Latest news with #SignatureEntertainment
Metro
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Remake of cult 80s horror with 92% on Rotten Tomatoes gets extreme rating
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video A gruesome horror film thought to be 'unreleasable' is finally coming to UK cinemas, and it has an extreme rating. The Toxic Avenger, a reboot of the 1984 film of the same name, initially premiered at Fantastic Fest in 2023 before having screenings at Beyond Fest and Sitges. It boasts a star-studded cast including Game Of Thrones star Peter Dinklage and Lord Of The Rings icon Elijah Wood alongside Jacob Tremblay, Taylour Paige, Kevin Bacon, Sarah Niles, Julia Davis, and Julian Kostov. But it has lain dormant for several years after being dubbed 'unreleasable' due to its gory conent, until it was resurrected by Cineverse for US audiences and Signature Entertainment here in the UK. The Toxic Avenger will be released in UK cinemas on August 29, but fans have been warned of its 'ultraviolent' content including 'mutant nudity.' Bloody Disgusting reports that the film will be released entirely uncut and unrated in cinemas, with a warning for: 'ultra violent/toxic content, p**s play, mutant nudity, hilarious harm and gnarly theater fun.' The warning also jokingly stresses that anyone under the age of 18 should not 'even try to get in' to cinemas to see the film. The Toxic Avenger follows janitor Winston Gooze (Dinklage), who, after a freak accident, transforms into the mutant vigilante Toxie. With his mop in hand, he battled everything from corrupt CEOs to hardened criminals while also trying to salvage his complicated relationship with his son. It is the fifth installment in the franchise originally created by Lloyd Kaufman and based on the Marvel comics of the same name. Unlike your average Marvel film, however, The Toxic Avenger was branded 'absurdly gory' and 'extremely silly' by those lucky enough to see it. After a period of silence, in 2024 it was announced the film would not be released due to difficulties securing a distributor, being described as 'unreleasable' with creatives behind the film attributing this to its graphic violence and gore. Film producer Adam Masnyk took to X at the time to say The Toxic Avenger was 'not safe enough to market', and that it could well become lost media. But that will no longer be the case, with Cineverse sharing in January that they had acquired distribution rights for the films with plans to release it theatrically later this year. Speaking about the news in a statement, director Macon Blair said: 'I'm beyond grateful to the team behind The Toxic Avenger who were so supportive and steady-handed as we searched for the perfect distribution partner for our film. 'It's so cool that folks will have the chance to see this in theatres, it's a fun, rowdy movie you wanna see with a crowd. Mutant hero smashes bad guys with a mop: perfect entertainment for the whole family! 'Our goal was always to preserve the heart and spirit of the original Toxie (which was seared into my brain at a very young age) and try to make something that Troma fans would dig and, at the same time, do something with the character that feels fresh. 'Lloyd and Michael at Troma have been a blast to work with; absolutely everyone at Legendary are stars, and I can't wait to start working with the champs at Cinverse to bring this version of Toxie to fans new and old.' Cineverse chairman and SEO Chris McGurk added: 'The Toxic Avenger isn't just a great film; it's an important one. 'Peter Dinklage's transformative performance and Macon Blair's fearless direction deliver a story that speaks to the anxieties of our time with outrageous humour and unflinching creativity. 'This is the kind of movie that major studios are averse to releasing because it dares to push boundaries, but Cineverse is rooted in championing bold, uncompromising storytelling. 'We believe audiences are ready – and eager – for films like this to take centre stage.' Cineverse acquired all US and Canadian theatrical, home entertainment, and streaming rights. Signature Entertainment, meanwhile, acquired UK rights to The Toxic Avenger, with acquisitions and development manager Katie Wilkinson-Javes announcing in a statement: 'The Toxic Avenger is a perfect example of the type of super entertaining commercial genre movie that we're always looking for at Signature. 