Alam Nyo Ba?

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story teaser trailer unleashes Netflix’s bloody new season

Netflix has released the first teaser trailer for Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story, the fourth season of Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan’s hit true crime anthology series Monster. Starring Ella Beatty as Lizzie Borden, the new season brings one of America’s most notorious unsolved murder cases to the screen this September. You can watch the teaser trailer for Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story in the embed above.

The eight-episode limited series premieres on Netflix on September 17, 2026, just in time for the Halloween season.

The teaser gives viewers a look at Beatty as Lizzie Borden, who was accused of murdering her father, Andrew Borden, and stepmother, Abby Borden, with an axe in their Massachusetts home in 1892. While Borden was ultimately acquitted of the murders, the shocking case became one of the most infamous crimes in American history. More than a century later, the question of whether Lizzie Borden actually committed the murders remains a subject of fascination. Netflix’s Monster is putting its own spin on that mystery.

The official synopsis for Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story reads:

“When the repressed daughter of a wealthy New England family and her rebellious maid find themselves trapped in a house built on humiliation and cruelty, they escape into a fantasy of sex, power, and revenge. The gruesome unsolved murders that follow don’t just shock the world—they give birth to an icon who refuses to live imprisoned in a cage, choosing instead to forge her own legend: shocking, monstrous, and gloriously free.”

Ella Beatty Plays Lizzie Borden

Ella Beatty leads Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story as Lizzie Borden. Beatty has previously appeared in Feud: Capote vs. The Swans, and she has spoken about her personal fascination with Borden’s story. She previously told Netflix’s Tudum that she was excited to explore “this complicated person” and examine a crime that has become “almost mythic” in American history. The actress also highlighted the season’s focus on female rage and repression.

This makes Lizzie Borden Story a change for the Monster anthology. Previous seasons have focused on Jeffrey Dahmer, Lyle and Erik Menendez, and Ed Gein. Lizzie Borden becomes the first female subject to headline the anthology.

Who Stars in Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story?

Beatty is joined by an impressive ensemble cast. Phantom Thread star Vicky Krieps plays Borden family maid Bridget Sullivan, while Godzilla vs. Kong star Rebecca Hall portrays Lizzie’s stepmother, Abby Borden. Charlie Hunnam plays Lizzie’s father, Andrew Borden, while Billie Lourd portrays her older sister, Emma Borden.

The cast also includes Jessica Barden as Nance O’Neill, a stage actress whose close friendship with Lizzie creates tension between Lizzie and Emma, and Joey Pollari as Lizzie’s uncle, John Morse. Sarah Paulson is also part of the season’s cast, portraying serial killer Aileen Wuornos.

Who Is Directing Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story?

Max Winkler directs episodes 401, 402, 403, 405, 407, and 408 of the new season, while Sarah Adina Smith directs episodes 404 and 406. Winkler previously directed several episodes of American Horror Story and is married to Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story star Jessica Barden.

The series comes from Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, who created the Monster anthology for Netflix.

The Real Lizzie Borden

Lizzie Borden became one of America’s most famous alleged murderers after her father and stepmother were found brutally murdered at the Borden family home in Fall River, Massachusetts, on August 4, 1892. Borden was accused of killing both with an axe. Her subsequent trial attracted enormous public attention, but she was acquitted in 1893. Despite the verdict, the case has never disappeared from popular culture.

Borden’s story has previously been adapted for television and film, including the 2014 Lifetime movie Lizzie Borden Took an Ax, starring Christina Ricci; the 2015 limited series The Lizzie Borden Chronicles; and the 2018 feature film Lizzie, starring ChloĂ« Sevigny and Kristen Stewart.

When Does Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story Premiere?

Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story premieres on Netflix on September 17, 2026. The eight-episode limited series will continue Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan’s Monster anthology while turning its attention to one of America’s most enduring murder mysteries.

Are you looking forward to Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story? What do you think of the teaser trailer? Let us know in the comments.

The post Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story teaser trailer unleashes Netflix’s bloody new season appeared first on JoBlo.


Halloween: The Game has been refused classification in Australia and won’t be sold in New Zealand

IllFonic’s upcoming Halloween: The Game has run into a major problem in Australia. The multiplayer horror game has been refused classification by the Australian Classification Board, meaning it cannot currently be legally sold through Australian storefronts. Even stranger, IllFonic says the game will also not be released in New Zealand, despite New Zealand having its own classification system.

