The Whacky Prophecy Comes True in ‘Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls’ New Trailer

THE OVERALL SCOOP

‘Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls’ is a madcap fusion of horror and comedy that features the internet sensation Onyx transforming from a down-and-out guy to a hero of prophetic stature. The story unfolds around Marcus J. Trillbury, better known as Onyx, who finds himself invited to a mystical ritual at Bartok’s mansion where he learns that he is to be “The Virgin” in a demonic summoning. Despite a cocktail of reviews, the film made waves on Kickstarter and is set for a unique, one-night screening across America on October 19.

Earlier this year, creator Andrew Bowser introduced his internet-famous occult aficionado Onyx the Fortuitous to the Sundance Film Festival via his feature film, ‘Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls.’ Advertised as a stepping stone into the horror genre, the film takes viewers on a wild ride with Marcus J. Trillbury—alias Onyx—whose life takes a surreal turn after receiving an exclusive invitation to spend an unforgettable evening at the residence of his idol, Bartok the Great. Now, a fresh trailer has been dropped by Cineverse, transforming Onyx from a burger-flipper to a hero foretold by prophecy.

In the opening moments of the trailer, Marcus is a total non-entity. He endures a dead-end job at a fast-food restaurant where not even the name tag can get his identity correct. His boss seems like a candidate for the World’s Worst Employer award, and the customers take fiendish delight in making his life a living nightmare. But the game changes entirely when Marcus is summoned to Bartok’s mansion for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to help summon the ancient demon Abaddon. Here, Marcus discovers that his role in this mystic charade is as “The Virgin.” However, a larger destiny looms for him in this spook-tastic comedy. The prophecy hints at the “fortuitous one,” and there’s no guessing twice—it has to be Onyx. Now neck-deep in peril he didn’t anticipate, Marcus and his newfound compatriots must battle to save their souls while contemplating the price tag attached to his destiny.

‘Onyx the Fortuitous’ skyrocketed as a Kickstarter darling, thanks to a fanbase enamored with Bowser’s original creation. On the internet, Onyx has racked up over 300 million eyeballs and gained a TikTok army exceeding one million followers for his role as the laugh-inducing “Weird Guy.” Bowser infuses the same comedic elements into the film, paying homage to ’80s staples like Beetlejuice and Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure, complete with a host of practical effects and creepy critters, courtesy of Adam Dougherty of Kreature Kid.

INTERVIEW BUZZ

During Sundance, FilmSweep’s Steve Weintraub got the chance to sit down with Bowser and the cast, who were all emphatic about the blast they had while making the film. Olivia Taylor Dudley, who plays Bartok’s representative Farrah, gleefully stated:

“Compared to any other project I’ve been a part of, either as an actor or a producer, this set was the most fun anyone’s ever had. From the get-go, everyone sensed this was a unique project that we were all deeply invested in. There were no prima donnas; the whole crew was committed to making every frame as amazing as possible, and that genuine enthusiasm really shines through in the final product.”

WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST?

Andrew Bowser wears multiple hats as writer, director, and actor, sharing screen space with a lineup of horror old-timers. Jeffrey Combs, known for his iconic role as Herbert West in the cult classic Re-Animator movies, plays Bartok the Great. The ensemble cast also includes genre stalwarts like Barbara Crampton, Ralph Ineson, Terrence Carson, Rivkah Reyes, TC Carson, Arden Myrin, and Melanie Chandra.

Although it didn’t sweep the critics off their feet—FilmSweep’s Chase Hutchinson awarded the movie a lackluster ‘D’—’Onyx the Fortuitous’ still emerged as a hit from Sundance, garnering a 68% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It seems to be following in the footsteps of ‘Terrifier 2’ and will grace theaters via Bloody Disgusting and SCREAMBOX in partnership with Fathom Events for an exclusive one-night screening on October 19. Audiences can catch two screenings at 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., featuring an intro by Bowser himself.

Be sure to catch the new trailer below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls

More about Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls

• Watch the New Trailer for ‘Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls’
• Kickstarter Campaign for ‘Onyx the Fortuitous’
• Interview with Andrew Bowser and Cast at Sundance
• Rotten Tomatoes Reviews for ‘Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls’
• ’80s Classics that Inspired ‘Onyx the Fortuitous’
• Fathom Events One-Night Screening Information
• Meet Adam Dougherty of Kreature Kid
• FilmSweep’s Review of ‘Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls’