Based on the best-selling novel by Gary Brandner, The Howling made effective use of the classic werewolf tale but more importantly the film deserves respect simply for being the innovative modern werewolf flick, that is the first to actually show the lycanthrope transformation process in slow, painstaking detail through a combination of clever edits and animatronics. The Howling may not be as polished or effective as John Landis’ 1981 An American Werewolf in London, but the film delivers more action, gore and true scares letting the wolves bite in and howl more often than not. Werewolves are the least-regarded of all the classic monsters. Unlike vampire films and Mummy films werewolves have never had much luck at the box office. 1981 changed all that with not one but two movies baring these hairy beasts. The combination of American Werewolf In London and The Howling (both released in 1981) further backs up the theory that artists working at around the same time in the same place can lead to something like artistic Darwinism. The film was so immensely popular that is spawned six sequels.
Now one of the most admired horror franchise in screen history is about to run wild again and this time, it aims is to grab an even wider audience. Anchor Bay Films is proud to announce that it has acquired all rights for English speaking territories to the eagerly anticipated The Howling: Reborn, an all-new, totally original chapter written and directed by Joe Nimziki. The deal was announced today by Anchor Bay President, Bill Clark.
The legend of The Howling began more than 30 years ago, with the publication of Gary Brandner’s best-selling novel and the subsequent film adaptation written by Academy Award® nominated John Sayles (Lone Star, Spiderwick Chronicles) and directed by Joe Dante (Gremlins, InnerSpace), the success of which ushered in a new screen era of werewolves. Before there was “Team Jacob,” there was Karen White and Nimziki’s reboot of The Howling saga is being described in industry circles as “Twilight with bite” with the deft mix of romance and action that audiences worldwide are craving.
“Genre films have always been special at Anchor Bay,” said Kevin Kasha, Executive Vice President of Acquisitions and Co-Productions. “Given our success with many of the classic franchises and their honored remakes, The Howling: Reborn is the perfect addition to our family.”
“It is Joe Nimziki’s drive, creative vision and execution that has taken this franchise to the next level,” commented Etchie Stroh, CEO of Moonstone Entertainment. “Joe, along with Joel have worked very hard to make sure the film reaches an even wider demographic while preserving the original storyline.”
The Howling: Reborn is currently in post-production.
The deal for The Howling: Reborn was negotiated by Bill Clark, Kevin Kasha, and Richard Turner for Anchor Bay Films, and Etchie Stroh for Moonstone Entertainment.