are eagerly anticipating the premieres on offer, and today one such premiere is The Bunker, a sci-fi horror film directed by Brian Hanson. Known for his previous work on The Black String, Hanson brings his unique vision to the alien invasion genre, blending psychological horror with a claustrophobic setting and a star-studded cast that includes Tobin Bell, Tony Todd, and Chelsea Edmundson.

In The Bunker, mysterious extraterrestrial ships suddenly appear in the sky, sparking global panic. As the world teeters on the brink of destruction, government scientist Dr. Michelle Reilly, portrayed by Edmundson, is thrust into a high-stakes mission.

In this exclusive interview, Hanson shares insights into the making of The Bunker, his journey into filmmaking, and what he’s most excited about at this year’s FrightFest.

Brian Hanson, writer/director 1. Tell us about your film...

Hammer Films is back with the brand new movie Doctor Jekyll starring Eddie Izzard (now available on VOD outlets at home), and we’ve learned that a documentary about the legendary studio is also coming soon. It will celebrate the 90-year anniversary of Hammer Films.

Deadline reports this morning that Sky has joined forces with Deep Fusion Films on Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters, a feature documentary releasing in November 2024.

“The 90-minute feature doc will track Hammer’s progression from a back off in London’s Regent Street to its iconic status within the horror film genre,” Deadline previews.

The outlet continues, “Deep Fusion co-founder Benjamin Field is helming the doc, with the director revisiting the people in front of and behind the camera who made the operation a byword for horror, and will include numerous key contributors, unseen archive footage and interviews with the likes of Tim Burton, John Carpenter and Joe Dante.