In the wake of his recent split from the production of ‘Scream VII’, the horror genre maestro Christopher Landon is setting his sights on a new thrilling venture. Widely acclaimed for his work on ‘Happy Death Day’ and ‘Freaky’, Landon is currently finalizing negotiations to steer the ship for a new feature titled ‘Big Bad’. This latest endeavor might just sink its teeth into the hearts of horror aficionados as it is adapted from a short story by Chandler Baker.
Landon, whose directorial talents have often merged the eerie with the witty, is anticipated to present viewers with a tale soaked in suspense and terror, as ‘Big Bad’ unfurls a story of a family’s battle to endure a harrowing night in a desolate farmhouse while being stalked by werewolves. The origin of this chilling narrative sprouted from Baker’s prose included in ‘Creature Features’, a horror anthology that showcased pieces from acclaimed authors, including Joe Hill.
The project marks Landon’s return to the director’s chair after his unexpected exit from the ‘Scream’ franchise. The decision to cut ties with the seventh chapter of the iconic slasher series followed the controversy surrounding actress Melissa Barrera. Her removal from the film was linked to her social media activity concerning the Israel-Hamas conflict, which led to heated discussions across various platforms. Landon distanced himself from the decision regarding Barrera, affirming his non-involvement through a post that was subsequently deleted.
However, the fallout from these events did not conclude without statement. Spyglass Media, seizing the spotlight in the debacle, articulated a firm stance against antisemitism and any forms of hate speech. In an official statement, they emphasized their commitment to maintaining a workspace free of such destructive ideologies.
Landon himself took to social media to express his sentiments on the matter, acknowledging the turmoil the situation had precipitated. In a heartfelt admission, he underlined his decision to move on from what he described as “a dream job that turned into a nightmare,” thereby setting the stage for his new project with ‘Big Bad’.
Producing this spine-tingling cinematic piece are Todd Lieberman and Hidden Pictures, who have proven their mettle in bringing compelling stories to the silver screen. The meticulous oversight will be provided by Scott O’Brien for Lionsgate, while Carly Kleinbart and Lieberman will exercise their watchful eyes on behalf of Hidden Pictures. The business aspect of this feral adventure will be managed by Robert Melnik, as he oversees the deal on Lionsgate’s part, with Alex Young joining the fray as an executive producer.
This latest project has all the makings of a classic Landon hit: a gripping premise, a survival against otherworldly creatures, and the imminence of heart-pounding terror. Fans of the genre will no doubt be eager to witness how Landon will channel the tension, fear, and potentially, the dark humor that are hallmarks of his style, into ‘Big Bad’. Despite the recent turmoil and challenges, it appears the director is poised to turn the page and embark on a thrilling new chapter in his filmmaking career, much to the delight of his ardent followers. As the wolves’ howl resonates and the night of survival nears, one can only speculate what horrors lie in wait for Landon’s audience with ‘Big Bad’.