The reason for the Australian refusal appears to involve an in-game marijuana mechanic that rewards players for using the drug. While the Australian Classification Board has not yet published its official decision, the board has confirmed that games featuring illicit drug use connected to incentives or rewards cannot receive an R18+ rating and must instead be refused classification.

IllFonic announced the news through the official Halloween: The Game social media account, explaining that the Australian Classification Board had denied the game a rating.

“Despite every effort on our part, the Australian Classifications [sic] Board has denied ‘Halloween: The Game’ a rating,” IllFonic said. “The denial was not based on the presence of the iconic slasher, Michael Myers, or the outstanding kills that can be performed in the game, but rather the presence of a controlled substance. Unfortunately, to our disappointment (and certainly yours) this means that we cannot sell the physical or digital product in both Australia and New Zealand.”

It’s important to note that Australia does not prohibit games simply because they contain illicit drugs. Its classification guidelines allow drug use at the MA15+ and R18+ levels, depending on its impact. (For example, Grand Theft Auto V and Far Cry 3 both feature marijuana, but received ratings in Australia.) What the guidelines prohibit is illicit drug use that is connected to an incentive or reward.

According to reports about Halloween: The Game, players can smoke marijuana in the game as a gameplay mechanic, with the drug use providing a benefit by revealing Michael Myers’ location on the map. That connection between drug use and an in-game reward appears to be the issue behind the refusal.

The Australian Classification Board confirmed that point when asked about the game. “The Classification Board has not yet published a decision in relation to Halloween: The Game,” a spokesperson told IGN. “Games containing illicit drug use related to incentives or rewards cannot be accommodated within the R18+ classification category and must be Refused Classification under the Guidelines.

Why Was Halloween: The Game Refused Classification in Australia?

Halloween: The Game had already received an Australian R18+ rating for its pre-order content in July. That rating was obtained through the International Age Rating Coalition’s automated rating system, which is available for free. In Australia, IARC ratings can be automatically published to the country’s National Classification Database.

There is a limitation, though. Australia’s automated IARC system is intended for games distributed exclusively in digital form. If Halloween: The Game was intended to receive a physical release in Australia, it would have required submission to the Australian Classification Board for a human classification. It is unclear whether IllFonic or a local distributor submitted the full game to the board, and the Classification Board did not answer questions about that process. There is also an appeals process. Developers can appeal a refused classification decision to Australia’s Classification Review Board, which is a separate panel. It is not clear whether or not IllFonic has chosen to appeal.

Other Games Have Found Ways Around Australia’s Rules

State of Decay, released in 2013, was initially refused classification in Australia because it connected real-world prohibited substances with health boosts and other gameplay benefits. The developer subsequently changed the terminology, referring to the substances as “vitamins,” and the revised version received an R18+ classification. Bethesda took a similar approach with Fallout 3 in 2008. The game’s morphine was renamed “Med-X” for the Australian release, allowing the game to avoid the classification problem.

That history raises an obvious question about Halloween: The Game: Could IllFonic modify the drug-related mechanic for Australia rather than abandoning the market entirely?

Why Isn’t Halloween: The Game Being Sold in New Zealand?

Australia and New Zealand are separate countries with separate governments and separate classification systems. New Zealand’s Classification Office makes its own decisions regarding video games, meaning a refusal by the Australian Classification Board does not automatically constitute a ban in New Zealand. Nevertheless, IllFonic has stated that the Australian classification issue means Halloween: The Game will not be sold physically or digitally in either country.

The developer has not explained why it has chosen to treat Australia and New Zealand as a single market in this situation. It may be a business decision to avoid creating a separate version of the game for the region.

For players in both countries, the impact might be limited. In 2026, purchasing games through international digital storefronts is fairly easy, and a refused classification in Australia wouldn’t necessarily prevent determined players from obtaining a game through another market.

Still, Halloween: The Game now joins a long list of games that have run afoul of Australia’s unusually strict rules concerning drugs and gameplay rewards. And in this case, the situation has produced a strange result: a classification problem in Australia has also kept the game out of New Zealand, even though New Zealand has its own classification system.

What will the Halloween video game be like?