'Macon Blair's fresh take on the cult anti-hero radiates pure cinema madness and we can't wait to introduce UK and Irish audiences to Peter Dinklage's Toxic Avenger later this year.' The Toxic Avenger currently sits at a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many critics praising its practical effects and Dinklage's performance as Toxie. In their review, The Daily Dead wrote: 'An energetic and entertaining reboot that nonetheless struggles to prove the independent, lead-with-bad-taste worlds of Lloyd Kaufman and mainstream studio moviemaking are compatible.' More Trending The Mary Sue said: 'The Toxic Avenger is exactly as advertised. It does what it says on the tin. It's comically violent, absurdly gory, and extremely silly. But it's also a timely 'eat the rich' story infused with an earnest working-class perspective.' AwardsWatch agreed, adding: 'Utter absurdity. Bonkers. Ridiculous…it's a delight to say that this reimagining of Kaufman's iconic mop-wielding toxic avenger tale is entertaining and shockingly heartfelt.' Collider wrote: 'A bonkers & bloody delight. Macon Blair's Toxic Avenger is a hugely enjoyable & rowdy escape that also feels like a celebration of movie magic, especially the wild things one can create with ingenuity, practical effects & a lot of passion for the genre.' The Toxic Avenger will be released in UK cinemas on August 29 . Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Games Inbox: Are you getting a Nintendo Switch 2 next week? MORE: Netflix horror sequel soars to number 1 after viewers stay up to watch MORE: EA to lay off up to 400 employees after Black Panther game cancelled says source
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Samuel L. Jackson, Pierce Brosnan Western ‘The Unholy Trinity' Gallops to U.K. via Signature
U.K. production, sales and distribution outfit Signature Entertainment has acquired the U.K. and Irish rights to Samuel L. Jackson (The Hateful Eight) and Pierce Brosnan's (The World Is Not Enough) Western The Unholy Trinity from Film Bridge International. The movie is set in the 1870s and tells the story of 'a young man (who) returns to a Montana town to avenge the wrongful execution of his father and reclaim his fortune,' according to a synopsis. It also features David Arquette (Scream 3), Brandon Lessard (Classified) and Gianni Capaldi (Damaged).The film, produced by Jeanne Allgood (Terminator Salvation), Kellie Brooks, Colin Floom (The Old Way), Michele Gray (Sugar Mountain) and Richard Gray (Murder at Yellowstone City), was written by Lee Zachariah (The Bazura Project) and directed by Gray. The deal was negotiated between Signature Entertainment's acquisitions and development executive Max Hart and Film Bridge International managing director Jordan Dykstra. 'With screen icons like Samuel L. Jackson and Pierce Brosnan leading the charge, Westerns like this rarely grace the independent market,' said Hart. 'Packed with action, impressive production values, and a brilliant score, we can't wait to bring this epic tale to U.K. and Irish audiences in 2025.' More from The Hollywood Reporter Joe Don Baker, Rugged Star of 'Walking Tall,' Dies at 89 Ciara and Adam Lambert to Perform at amfAR Gala Cannes: French Actor Banned From Red Carpet Amid Rape Allegations Founded in 2011, Signature, led by founder and CEO Marc Goldberg, has become a key independent distributor in the U.K. and has expanded into production and international sales. Its recent releases include Lily James, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Himesh Patel comedy Greedy People; Aaron Eckhart action thriller Chief of Station; and indie horror movie Terrifier 3. The company recently also acquired action thriller The Prosecutor, directed by and starring Hong Kong superstar Donnie Yen (Ip Man), for the U.K. and Ireland. Best of The Hollywood Reporter 'The Goonies' Cast, Then and Now "A Nutless Monkey Could Do Your Job": From Abusive to Angst-Ridden, 16 Memorable Studio Exec Portrayals in Film and TV The 10 Best Baseball Movies of All Time, Ranked
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Samuel L. Jackson, Pierce Brosnan Western ‘The Unholy Trinity' Gallops to U.K. via Signature
U.K. production, sales and distribution outfit Signature Entertainment has acquired the U.K. and Irish rights to Samuel L. Jackson (The Hateful Eight) and Pierce Brosnan's (The World Is Not Enough) Western The Unholy Trinity from Film Bridge International. The movie is set in the 1870s and tells the story of 'a young man (who) returns to a Montana town to avenge the wrongful execution of his father and reclaim his fortune,' according to a synopsis. It also features David Arquette (Scream 3), Brandon Lessard (Classified) and Gianni Capaldi (Damaged).The film, produced by Jeanne Allgood (Terminator Salvation), Kellie Brooks, Colin Floom (The Old Way), Michele Gray (Sugar Mountain) and Richard Gray (Murder at Yellowstone City), was written by Lee Zachariah (The Bazura Project) and directed by Gray. The deal was negotiated between Signature Entertainment's acquisitions and development executive Max Hart and Film Bridge International managing director Jordan Dykstra. 'With screen icons like Samuel L. Jackson and Pierce Brosnan leading the charge, Westerns like this rarely grace the independent market,' said Hart. 