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Writer/director Michael Dougherty rose up through the Hollywood ranks authoring the scripts for multiple major blockbusters. He co-wrote the screenplay to "X2: X-Men United" and "Superman Returns" (both of which were directed by the now-disgraced Bryan Singer), and proved his horror chops with "Urban Legends: Bloody Mary," a straight-to-video threequel to the oh-yeah-i-remember-that slasher franchise from the late 1990s. Dougherty's directorial debut, the horror anthology "Trick 'r Treat," saw a slow release in 2007, but became a Halloween standard almost immediately thereafter. The man knows how to terrify audiences. His most recent film was the big-budget monster movie "Godzilla: King of the Monsters," the third film in the U.S. MonsterVerse series.

Dougherty's best film, however, came in 2015 when he made "Krampus," a Christmas horror film that's just as much a holiday standard as "Trick 'r Treat," only for Christmas. It features one of the coolest, scariest monsters of...

The last decade has been ripe with twists on the classic horror film genre. Most recently, this has taken the form of mascot horror, a subgenre that essentially turns what could be childhood delight into a source of terror. Popular mascot horror films from the past few years have included Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey, Five Nights at Freddy's, and the upcoming films Bambi: The Reckoning and Peter Pan's Neverland Nightmare. While there are still plenty of conventional horror films being made, audiences are seeming to respond well to those that twist a typically jovial topic into something sinister.

In addition to mascot horror, another growingly popular trope is the Christmas horror film. This is exemplified in several recent films, such as Mean One, which combines mascot and holiday horror. 2024 saw the release of Terrifier 3, a threequel which put Art the Clown in a Christmas setting. Between these and films...

Krampus horror movies portray the evil version of Santa Claus as a violent half-goat, half-demon monster who punishes misbehaving children. Some Krampus movies take a satirical or adventurous approach to the character, making them unique alternate Christmas films. While there are a variety of Krampus movies available, the quality varies wildly, and there's a considerable difference between the best and worst Krampus horror films.

The mythological origins of the Krampus stretch back more than a thousand years, and in the 21st century, the evil version of Santa Claus has made its way into many Krampus horror movies. While Santa Claus is a kind being who gives presents to good boys and girls across the world every Christmas, European folklore supposes that Krampus assists Santa by punishing those children who misbehave throughout the year. However, in Krampus horror movies he's far more violent, and across the very best movies featuring the...

Fans have been waiting 14 years for director Michael Dougherty to get around to making a sequel to his Halloween-themed horror anthology Trick ‘r Treat, but Dougherty has stayed busy as the years have gone by, making the Christmas-themed horror film Krampus, directing Godzilla: King of the Monsters, and contributing to the scripts for X-Men: Apocalypse, Godzilla vs. Kong, and the upcoming Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. Recently, there have been indications that a Trick ‘r Treat 2 might finally be moving forward. Dougherty has even said the screenplay has been written. But while he pushes that sequel toward production, he has revealed to Collider that he has an idea for Krampus 2 as well.

Dougherty told them, “We have an idea for a sequel on that one, too. It doesn’t necessarily center around a family as much as it might be about a group of strangers who are trapped somewhere.

Michael Dougherty (Trick ‘r Treat) made his mark on Christmas horror with Krampus back in 2015, a box office hit that was ripe with franchise potential. Much like Trick ‘r Treat, however, we’re still waiting for a sequel nearly ten years later. Does Dougherty have any plans to bring the holiday beast back to the screen any time soon? It sounds like he might…

Speaking with Collider after a recent screening of Trick ‘r Treat, where he also teased Trick ‘r Treat 2, Doughtery noted that he and his team have discussed Krampus sequel plans.

“We have an idea for a sequel on that one, too,” Dougherty explained.

“It doesn’t necessarily center around a family as much as it might be about a group of strangers who are trapped somewhere,” the filmmaker continued.

This doesn’t mean Krampus 2 is happening, but it’s interesting to hear that Dougherty...

Krampus 2 is not confirmed, but director Michael Dougherty has an idea for a sequel involving a group of strangers trapped somewhere. The first Krampus movie had mixed reviews from critics and audiences, but it did well at the box office. The shocking ending of Krampus sets up the potential for a sequel, with the idea of entrapment being explored in Krampus 2.

Krampus 2 receives a story update from director Michael Dougherty after eight years. Released in 2015, the horror-comedy tells the story of a young boy whose bummer Christmas accidentally summons a demonic force Krampus, who punishes those who do not believe in the holiday spirit. Krampus was met with mixed reviews at the time but has had some viewers hoping for a sequel.

Now, Dougherty provides a glimpse into what Krampus 2 might look like. Speaking with Collider, the director mentioned that he has “an idea for a sequel” to Krampus.