Halloween will offer a single-player mode, offline bot combat, and online asymmetrical PVP gameplay. It will also include multiple maps and “authentic locations” from the classic film. The teaser embedded above takes us to Haddonfield, Illinois, on Halloween night. As the residents of the sleepy town prepare for an evening of tricks and treats, we find a woman running for her life from door to door, hoping to get someone, anyone, to help her escape the masked killer following close behind. As she scambles to gain the upper hand, we hear the wise warnings of Dr. Samuel Loomis (thanks to a solid Donald Pleasence impersonator), warning us about the black-hearted Boogeyman who comes to Haddonfield. 

John Carpenter is on board as an executive producer. The motion-capture performance for Michael Myers has been provided by Nick Castle, who played Myers in the original film, and stuntman TJ Storm, whose mo-cap credits include Deadpool (as Colossus), Captain America: Civil War (as Iron Man), The Predator (as the Predator), and Godzilla and Godzilla: King of the Monsters, where he played Godzilla. Castle, who was absent from the Halloween franchise for decades before being brought back for cameos in the recent Blumhouse-produced trilogy of sequels, told the official website that being asked to do the mo-cap performance for Myers in the game made him “go watch the movie again to see just what the hell I did that contributes to the success of the character.

In the recent Friday the 13th video game, counselors could radio for help from Tommy Jarvis, a character from the fourth, fifth, and sixth films – and, in the game, the only character capable of killing masked slasher Jason Voorhees. No one could choose to play as Tommy from the start; a player whose counselor character was killed by Jason early on during the match would be brought back into the game as Tommy. Sounds like that’s the same way Michael Myers’ iconic nemesis Doctor Loomis will be brought into matches of the Halloween video game.

Maps include Haddonfield Heights, the Haddonfield Town Center, and Orange Grove Estates.

What do you think of Halloween: The Game being refused classification in Australia, and also not being sold in New Zealand? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

The post Halloween: The Game has been refused classification in Australia and won’t be sold in New Zealand appeared first on JoBlo.


Tuesday, August 11, 2026

Parker Finn’s Possession remake, starring Margaret Qualley and Callum Turner, sets 2027 release date

Parker Finn’s highly anticipated remake of Possession finally has a release date. Paramount has announced that the new take on Andrzej Ĺ»uĹ‚awski’s 1981 psychological horror classic will hit theaters on June 11, 2027, putting Possession on the big screen next summer.

The film stars Margaret Qualley and Callum Turner as the central married couple, with Diego Calva, Madeline Brewer, Emory Cohen, Nicholas Alexander Chavez, and Paul Dano also appearing in currently undisclosed roles. And for those curious about what the remake actually looks like, we’ve got you covered: we’re including several set photos of Margaret Qualley and some of Callum Turner below, offering an early glimpse at the stars during production.

The new Possession will open against some significant competition, arriving the same day as Universal’s live-action How to Train Your Dragon 2.

Parker Finn is remaking Possession

Finn, the filmmaker behind the hit horror movies Smile and Smile 2, is writing and directing the new Possession. The original film was written and directed by Polish filmmaker Andrzej Żuławski and starred Sam Neill and Isabelle Adjani as Mark and Anna, a married couple whose already troubled relationship takes an increasingly horrifying turn.

Set against the backdrop of Cold War-era West Berlin, Possession begins as a story about a marriage falling apart before descending into infidelity, paranoia, psychological breakdown, murder, body horror, and supernatural madness.

The film earned Adjani the Best Actress prize at the Cannes Film Festival.

Margaret Qualley and Callum Turner lead the remake

Qualley and Turner will take on the roles of the husband and wife at the center of Finn’s story. Qualley has become one of the most acclaimed young actresses working today, with roles in The Substance, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and Poor Things among her recent credits. She’ll next appear in Ridley Scott’s apocalyptic science-fiction thriller The Dog Stars, as well as the romantic drama Love of Your Life and Jeff Nichols’ King Snake.

Turner’s credits include Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, The Boys in the Boat, and Eternity. He also appears with Monica Barbaro in the romantic comedy One Night Only.

Robert Pattinson is producing Possession

Finn is producing the remake alongside Jonathan Fass through Finn’s Bad Feeling banner. The producing team also includes Roy Lee and Andrew Childs through Vertigo Entertainment, with Robert Pattinson also serving as a producer. Marc Bienstock is executive producing.

The project therefore reunites some major names from contemporary genre filmmaking with a filmmaker who has quickly established himself as one of the biggest new names in horror.