'Packed with action, impressive production values, and a brilliant score, we can't wait to bring this epic tale to U.K. and Irish audiences in 2025.' More from The Hollywood Reporter Joe Don Baker, Rugged Star of 'Walking Tall,' Dies at 89 Ciara and Adam Lambert to Perform at amfAR Gala Cannes: French Actor Banned From Red Carpet Amid Rape Allegations Founded in 2011, Signature, led by founder and CEO Marc Goldberg, has become a key independent distributor in the U.K. and has expanded into production and international sales. Its recent releases include Lily James, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Himesh Patel comedy Greedy People; Aaron Eckhart action thriller Chief of Station; and indie horror movie Terrifier 3. The company recently also acquired action thriller The Prosecutor, directed by and starring Hong Kong superstar Donnie Yen (Ip Man), for the U.K. and Ireland. Best of The Hollywood Reporter 'The Goonies' Cast, Then and Now "A Nutless Monkey Could Do Your Job": From Abusive to Angst-Ridden, 16 Memorable Studio Exec Portrayals in Film and TV The 10 Best Baseball Movies of All Time, Ranked
Express Tribune
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Spring Breakers sequel ‘Salvation Mountain' emerges after 12 years — here's what to know
A sequel to the 2012 cult hit Spring Breakers has officially been announced, this time titled Spring Breakers: Salvation Mountain, featuring a new cast and creative team. The project, unveiled at Cannes by Capture — a joint venture between Capstone Global and Signature Entertainment — marks a fresh take on the original's rebellious energy, this time tailored for Gen Z audiences. Matthew Bright (Freeway) will direct the sequel, replacing original filmmaker Harmony Korine. While Korine is not involved, producers Chris Hanley (American Psycho) and Jordan Gertner (Bully), who backed the first film, are returning. Capstone Studios is financing the production, with international sales being handled by Capture's Ella Field, Asia Muci, Emilie Barra and Nathan Wang. Leading the new cast is Bella Thorne, joined by Ariel Martin (Zombies 2), Grace Van Dien (Stranger Things), and True Whitaker (Godfather of Harlem). The plot follows a group of rebellious girls who head out for spring break in what producers describe as a 'crime thriller' and 'a bold new ride for Gen Z.' According to the synopsis, when their spring break escapade spirals out of control, they must escape the chaos they've unleashed. Speaking about the project, Hanley and Gertner said they are excited to revisit the world of Spring Breakers and 'keep exploring bold, new, disruptive stories around that wild, fever-dream of youth.' They added, 'The desire for spring break to go on forever is something we've never let go of.' The original Spring Breakers, starring James Franco, Selena Gomez, and Vanessa Hudgens, grossed over $30 million worldwide on a $5 million budget and gained a cult following. A previous sequel attempt titled Spring Breakers: The Second Coming was shelved in 2017.
Geek Tyrant
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
Art the Clown Goes Academic: TERRIFIER Horror Franchise Getting Its Own Scholarly Conference — GeekTyrant
That's right! Art the Clown is officially entering academia. Move over, Shakespeare and Hitchcock, because the Terrifier franchise is now being treated as an object of scholarly importance. The University of Warwick in the UK is hosting the first-ever Terrifier academic conference in 2025, and yes, this is a real thing. According to a press release from Signature Entertainment, The Terrifier Conference 2025 'will welcome global scholars to Warwick to take an alternative approach to enthusiastic critical dismemberment by engaging with the Terrifier film franchise as an object of scholarly importance.' The conference aims to dig into the series' gloriously over-the-top use of horror tropes, from how women are portrayed in the genre, to the use of practical gore, the influence of religion, and, of course, the 'unsettling visual creepiness' of Art himself. Scholars from Brazil, France, the U.S., and beyond will bring their brains to bear on a franchise best known for, well, removing brains. And while the in-person conference runs Saturday, May 3, one day will be streamed online internationally on Friday, May 2, so even if you're nowhere near the UK, you can still get in on the blood-spattered academia. Born from a 2011 short, Damien Leone's Terrifier has morphed into one of horror's most outrageous modern success stories. With Art the Clown, played with sadistic glee by David Howard Thornton, taking center stage, the franchise went from cult curiosity to box office beast. Terrifier 3 alone raked in $90.3 million worldwide on just a $2 million budget. Each film pushes the boundaries a little further, and Terrifier 2 introduced us to fan-favorite final girl Sienna (Lauren LaVera), and Terrifier 3 traded Halloween for a twisted take on Christmas. While Terrifier 4 doesn't have a release date yet, it's rumored to be the blood-soaked finale. Also happening at the conference, Signature Entertainment's Head of Publicity will be leading a seminar on the viral marketing strategies behind Terrifier 3 's surprise domination in the UK and Ireland. Spoiler alert: gore sells. So yeah… Art the Clown, college lecturer. What a time to be alive (unless you're in Miles County).