Christmas horror movies have long been one of the best parts of the festive season, and over the past decade interest in the festive beastie known as the Krampus has been on the rise.

But who is the devilish creature? And which of the eleven feature films (of vastly varying quality) that have taken their name from the Krampus mythology are most similar to the actual ancient folklore that inspired them?

2020 has been a year of horrors so it seems only fitting to do a deep dive investigation into this most important of Christmas horror queries so you can celebrate this year’s Krampusnacht in style and accuracy!

The Origins of the Krampus

So the creepy European tale of the Krampus goes a little something like this: Krampus accompanies St. Nick on his gift giving rounds, but instead of offering rewards for good kids he punishes bad ones. It adds...

There are killer clowns. And then there are shock-inducing murder clowns that will evaporate your spine with just one wink and honk of the nose. Crepitus definitely falls into this later category. We've been dreading Crepitus' arrival for awhile now, but it appears this teeth-ripping blood ghoul is ready to feast. Today, we have a new trailer that brings the dirty, feces-stained, soon-to-be infamous horror legend out of hiding.

Horror icon Bill Moseley returns to star as the creepy killer clown Crepitus. Trust us when we say Pennywise has got nothing on this hell spawn. The world premiere for Crepitus has been set for the Spooky Empire Film Festival in Orlando, Florida. Things kick off this Friday, October 26. In celebration of Crepitus' big coming out party, producers behind the movie have released a new festival trailer, which arrives just in time for Halloween.

Crepitus gives Bill Moseley another wicked leading...

You know Krampus. But you don't know this. A terrifying new slay ride through the holiday season promises to bring one killer Christmas as it reveals the dark origins of a yule tide legend. Today, we have the very scary first look at Krampus Origins. And it's not even Halloween yet.

Krampus Origins features teen star Anna Harr in a prequel that is sure to freeze winter in absolute terror. Harr is known for her star turns in Bethany and Restoration. Joining at her side is Maria Olsen, who you'll remember from Paranormal Activity 3 and Percy Jackson. She'll next be seen in the revenge horror thriller I Spit on Your Grave: Deja Vu. This movie, which explores where Krampus came from, and how he got such a bad reputation, comes from writer and Krampus franchise producer Robert Conway.

It knows when you're sleeping, It knows when you're awake. It...

Michael Dougherty’s Krampus sure opened up the floodgates for all sorts of copycats, huh? Right around the time the film hit theaters, several similarly-titled movies began popping up; there’s even a film out there titled Krampus 2, which of course doesn’t have anything to do with Dougherty’s holiday horror gem. But a female Krampus? Well, […]...

Seth Metoyer

MoreHorror.com

I've been following the buzz about the upcoming horror film Crepitus via the Twitter account of young actress Chalet Brannan who stars as Sam in the film.

As details slowly begin to surface about the movie starring horror veteran Bill Moseley, an interesting contest for the film has reared its head.

Ginger Knight Entertainment is holding a contest that will allow four people to have a photo of themselves (from the age of ten) include in a sinister family album that is featured in the film Crepitus.

To enter the contest, click the link here, and read all the details about Crepitus below.

From The Press Release

Ginger Knight entertainment has recently finished filming one of two shoots for Crepitus, starring Bill Moseley (Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, House of 1000 Corpses and Devil's rejects, Repo! The Generic Opera, Army of Darkness), directed by Haynze Whitmore. This is...

Happy October, everyone! As expected, our favorite month is kicking off with a ton of horror and sci-fi home releases – 25 to be precise – and there’s a great selection of new and old titles coming our way on October 4th. As far as recent movies, The Purge: Election Year, The Mind’s Eye, Swiss Army Man and Fender Bender all arrive on both Blu and DVD this week, as well as the stunning South Korean horror film The Wailing. Several great cult classics are getting the HD treatment on Tuesday, including Terence Fisher’s The Earth Dies Screaming and Richard Wenk’s Vamp (both hugely underrated films, in my opinion).

Other notable Blu-ray and DVD releases for October 4th include X-Men: Apocalypse, House of Manson, Daughter of Dracula, Sharknado: The 4th Awakens, They’re Watching and Chosen Survivors.

The Earth Dies Screaming (1964) (Kino Lorber, Blu-ray)

Their target: Humanity.

Reviewed by Jesse Miller

MoreHorror.com

Krampus:The Devil Devil Returns

Synopsis: Five years after the murder of his wife and disappearance of his daughter, former police officer Jeremy Duffin is brought back to help in the hunt for a yuletide monster that punishes children that have been "naughty." As the monster becomes more erratic and unpredictable, Jeremy learns the truth about the disappearance of his daughter and the fate that has been bestowed upon him by an unlikely source. Can Jeremy finally end the nightmare Christmas monster that has terrorized this town for years?