Possession is one of horror’s toughest movies to remake

There is an obvious question hanging over the project: How do you remake Possession? Ĺ»uĹ‚awski’s film is notoriously intense, strange, and personal. Its story of a marriage collapsing into madness is already disturbing enough, but the filmmaker pushes the material into increasingly surreal territory, culminating in imagery and performances that have become legendary among horror fans. The original is also deeply connected to Ĺ»uĹ‚awski’s own life, including his divorce and experiences of exile from Poland. That has made the prospect of a remake controversial among fans since Finn’s project was first announced.

But the new movie has received an important vote of confidence from the actress who originally played Anna. Isabelle Adjani has given Margaret Qualley her blessing to take on the role. Adjani previously praised Qualley as an exceptionally talented actress and said she understood why a new generation of filmmakers would want to revisit the material.

Not everyone is convinced that Possession needs to be remade, however. JoBlo’s own Chris Bumbray has previously argued that the original’s Cold War setting, emotional intensity, and unforgettable finale make it a difficult film to recreate. That debate will likely continue until audiences finally get to see Finn’s version.

When will Parker Finn’s Possession be released?

Possession will be released exclusively in theaters on June 11, 2027. Will you be watching? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

The post Parker Finn’s Possession remake, starring Margaret Qualley and Callum Turner, sets 2027 release date appeared first on JoBlo.


Crystal Lake showrunner promises Pamela Voorhees goes “full Friday the 13th” in Peacock prequel

Fans hoping Crystal Lake will unleash the kind of bloody slasher mayhem associated with the Friday the 13th movies can breathe a sigh of relief. Showrunner Brad Caleb Kane has promised that Pamela Voorhees eventually goes “full Friday the 13th” in Peacock’s upcoming prequel series.

Kane made the comments alongside star Linda Cardellini during NBC’s backlot promotional event on August 10, where the pair discussed what fans can expect from the highly anticipated series.

Crystal Lake premieres all eight episodes on Peacock on October 15, 2026, telling the story of Pamela Voorhees and her young son Jason years before the events of the original Friday the 13th. And while Kane is deliberately taking the series in a different direction from a traditional Friday the 13th movie, he promises that the bloodshed is coming.

Pamela Voorhees Goes “Full Friday the 13th”

The first episodes of Crystal Lake won’t necessarily resemble the Friday the 13th movies fans grew up watching. Kane explained that the series is intentionally taking a broader approach to the mythology, focusing on the town of Crystal Lake and Pamela Voorhees rather than simply recreating the familiar formula of teenagers arriving at a summer camp and being picked off one by one.

You watch the first four episodes, and you go ‘Okay. They are telling a story, and there’s a little bit of paranoid conspiracy thriller here, and it’s a psychological devolution or evolution, however you want to put it; but where’s Friday the 13th?’ Pam goes full Friday the 13th in this season, and you will see it.

Kane also promised that the series will deliver the kind of kills longtime fans are expecting. “There are a series of kills that are everything the movies do, and, hopefully, it will satisfy the real hunt hack-and-slash fans, too; we build to it, but it’s coming.

So Crystal Lake may take its time getting there, but the showrunner doesn’t want anyone thinking this is a Friday the 13th project without the slasher component.

Why Crystal Lake Is Different From Friday the 13th

Kane knows that fans already have a very specific idea of what a Friday the 13th movie should look like. “I think the biggest conceptual issue was people know what to expect from a Friday the 13th — or at least they know what a Friday the 13th movie should be. It’s a teens go out to a place, they are having sex and doing drugs, and then they are hunted by Mrs. Voorhees or Jason in the subsequent films — or Roy in [movie] number five, for those die-hards. But, thankfully, we weren’t making a Friday the 13th movie. This was called Crystal Lake, and we were doing a story about the town and a prequel about Jason’s mom, and it was really fresh snow. We could build it however we wanted.

That freedom allowed Kane to bring other cinematic influences into a franchise he has loved since he was young. “And feeling ownership for the franchise as a long-time fan and a lover of it, truly die-hard lover, I knew what I wanted to see as a grown-up Friday the 13th fan. But I also grew up a little bit and became interested in other films and other themes in films, and I wanted to bring all of that cinema love to my love for Friday the 13th. So I was really given carte blanche.

Kane also previously helped create the It prequel series It: Welcome to Derry, making Crystal Lake another major opportunity for him to put his own spin on established horror mythology.

