Edgar Allan Poe is returning to the screen, and Sidney Sweeney might be involved!
According to an exclusive update from Deadline, horror production company A24 is planning a fresh adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe’s renowned work, “The Masque of the Red Death.” This upcoming movie is expected to be a unique blend of radical reinterpretation and dark humor, as suggested by Deadline. At this point, specific details about the project remain scarce, but Deadline speculates that filming will commence later this year.
Here’s the breakdown of what we know so far and conjecture on what we can expect.
Who Are the Developers?
A24 is partnering with Picturestart to develop a new film. Known for producing hit horror movies like “Hereditary”, “Heretic”, and “Talk To Me”, A24 has also experienced some misses, such as “Y2K” featuring Rachel Zegler. It’s worth noting that the internet’s perception of Rachel Zegler may have played a role in “Y2K’s” underperformance. However, A24’s consistent success in the niche horror genre suggests promising prospects for this upcoming project.
Picturestart is a relatively unknown production company that assists in financing and creating movies and TV shows. Some of their previous works include adaptations of the Divergent and Hunger Games. As stated on their website, they aim to provide unique and fresh content to viewers who are eager for something new and exciting.
While that alone is not necessarily concerning, another quote on their website is.
Their “Why We Do It” page starts with the following statement:
Our productions revolve around individuals on a journey of self-discovery, defining who they are, uncovering their unique voice, and navigating the process of maturation – whether it’s during youth or later in life. We help them find their purpose, connect with others who share similar experiences, and express their authentic truth.
The phrase “their truth” has been recognized as a warning sign for audiences, indicating a specific, undesirable mindset that viewers typically don’t prefer in their entertainment. At the moment, it remains unclear just how deeply Picturestart will be involved in this Poe-inspired film. Fans of Poe’s literature are encouraged to exercise caution.
Who Will Be Involved?
Charlie Polinger is set to assume the roles of both writer and director for the project. Alongside him will be Lucy McKendrick, who will also serve as an executive producer. The duo has a history of collaboration, having worked together on two obscure short films titled “F$%k me, Richard” and “Sauna“. It’s debatable whether these films were well-received or not, but beyond these works, Polinger and McKendrick don’t have a substantial list of credentials.
It might have been better to seek someone more well-known to write, direct and produce.
Contrarily, Deadline states that Sidney Sweeney is in talks to take on a leading role in the upcoming film. This actress gained prominence following the less-than-successful release of Madame Web. She achieved this by openly acknowledging the film’s shortcomings and poking fun at it. Her ability to find humor in the situation and empathize with viewers resonated deeply with many cinema enthusiasts.
What Will the Story Look Like?
Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Masque of the Red Death” is a captivating narrative about a proud nobleman who locks himself and other aristocrats inside a fortress to evade a terrifying plague.
Actress Sydney Sweeney is discussing potential roles in a humorous yet ominous adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe’s ‘Masque of the Red Death’, produced by A24.
The tale unfolds around a prince, who strives to elude a deadly pestilence called the Red Death, by seeking refuge within his monastery.
(Source: Deadline)
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) January 21, 2025
As a passionate movie enthusiast, I’d put it this way: The ominous affliction is labeled the “Red Death,” as its victims suffer a grisly fate – they bleed themselves to nothingness. Yet, the prince and his entourage remain oblivious, engrossed in their lavish feasts, merrymaking, and celebrations, oblivious to the suffering beyond their fortified walls.
During an extravagant masquerade within the castle’s grand halls, a mysterious figure slips into the festivities, cloaked in the guise of a plague-bearer. Little did they know that this enigmatic stranger was none other than the embodiment of the Red Death itself, who swiftly claimed the lives of everyone within the castle’s walls.
“And Darkness and Decay and the Red Death held illimitable dominion over all”
-Edgar Allan Poe, Complete Tales & Poems, Castle Books 2002, Page 255
Previously, the tale was adapted for the screen, featuring Vincent Price in the role of the prince. The previous adaption stayed true to the original source. However, this upcoming version might deviate from it.
Labeling it as “a highly unconventional and ironically humorous perspective” could be a major turn-off for potential viewers, who may choose not to watch the film based on this description.
First off, the story was originally intended to be serious, not a comedy. The term “wildly revisionist” could encompass various changes such as character gender swaps or misinterpretations. Given Hollywood’s current state, it wouldn’t be surprising if the upcoming movie is a symbolic representation of the Covid-19 pandemic.
We can only hope that this won’t be the case…
Final Thoughts
The announcement that one of Edgar Allan Poe’s tales will soon appear on the big screen brings a thrill, but for now, there remains an abundance of unanswered questions. At this point, most of the information available is speculative in nature, so it’s important to approach it with caution.
There is one thing we can say with certainty, though.
If the Goths decide not to visit the crypts for this film, it’s likely that followers of Sydney Sweeney will certainly do so instead.
Writing Raven, also known as Raven Redgrave, collaborates with her spouse MasterOfTheTDS on the Gothic Therapy YouTube channel. This platform delves into popular culture, entertainment, and gaming, offering insightful perspectives, incisive critiques, and a touch of dark comedy.
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2025-01-25 21:55