Slash on How Working at Tower Video in the ‘80s Led to Exec Producing Cult Movie Reboot ‘Deathstalker’

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The Deathstalker character is making a comeback! Indeed, the warrior who battled wizards, ogres, and numerous other creatures in the 1983 sword-and-sorcery film produced by Roger Corman has returned to the silver screen. The latest iteration of Deathstalker, premiering outside of competition at the 78th Locarno Film Festival, is brought to us by writer and director Steven Kostanski (known for Frankie Freako and PG: Psycho Goreman) and executive producer Slash.

Yes, Slash from Guns N’ Roses is collaborating with Vault Comics, Shout! Studios, the owner of the Corman library, Raven Banner Entertainment, director Kostanski, comics writer Tim Seeley, and comics artist Jim Terry on a new Deathstalker comic series.

The latest film titled “Deathstalker” features Daniel Bernhardt (known for “John Wick” and “The Matrix Reloaded”) portraying the main character, with Christina Orjalo, Paul Lazenby, and Nicholas Rice also in the cast. Patton Oswalt lends his voice to Doodad, a kind-hearted wizard who accompanies Deathstalker on his adventure.

In the realm of Abraxeon, it’s besieged by the Dreadites, minions of the deceased sorcerer Nekromemnon. A character named Deathstalker comes across a cursed talisman, which binds him with dark magic and attracts fearsome killers. To escape this fate, he needs to lift the curse or face certain death.

I had the pleasure of enjoying an enthralling action-fantasy-adventure movie, which was brilliantly brought to life by visionaries Pasha Patriki from Hangar 18 Media and a trio at Raven Banner – Michael Paszt, Andrew Thomas Hunt, and James Fler.

Before the debut of Deathstalker at Locarno, Slash spoke with THR about reviving the series, his fondness for the original that blossomed during his time at Tower Video in Los Angeles, and the significance of entertaining escapist popcorn films in today’s world.

(In this paraphrase, I have attempted to maintain the structure of the original sentence while using easier and more natural language where possible.)

Were you and your fellow creators thinking about a specific group of people while developing Deathstalker, and were you familiar with the original version?”

By simplifying the structure and using more conversational language, I aimed to make the question feel less formal and easier to understand.

It’s clear that a significant number of enthusiasts for the fantasy genre exist, and they genuinely adore these works with an intensity that often feels reminiscent of a shared cultural phenomenon.

Well, since I worked at Tower Video in LA during the ’80s, when these original movies were popular, they sparked my curiosity and led me to want to get involved with this project.

I noticed the film is not described as a remake…

Here’s a possible way to rephrase the sentence in a more natural and easy-to-read manner:

“It’s not a retelling, but rather another tale in the Deathstalker series. Back then at Tower, there was an extensive collection of comic books featuring fantasy and medieval themes, including knights. So, it seems we share similar tastes with that audience. Consequently, we had a good idea of what to expect.

The movie combines elements of action, adventure, horror, humor, and a touch of campiness. Have we ever talked about the overall style or mood we wanted to achieve?

As a passionate gamer, I’m thrilled to share that we nailed down the IP and the script is what truly excites us! The initial draft perfectly captures our imagination, with its sharp wit and a refreshing lack of self-importance. It’s not just action-packed, but also boasts smart dialogue that keeps you engaged. What really sets it apart is its fun, gruesome, and fast-paced narrative, filled with compelling characters. To be honest, we weren’t aiming for a grand vision; we just wanted something entertaining, something that would keep us hooked. And the cherry on top? Having Steve Kostanski as our director was the ultimate game-changer!

Did you know him before?

Yes, I must clarify that I didn’t have a close relationship with Steve, but I did recognize him as the director of “The Void,” a film that I admire greatly. It was actually the writer of “The Void” who introduced me to Steve Kostanski.

Could we see more Deathstalker movies?

Let’s wait and see how this turns out. If there’s sufficient demand for it, of course, we’d be thrilled to produce another one. I have no doubt that we’d jump at the chance to make a follow-up, given the right level of interest.

Deathstalker is still genre but a bit different from your other film work, right?