Crystal Lake Will Be Packed With Friday the 13th Easter Eggs

Although Kane is deliberately doing something different with the series, he doesn’t want longtime fans to feel left behind. He promised that Crystal Lake will contain plenty of Easter eggs and references to the original movies. “I wanted also to honor the fans of those original movies and myself as an original fan of those movies by giving as many Easter eggs as made sense within the context of this story as possible, and I think we did that a lot.

And apparently, some of those references go further than a familiar name or background detail. “We do more than give you Easter eggs going into [Episodes] 5 to 6. We re-create things, which I won’t spoil here.

Linda Cardellini Pays Tribute to Betsy Palmer’s Pamela

Cardellini also discussed the challenge of playing a younger version of Pamela Voorhees, a character made iconic by Betsy Palmer in the original 1980 Friday the 13th. Cardellini has obviously studied Palmer’s performance, but she wasn’t interested in simply imitating it.

I have, of course, seen what Betsy Palmer did,” Cardellini said. “You can’t duplicate what Betsy did, but what she did is play this devoted mother, and so, for that, I can take that and sort of bring that to the early childhood years of Jason’s life. I also think that you don’t get to where Betsy is without really truly loving Jason and getting to know him. So that was really important to us, too, going in.

Cardellini even revealed that fans should keep an eye out for a familiar piece of Pamela’s wardrobe. “I do a little bit of an homage to a certain sweater, I think, that makes an appearance.

Oh, it’s in there,” Kane confirmed.

What Is Crystal Lake About?

Crystal Lake is a prequel to the Friday the 13th franchise, exploring Pamela Voorhees’ life before the events of the original movie. The series follows single mother Pam Voorhees, who is struggling with grief nearly a year after her young, sickly son Jason tragically drowned in Crystal Lake. When two strangers arrive at Pam’s door investigating her past, a disturbing chain of events begins. The people of Crystal Lake are soon left wondering exactly who Pamela Voorhees really is.

Linda Cardellini stars as Pamela, while Callum Vinson (Chucky) plays young Jason Voorhees.

The cast also includes William Catlett as Police Chief Levon Brooks, along with Devin Kessler, Cameron Scoggins, and Gwendolyn Sundstrom.

The series was originally ordered by Peacock in 2022, with Bryan Fuller attached as writer and showrunner. Fuller departed the project in 2024, after which Kane took over creative duties.

When Does Crystal Lake Premiere?

All eight episodes of Crystal Lake premiere October 15, 2026, on Peacock. The series has also been selected for the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival, while Warner Bros. Discovery has acquired the show for HBO Max across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Sky and its streaming service Now will be bringing the series to the UK and Ireland.

Are you looking forward to watching Linda Cardellini’s Pamela Voorhees go “full Friday the 13th” in Crystal Lake? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

The post Crystal Lake showrunner promises Pamela Voorhees goes “full Friday the 13th” in Peacock prequel appeared first on JoBlo.


Chris Carter’s X-Files Movie Returns as Ryan Coogler’s Reboot Moves Forward at Hulu

Chris Carter is revisiting the past while Ryan Coogler prepares to take The X-Files into the future. Nearly 20 years after The X-Files: I Want to Believe arrived in theaters, Carter’s new cut of the 2008 supernatural thriller, The X-Files: I Want to Believe – Vrach Frankenshteyn, is set to premiere on August 14, 2026, on Hulu and Disney+. The release comes at an interesting time for the franchise, as Coogler is developing a new X-Files series for Hulu.

Carter directed the original movie and co-wrote it with Fran Spotnitz. The film reunited David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson as Fox Mulder and Dana Scully, with Mitch Pileggi returning as Walter Skinner. While the new Vrach Frankenshteyn cut restores and intensifies horror elements that were removed from the theatrical version to achieve a PG-13 rating, the timing of its release also offers fans a chance to revisit Mulder and Scully just as a new generation of X-Files investigators is taking shape.

What Is The X-Files: I Want to Believe About?

When a group of women is mysteriously abducted, it becomes a case right out of The X-Files. Years after walking away from the FBI, Fox Mulder and Dr. Dana Scully are pulled back from the shadows when a federal agent vanishes without a trace. In a case you’d never see on TV, their only lead is a disgraced, defrocked priest claiming to have horrific psychic visions of the crime. Forced to confront the ghosts of their past, the partners must navigate a chilling winter landscape and an even darker human monstrosity. The truth of these crimes is out there somewhere … and it will take Mulder and Scully to find it.

