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Image Courtesy: The Hollywood Reporter
Legendary guitarist Slash is embarking on a cinematic journey by bringing the cult fantasy movie 'Deathstalker' back as a 'requel.' He collaborated with Canadian producers and filmmaker Steven Kostanski (of The Void and Psycho Goreman) to provide a gritty, nostalgic touch to the 1983 Roger Corman classic. In contrast to the CGI-heavy blockbusters of today, this rendition emphasizes real effects, including stop-motion animation produced by Kostanski's Action Pants FX business, creature suits, and prosthetic makeup. It's a heartfelt ode to practical filming.
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Image Courtesy: The Rolling Stone
A Passion Project Rooted in Nostalgia
While working at Tower Video in the 1980s, Slash first fell in love with 'Deathstalker,' who 'popped up all the time.' After reading the script and identifying with Kostanski's vision, he couldn't resist the opportunity to create a fresh version when Canadian producers acquired the rights. Slash has made it plain that he is not a huge admirer of computer-generated imagery, therefore this was a purposeful return to analog fantasy effects.
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Image Courtesy: Reddit
Daniel Bernhardt, a stunt veteran, plays the hero brandishing the sword. Paul Lazenby, Christina Orjalo, Patton Oswalt, and Nina Bergman are among the other cast members. Principal photography for the film began in April 2024 and ended in October, in Canada.
Comics, Scores & Film Festival Launch
This project is a multi-platform resurrection, not just a film. Slash, author Tim Seeley, and illustrator Jim Terry contributed creatively to the Deathstalker comic series that Vault Comics released before to the movie. Boris Vallejo, the original poster artist, even makes a comeback for the new cover art. The comic, which was funded by a Kickstarter, sold out in a flash.
Music is also very important. Slash, Bear McCreary, and Chuck Cirino collaborated to write the movie's theme song, which combines Slash's rock aesthetic with cinematic music. Mid-August 2025 saw the film's premiere at the 78th Locarno Film Festival, and on 10th October, Shout! Studios will release it in the United States.
Overall, with Slash at the lead, the 'Deathstalker' requel is a daring tribute to 1980s fantasy film. Anticipate realistic gore, medieval creatures, and an unapologetically vintage charm, all rooted in Slash's passion for music, and traditional artistic techniques.
