Lionsgate and MRC have just dropped a bombshell for all you horror-comedy fans out there – they’re cooking up a sequel to the wildly successful “The Blackening.” If you missed the first installment of this genre-bending rollercoaster, don’t fret; I’m here to give you the lowdown on what makes “The Blackening” and its upcoming sequel such exciting prospects.
The original “The Blackening” burst onto the scene with all the subtlety of a chainsaw-wielding maniac in a slasher flick. Directed by the talented Tim Story and penned by Tracy Oliver and Dewayne Perkins, this film wasn’t your run-of-the-mill horror romp. It took the horror-comedy genre by storm, subverting genre tropes with gleeful abandon. But it didn’t stop there; it delved into the complex relationship that its characters had with their Blackness, making it a unique and thought-provoking experience.
When it comes to reviews, “The Blackening” didn’t just hit the mark; it obliterated it. With an 87% Rotten Tomatoes score for critics and an 85% audience approval rating, it proved to be a crowd-pleaser and a critic’s darling. And let’s not forget its financial prowess – raking in a cool $18 million at the global box office on a modest $5 million budget, it demonstrated that sometimes, a smaller budget can lead to bigger screams.
Now, let’s talk about what made the original so captivating. Picture this: a group of friends decides to spend the Juneteenth weekend at a remote cabin in the woods. Sounds like a recipe for a fun holiday, right? Wrong. Their vacation takes a hairpin turn into the horrifying when a mysterious serial killer forces them to play a chilling board game called “The Blackening.” The stakes? A terrifying race against time to stop the game, which demands the ultimate sacrifice – the Blackest among them.
But what truly set “The Blackening” apart was its ability to take established horror tropes and inject them with depth and complexity. Dewayne Perkins, who not only co-wrote the film but also starred in it, remarked on this, saying, “Being able to take these tropes and find exactly what makes them complex, what gives them depth, and then forcing that in the movie so that when you start watching it, you see what has been in horror movies before and then the goal of the movie is to constantly break down your assumptions of these characters by constantly forcing depth.”
And it’s not just about the scares. “The Blackening” represented a pivotal moment for Black creatives in the industry, with projects like this one and Tracy Oliver’s “Girls Trip” placing Black talent in positions of power and creativity.
As for the sequel, the excitement is palpable. While details are still scarce, we know that Tracy Oliver and Dewayne Perkins are set to return, and that’s reason enough to start counting down the days. Who from the original cast will join them in this terrifyingly funny journey? We’ll have to wait to find out.
So, mark your calendars for the return of “The Blackening.” If the original was any indication, we’re in for another wild ride filled with laughter, scares, and some serious contemplation about the intricacies of Black identity. Whether you’re a horror aficionado or just looking for a good time at the movies, “The Blackening” sequel promises to be an event you won’t want to miss. Stay tuned for more updates as we eagerly await its release!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Horror-Comedy Sequel
What is “The Blackening” and why is it getting a sequel?
“The Blackening” is a horror-comedy film that gained widespread acclaim for its unique take on the genre and its exploration of characters’ relationships with their Black identity. It’s receiving a sequel due to its critical and commercial success, with positive reviews and a solid box office performance.
Who are the key creators behind “The Blackening” and its sequel?
The original film was directed by Tim Story and written by Tracy Oliver and Dewayne Perkins, both of whom are confirmed to return for the sequel. While the returning cast members for the sequel have not been announced yet, Oliver and Perkins will be back to work their magic.
What made “The Blackening” stand out from other horror-comedies?
“The Blackening” stood out by subverting traditional genre tropes while also delving deep into its characters’ relationship with their Blackness. It skillfully blended humor and horror while offering a fresh take on familiar horror elements.
How did “The Blackening” perform with critics and audiences?
Critics praised “The Blackening,” earning it an 87% Rotten Tomatoes score, while audiences enjoyed it with an 85% approval rating. It also performed well financially, earning $18 million at the global box office on a $5 million budget.
When can we expect the sequel, and what do we know about it?
Details about the sequel are still limited, but we do know that Tracy Oliver and Dewayne Perkins are set to return. As for the release date and other cast members, we’ll have to stay tuned for more updates as production progresses.
More about Horror-Comedy Sequel
- Variety: Lionsgate and MRC Announce “The Blackening” Sequel: The official announcement of the sequel to “The Blackening.”
- Rotten Tomatoes: “The Blackening” Reviews: Check out the critical and audience reviews for the original film.
- FilmSweep Interview with “The Blackening” Team: Learn more about the creative process behind the film from the team themselves.