The film is a contemporary take on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, which is reflected in the new Vrach Frankenshteyn title. The new cut also gives Carter the opportunity to restore material that was considered too frightening for the theatrical movie’s PG-13 rating.

Carter has previously explained that the original version was significantly scarier before studio and ratings concerns led to the horror being toned down. The director’s cut therefore isn’t simply an extended version of the movie (it’s actually shorter than the theatrical cut): it represents Carter’s opportunity to bring more of the horror he originally intended back to the screen.

Why Is the New X-Files Cut Arriving Now?

The timing of Vrach Frankenshteyn is particularly interesting because The X-Files is preparing for another major reinvention. Ryan Coogler is developing a new X-Files series for Hulu, with the filmmaker writing and directing the pilot. Rather than continuing the adventures of Mulder and Scully, the reboot will introduce two new FBI agents played by Danielle Deadwyler and Himesh Patel. The pair will portray highly decorated but vastly different agents who form an unlikely partnership when they are assigned to a long-shuttered division dedicated to cases involving unexplained phenomena.

The new X-Files series is also building an impressive supporting cast. Amy Madigan, Steve Buscemi, Ben Foster, Devery Jacobs, Lochlyn Munro, Tantoo Cardinal, Joel D. Montgrand, and Sofia Grace Clifton have all been announced for the project.

Reports indicate that filming on the two-hour pilot (which was apparently shot on 65mm) wrapped a couple of months ago.

Will Mulder and Scully Return?

For now, Coogler‘s reboot is centered on Deadwyler and Patel rather than Duchovny and Anderson. The new series is being positioned as a fresh take on The X-Files, with its own characters and mythology. Whether that eventually leaves room for appearances from the original cast remains to be seen, but it is known that Coogler has been in contact with both Duchovny and Anderson.

Carter told The Hollywood Reporter that while he wants to “continue to tell and finish the story arc” he had in mind for The X-Files, he also doesn’t want to get in the way of Coogler’s take on the concept. “I don’t want to do anything to compete with that. I don’t want to do anything to get in the way of that. I don’t want to play off of that. That said, I’m anxiously awaiting his version. My name is on it as executive producer, but I have done exactly nothing. I am, like everyone else out there, excited about what it may be. … My choice was not to read the script, because I wanted to watch it like everyone else.

For fans of the original series, Vrach Frankenshteyn offers an opportunity to return to Mulder and Scully in a version of their second feature film adventure that is intended to be closer to Carter’s original vision.

When Does The X-Files: I Want to Believe – Vrach Frankenshteyn Premiere?

The X-Files: I Want to Believe – Vrach Frankenshteyn premieres August 14 on Hulu and Disney+.

Nearly two decades after I Want to Believe first reached theaters, Chris Carter is finally getting the opportunity to release his darker cut of the movie. And as that version of the past arrives, Ryan Coogler’s new X-Files is preparing to introduce the franchise to an entirely new generation. The truth is still out there.

The post Chris Carter’s X-Files Movie Returns as Ryan Coogler’s Reboot Moves Forward at Hulu appeared first on JoBlo.


Monday, August 10, 2026

CaitrĂ­ona Balfe to star in Alfonso CuarĂłn’s horror thriller series Ascension at Apple TV

CaitrĂ­ona Balfe is returning to television in a new horror thriller from Oscar-winning filmmaker Alfonso CuarĂłn. Apple TV has officially ordered Ascension, a one-hour psychological horror thriller series starring Balfe, who will also executive produce. The series comes from CuarĂłn and the creative team behind Relic and Apartment 7A, with Natalie Erika James and Christian White serving as co-showrunners. James will also direct the series.

Inspired by Adam Nevill’s novel Last Days, Ascension follows a documentary filmmaker who becomes involved with a mysterious cult and discovers something much more sinister hiding beneath its teachings.

The series comes from Apple Studios and CuarĂłn’s Esperanto Filmoj, with Anonymous Content also producing.

What Is Ascension About?

Ascension follows Rose, played by Balfe, a relentless documentary filmmaker and recently divorced mother who has built a career uncovering other people’s secrets while struggling to resolve problems in her own life. Rose begins working on a project about a mysterious 20th-century cult known as the Church of Ascension. At first, the teachings of the group unexpectedly provide Rose with a sense of refuge. But the deeper she gets into the Church of Ascension, the more she discovers that something far more sinister is hiding beneath its beliefs.