Our primary focus is on producing horror films. However, this specific character and intellectual property stood out to me due to its nostalgic value, as I hold fond memories of the original Deathstalkers from my days working at a video store in the ’80s. These movies were often displayed on the monitors during my shifts, and they had a unique charm that I found appealing. Generally speaking, I’m not particularly drawn to swords, sorcery, and similar themes. But, as always, it’s the quality of the story, the characters, and numerous other factors that truly matter to me.

The original “Deathstalker” possessed a distinct charm, infused with entertainment value and the essence of a classic B-movie, which really resonated with me. Hearing about this new project, my initial thought was, “This sounds like it could be a delightful adventure!

As an executive producer, what were your main responsibilities? And have you ever considered appearing in a minor role within the film?

For me, the key aspect was the script, which turned out fantastic, leading us to Steve Jablonsky as our director. He was an ideal choice because he excelled at capturing a wide range of elements, such as action, gore, humor, and dialogue, all while maintaining a strong narrative. Additionally, we aimed to use practical effects exclusively, and Jablonsky demonstrated creativity in this area, preferring real-life effects over CGI.

Subsequently, the focus shifted towards casting Deathstalker. Daniel Bernardt proved to be an excellent choice. The remainder of the process primarily involved execution. Upon my initial visit to the set and subsequent viewings of the daily footage, I realized that Steve had surpassed our budget limits in terms of the film’s overall visual appeal. Despite its actual cost, the movie appeared more lavish than expected.

I’m not particularly interested in the acting aspect of things; it’s simply not my forte. What I enjoy is the behind-the-scenes work, the process of pulling everything together to create something remarkable. That’s truly where I find my passion. I even dislike doing cameo appearances. They feel forced and strange to me. To be clear, I don’t aspire to become an actor, nor do I see myself transitioning into a director role. I believe that directing is something you have to be deeply passionate about from the start, and it’s a lifelong commitment. I don’t think one can just jump in and start directing without a prior passion for it.

Did you know Daniel Bernhardt before?

Although we’ve never crossed paths before, our recent encounters have been nothing short of enjoyable. He truly is an exceptional individual, with a captivating personality that makes him stand out as a unique and fascinating person. He’s simply amazing!

Do you watch a lot of films beyond horror?

I watch a wide variety of shows. The term “horror” sometimes feels too restrictive for the type of content that appeals to me. I enjoy suspenseful dramas, chilling science fiction, and yes, horror films as well. However, today’s horror movies have lost some of their impact compared to what they were like when I was younger. When you use the word “horror,” it’s important to think more broadly. Specifically, I appreciate psychological thrillers.

To be honest, I’m not particularly fond of gruesome films. Instead, I prefer stories and characters that are developed within the horror genre, making them eerie and suspenseful. Monster movies captivate me if they are well-crafted. Additionally, I have a keen interest in crime-related content as well.

I don’t have a strong interest in superheroes, but I can recognize the ones considered good. There are some good ones and then many who aren’t as impressive. It seems like they just keep appearing, but there’s a dedicated fanbase for it who really care about the characters, so I get why that is.

I spent my childhood years enjoying movies from the ’70s, and throughout the decades, there have been fantastic films across various genres. However, I haven’t experienced that extraordinary cinematic moment reminiscent of the ’70s. Moreover, I was brought up on a good deal of ’70s comedy, although my taste for humor has dwindled, it is challenging in today’s world with cultural limitations to imagine how genuinely outstanding comedies can be produced.

What comedies from the ‘70s did you like?

I have always been a fan of Woody Allen’s films, particularly his early ones. I found “Harold and Maude” to be exceptional, as was most of the “National Lampoon” content. Growing up, I connected with the “Bad News Bears.” There was an abundance of great work from him. I fondly remember “The In-Laws,” and the ’70s were a golden era for comedies produced by Allen.

Hey there! Just wanted to toss out my thoughts before we part ways. I find Deathstalker kind of like a fun, mindless game – you know, the type where you don’t have to think too much and just enjoy the ride. What do you reckon about that?

A film such as Deathstalker offers an escape, much like the essence of rock and roll. It transports you away from contemporary concerns, providing relief. I appreciate movies that address social issues or reflect the human condition, but I also cherish films that transport your mind to a completely different realm. This movie is primarily about enjoyment and diversion – a perfect example of such cinema.

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2025-08-15 01:31