Returning as Writer/Director to the world he created, Jason Hull has brought us all an early gift for Christmas in the form of this beast of a sequel to his 2013 feature Krampus: The Christmas Devil.

Also returning is A.J Leslie, now looking a little grizzled, as he’s brought back into the mix after...

Horror fans may know John Franklin as Isaac from Children of the Corn and Cousin Itt from the Addams Family movies, but now the actor is conjuring more scares (and humor) with his new graphic novel, Prime Cuts Volume 2, and we have a look at preview pages from the horror comedy comic. Also: VHS and DVD release details for Scary Tales, preview pages from the online comic book adaptation of El Gigante, and Witchula pre-production details.

Prime Cuts Volume 2 Graphic Novel Release Details & Preview Pages: “With one quick slash from his sharpened razor, things have gone from pretty crappy to mostly rotten for aspiring barber and revenge-seeker Todd Sweeney. A dead body, the sudden appearance of an androgynous meat inspector and the hovering presence of the local skanks are only sidelining his goals. Why can”t Fate ever work out in his favor?!! Goth mistress and pizza maker Electra Love...

MoreHorror.com

Krampus is back with another naughty list and the debut trailer for the upcoming indie horror film Krampus: The Devil Returns has released.

Krampus Returns is the follow up effort of Krampus: The Christmas Devil which released in 2014.

Krampus: The Devil Returns is written by A.J. Leslie and Jason Hull, and is directed by Hull. Featuring Rich Goteri, R.A. Mihailoff, A.J. Leslie, Mike Mili, Tiffani Fest, Paul Ferm, Darin Foltz, and a special appearance by Melantha Blackthorne, and Ben Berlin as Krampus.

The film will be released worldwide 9/2016 via ITN Distribution. Check out the trailer below the synopsis.

Synopsis

Krampus is based on actual mythology dating back to 17th century Alpine/Eastern European lore. Krampus is Saint Nick’s evil brother. However, unlike St. Nick, Krampus brings wrath on children who misbehave. This story takes place shortly after the demise of Jeremy’s (A.J. Leslie) family. Krampus has...

By Seth Metoyer

MoreHorror.com

Can't get enough Krampus? Well that's good because there's more on the way. The first official teaser for Snowdog Studio's 2016 release of Krampus: The Devil Returns has released. It can be checked out below.

The film stars Rich Goteri, R. A. Mihailoff, A. J. Leslie, Mike Mili, Tiffani Fest, Darin Foltz, featuring Melantha Blackthorne. Written and Directed by Jason Hull.

The story of Krampus is based on actual mythology dating back to 17th century Alpine/Eastern European lore. Krampus is Saint Nick's evil brother. However, unlike St. Nick, Krampus brings wrath on children who misbehave. This story takes place shortly after the demise of Jeremy's (A.J. Leslie) family. Krampus has returned to this small community and is seemingly out of control on his quest to punish bad children.

In the sequel, Jeremy is brought back to help end the reign of terror that...

By Seth Metoyer

MoreHorror.com

Director Jason Hull will be helming the sequel to his 2014 film Krampus: The Christmas Devil. Krampus: The Devil Returns will begin filming this winter. Read all about if below!

From The Press Release:

Director Jason Hull and Snowdog Studio announce their sequel to 2014's"Krampus: The Christmas Devil," in "Krampus: The Devil Returns." Jason states that production on this rendition will be further elevated, promising to include more of "what the fans requested," in more blood, more Krampus, more Santa, and a spectacular cast.

Attached to the film are Bill Moseley (Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, Devil's Rejects), Kane Hodder (Friday the 13th VII, VIII, and X, Frozen), Robert Mukes (House of 1,000 Corpses), Tiffani Fest (Circus of the Dead), and scream queen darling Melantha Blackthorne (Sinners and Saints, A Grim Becoming) will be joining various returning members from the prior cast, including Rich Goteri, Mike Mili, A.J. Leslie,...

Last week we learned that Michael Dougherty (Trick 'r Treat) is working on a movie about mythical holiday demon Krampus, which surprised us considering Kevin Smith also has a similar project in the works. Now, a third Krampus flick has come to light...

...and it's already in the bag and headed to Cannes!

We've learned today that ITN Distribution is bringing indie filmmaker Jason Hull's Krampus: The Christmas Devil to the Cannes Film Festival, which kicks off this week. Beating both Dougherty and Smith to the punch, this is the very first feature length film about the Alpine child-eater.

Hull is already at work on a sequel, entitled Krampus: The Devil Returns, which is set for release next year.

Bill Oberst, Jr., stars in Krampus: The Christmas Devil alongside Richard Goteri and A.J. Leslie.

Synopsis

Jeremy, a local police officer, leads a life of a confusing past, spending his...