The series explores questions of evil, innocence and how far people are willing to go and what they are willing to sacrifice to protect the people they love, even when the greatest threat may ultimately come from within themselves.

Alfonso CuarĂłn Is Behind Ascension

CuarĂłn is one of the most acclaimed filmmakers working today, with credits including Children of Men, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Gravity. and Roma. He won Academy Awards for directing and editing Gravity and later won Best Director and Best Cinematography Oscars for Roma.

CuarĂłn previously made the Apple TV+ limited series Disclaimer, which starred Cate Blanchett and Kevin Kline. He is writing Ascension alongside his brother Carlos CuarĂłn, Natalie Erika James, and Christian White. James and White will serve as co-showrunners, with James directing the series.

CuarĂłn will executive produce through Esperanto Filmoj alongside Gabriela Rodriguez and Richard Schwartz. Steve Golin, David Levine, and Zack Hayden will executive produce for Anonymous Content.

CaitrĂ­ona Balfe Returns to Television

Ascension marks Balfe’s return to television following the conclusion of Outlander, the Starz series in which she played Claire Fraser for eight seasons. Balfe received four Golden Globe nominations for her work on Outlander and also earned another Golden Globe nomination for her performance in Kenneth Branagh’s Belfast. Her other film credits include Ford v Ferrari, Super 8, and Now You See Me. She will also appear in Apple’s upcoming film Tenzing.

Balfe will both star in and executive produce Ascension.

Ascension Is Based on Adam Nevill’s Last Days

As mentioned, the series is inspired by Adam Nevill’s 2012 horror novel Last Days. The book follows a documentary filmmaker investigating the mysterious and increasingly disturbing history of the Sisterhood of the Radiant Light, a cult led by a woman named Sister Katherine. What begins as a documentary assignment becomes a terrifying investigation into the group’s beliefs, its history and the supernatural forces surrounding it.

Ascension uses the novel as its inspiration while shifting the focus to Rose and the mysterious Church of Ascension.

Alfonso CuarĂłn Was Up for the New James Bond movie?

Interestingly, Ascension arrives after CuarĂłn came surprisingly close to being involved with another major franchise. In 2025, Jeff Sneider reported that producer David Heyman was interested in bringing CuarĂłn aboard the new James Bond movie if Heyman himself ended up producing the project. The two had previously worked together on Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and Gravity. That didn’t happen. Denis Villeneuve ultimately landed the job of directing the next James Bond movie for Amazon MGM, with Amy Pascal and Heyman serving as producers.

But CuarĂłn’s connection to Bond goes back even further. In 2024, the filmmaker revealed that he had previously been offered the opportunity to direct a James Bond movie. He initially considered doing it, but became uncomfortable with the production structure after learning that another team would handle the action sequences. A conversation with filmmaker Joel Coen helped convince him to walk away.

So while CuarĂłn won’t be going on an adventure with James Bond, he is now digging into psychological horror with Ascension.

When Will Ascension Premiere?

Apple TV has not yet announced a premiere date for Ascension, but we’ll have more information on the project as it becomes available.

The post CaitrĂ­ona Balfe to star in Alfonso CuarĂłn’s horror thriller series Ascension at Apple TV appeared first on JoBlo.


A Nightmare on Elm Street, The Lost Boys, and more join new 4K ’80s horror collection

If you’re a fan of ’80s horror and physical media, Warner Bros. has a new 4K SteelBook collection that should be worth keeping an eye on. The 80s Horror SteelBook Collection is scheduled to arrive in the UK on October 5, 2026, bringing together five beloved genre movies: A Nightmare on Elm Street, The Shining, The Lost Boys, Poltergeist, and Little Shop of Horrors. The collection packages the movies in a retro VHS-inspired library case and includes each film on both 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray.

What Is Included in the 80s Horror SteelBook Collection?

The collection comes in a Retro ’80s SteelBook Library Case and includes five SteelBooks, each containing its respective movie on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray. The set also includes:

  • 5x SteelBooks with each film on 4K UHD and Blu-ray
  • 5x Mini VHS Sleeves
  • 5x Mini Retro Posters
  • Certificate of Authenticity
  • Stickers
  • Video Store Sign

The package is clearly designed to recreate the experience of browsing through a classic video store, with the mini VHS sleeves and retro accessories giving the collection a nostalgic presentation.

What Special Features Are Included?

The discs are also set to include a selection of bonus material, including:

  • Talent commentaries
  • Featurettes
  • Deleted scenes
  • Trailers

The exact bonus features may vary from movie to movie.

Which Movies Are Included?

The collection brings together five major ’80s horror titles, ranging from supernatural slashers and haunted house movies to vampire horror and a very unusual musical comedy.

A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

Wes Craven’s A Nightmare on Elm Street introduced audiences to Freddy Krueger, one of horror cinema’s most recognizable villains. The movie follows Nancy Thompson and a group of teenagers who begin experiencing terrifying nightmares involving a horribly burned man with a bladed glove. The problem is that these aren’t ordinary dreams. Freddy can kill his victims while they’re asleep, forcing Nancy to find a way to fight back against an enemy who exists in the world of dreams.

The film became a landmark of 1980s horror and launched one of the genre’s most enduring franchises. It also marked Johnny Depp’s feature film debut.

The Shining (1980)

Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining stars Jack Nicholson as Jack Torrance, a writer who takes a job as the winter caretaker of the isolated Overlook Hotel in Colorado. Jack arrives at the hotel with his wife, Wendy, and their young son, Danny, intending to use the isolation to work on his writing. But the Overlook has a terrifying history, and Danny possesses a mysterious psychic ability known as “the shining.” As the winter wears on, the hotel begins to exert an increasingly disturbing influence over Jack, pushing him toward madness and violence.

Based on Stephen King‘s novel, The Shining has become one of the most influential psychological horror movies ever made. Warner Bros.’ official home entertainment material describes the film as a landmark of horror built around Kubrick’s unsettling setting, striking performances, and hypnotic tracking shots.

The Lost Boys (1987)

Joel Schumacher’s The Lost Boys follows brothers Michael and Sam after they move with their mother to the California coastal town of Santa Carla. Michael soon becomes fascinated by a mysterious group of young men led by David, while Sam discovers that the town has a much darker secret: its seemingly carefree teenage residents include a gang of vampires. As Michael is drawn deeper into their world, Sam joins forces with the eccentric Frog Brothers to figure out how to save his brother before it’s too late.

Combining vampire horror, teen comedy, music, and the unmistakable style of late-1980s cinema, The Lost Boys went on to become one of the decade’s most beloved cult horror movies. The film was directed by Schumacher and features Kiefer Sutherland, Jason Patric, Corey Haim, Corey Feldman, and Dianne Wiest.

Poltergeist (1982)

Poltergeist follows the Freeling family, whose seemingly ordinary suburban home becomes the center of a terrifying supernatural disturbance. The strange activity initially seems harmless, but the family’s young daughter, Carol Anne, eventually disappears into another realm. Her parents are forced to seek help from paranormal investigators and a spiritual medium as they attempt to rescue their daughter from the entities occupying their home.

Directed by Tobe Hooper from a story by Steven Spielberg, Poltergeist became one of the most popular supernatural horror films of the 1980s.

Little Shop of Horrors (1986)

Little Shop of Horrors is the wild card in the collection, blending horror, comedy, romance, and musical theatre. Rick Moranis stars as Seymour Krelborn, a shy florist working in a struggling shop who discovers a strange plant and names it Audrey II. The plant quickly becomes Seymour’s ticket to fame and success… but Audrey II has an unusual appetite. It wants blood. And as the plant grows larger and more demanding, Seymour finds himself forced to choose between his newfound success, his relationship with Audrey, and the increasingly dangerous creature he has brought into his life.

Directed by Frank Oz and written by Howard Ashman, the 1986 movie was adapted from the stage musical that Ashman created with composer Alan Menken, which itself was based on Roger Corman’s 1960 film. Warner Bros.’ describes it as a bizarre combination of comedy, romance, and a singing giant plant from outer space.

When Is the 80s Horror SteelBook Collection Released?

The 80s Horror SteelBook Collection is scheduled for release in the UK on October 5, 2026. For horror fans who grew up with VHS tapes and video stores, the retro presentation may be almost as appealing as the movies themselves. Five major ’80s genre titles, five SteelBooks, mini VHS sleeves, retro posters, and a video store sign make this a particularly nostalgia-heavy physical media release. And considering the movies included, there’s a pretty impressive amount of horror history packed into one box.

Will you be buying the 80s Horror SteelBook Collection? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

the 80s Horror SteelBook Collection

The post A Nightmare on Elm Street, The Lost Boys, and more join new 4K ’80s horror collection appeared first on JoBlo.