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7 Black Actresses that Totally Rocked the Horror Genre

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It’s February, horror fans and that means that it’s not only Women in Horror Month but also Black History Month. With that in mind now is the perfect time to celebrate where the two overlap.

Black actresses have had an interesting relationship with the genre. While they were wholly ignored for decades, when they did finally begin to snag roles, they were treated differently than their white counterparts.

Rather than the often weaker, damsel in distress, roles that white actresses in the genre were written, black actresses were often stronger characters with more backbone and survival grit even though those roles were often smaller and especially in the beginning, a part of the “blaxpoloitation” era.

Still, these actresses have made an indelible mark on the genre and for that we owe them a debt of gratitude.

Naomie Harris

Anyone who’s seen 28 Days Later… will remember Harris’s machete wielding Selena who was not only a take no prisoners survivor, but also exquisitely vulnerable. That talent has been evident each time she has stepped into genre work.

Of note, Harris also appeared in a theatrical production of Frankenstein as Elizabeth opposite Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller who alternated playing the doctor and his creation. The production was directed by Danny Boyle who also directed 28 Days Later… and filmed for broadcast in theaters across the globe.

Jada Pinkett Smith

Long before she married, Will, Jada Pinkett Smith was making a name for herself as a smart actress who made interesting choices. One of those choices was Jeryline in Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight, a role she took when she was only 24 years old.

Jeryline was a tough as nails young woman dealing with a checkered past who fought side by side with William Sadler trying to save the world from the evil Collector.

Only two years later, she made her mark as Maureen in Scream 2. Stabbed in a raucous movie theater, her slow ascent up the stairs in front of the film screen and the gut-churning scream she released before dying was the most amazing first-kill in a series full of them.

Grace Jones

Born in Jamaica and raised in New York, Grace Jones was a force to be reckoned with in 1980s genre films whether she was playing Zula in Conan the Destroyer or Bond Girl May Day in A View to Kill, but it was her role in 1986’s Vamp where she became an icon to cult horror fans.

Playing ancient vampire queen, Katrina, Jones put her androgynous beauty and enormous presence on full display. She was fierce and fearless and she doesn’t speak a single word in the film.

If you’ve never seen Vamp, check it out, and while you’re at it, watch her performance in “Wolf Girl” a TV movie in which she played an intersex circus performer.

Angela Bassett

Does Angela Basset even age? Seriously…

While she’s not spent a lot of time in the genre, she never fails to make an impression, even in the flops (I’m looking at you Vampire in Brooklyn).

I don’t think any of us will ever forget her bold portrayal of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, however in Ryan Murphy’s “American Horror Story: Coven”. She radiated power and control, even in the face of Papa Legba, right until the end.

Marlene Clark

The blaxploitation movement of the 1970s was a strange time in film. While they were exploitative of stereotypes, for many black actors and actresses, it was the only work they could get, and because of that some of those films and their stars have reached a cult iconic status.

This is especially true of the actresses whose roles were caricatured portrayals of powerful women that nonetheless struck a chord among audiences. Marlene Clark was one of the most popular of those actresses.

Appearing in numerous films including the over-the-top Ganja & Hess, Clark never failed to steal scenes right out from under her co-stars.

Unfortunately, Clark’s career waned as the 70s came to a close. She made a few appearances in television shows into the late 80s but we’ve not seen her in the medium since.

Halle Berry

Say what you will about Halle Berry and her career, but she was the first black actress to win the Academy Award for Best Actress and no one can take that away from her.

Berry has been no stranger to the genre, however, and though it has a somewhat infamous reputation, Gothika is one of her finest examples. She played Miranda Grey, a psychiatrist who wakes up a patient in the asylum where she was employed.

Miranda was a strong lead, fighting her way out of the asylum to prove her sanity and expose the men who killed the young woman who is haunting her.

It’s a twisting, turning film that was much maligned by critics and audiences alike, and yet it was still effective enough that it became the highest grossing production from Dark Castle Films earning $141 million dollars on a budget of $40 million.

Ruby Dee

Arguably one of the finest actresses of the last century, Ruby Dee was also a playwright, poet, activist, and so much more. She was a force to be reckoned with, possessing a commanding presence that could quiet the noise of thousands while she spoke.

It was a natural fit, then, when she was cast as Mother Abigail, the aged prophet of good in the television adaptation of Stephen King’s apocalyptic epic, The Stand. In her hands, Abigail left no doubt that while she might be frail, her spirit was still strong enough to fight back the devil himself.

Sadly, Ruby Dee passed away at the age of 91 in New Rochelle, New York because there’s a new big screen adaptation of The Stand coming and I just don’t know how they’ll do it without her.

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‘Strange Darling’ Featuring Kyle Gallner and Willa Fitzgerald Lands Nationwide Release [Watch Clip]

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Strange Darling Kyle Gallner

‘Strange Darling,’ a standout film featuring Kyle Gallner, who is nominated for an iHorror award for his performance in ‘The Passenger,’ and Willa Fitzgerald, has been acquired for a wide theatrical release in the United States by Magenta Light Studios, a new enterprise from veteran producer Bob Yari. This announcement, brought to us by Variety, follows the film’s successful premiere at Fantastic Fest in 2023, where it was universally praised for its creative storytelling and compelling performances, achieving a perfect score of 100% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes from 14 reviews.

Strange Darling – Movie Clip

Directed by JT Mollner, ‘Strange Darling‘ is a thrilling narrative of a spontaneous hookup that takes an unexpected and terrifying turn. The film is notable for its innovative narrative structure and the exceptional acting of its leads. Mollner, known for his 2016 Sundance entry “Outlaws and Angels,” has once again employed 35mm for this project, cementing his reputation as a filmmaker with a distinct visual and narrative style. He is currently involved in adapting Stephen King’s novel “The Long Walk” in collaboration with director Francis Lawrence.

Bob Yari expressed his enthusiasm for the film’s upcoming release, scheduled for August 23rd, highlighting the unique qualities that make ‘Strange Darling’ a significant addition to the horror genre. “We are thrilled to be bringing nationwide theatrical audiences this unique and exceptional film with terrific performances by Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner. This second feature from talented writer-director JT Mollner is destined to become a cult classic that defies conventional storytelling,” Yari told Variety.

Variety’s review of the film from Fantastic Fest lauds Mollner’s approach, saying, “Mollner shows himself to be more forward-thinking than most of his genre peers. He’s clearly a student of the game, one who studied his forebears’ lessons with adroitness to better prepare himself to put his own mark on them.” This praise underlines Mollner’s deliberate and thoughtful engagement with the genre, promising audiences a film that is both reflective and innovative.

Strange Darling

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Sydney Sweeney’s ‘Barbarella’ Revival Forges Ahead

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Sydney Sweeney Barbarella

Sydney Sweeney has confirmed the ongoing progress of the much-anticipated reboot of Barbarella. The project, which sees Sweeney not only starring but also executive producing, aims to breathe new life into the iconic character that first captured audiences’ imaginations in the 1960s. However, amid speculation, Sweeney remains tight-lipped about the possible involvement of celebrated director Edgar Wright in the project.

During her appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Sweeney shared her enthusiasm for the project and the character of Barbarella, stating, “It is. I mean, Barbarella is just such a fun character to explore. She really just embraces her femininity and her sexuality, and I love that. She uses sex as a weapon and I think it’s such an interesting way into a sci-fi world. I’ve always wanted to do sci-fi. So we’ll see what happens.“

Sydney Sweeney confirms her Barbarella reboot is still in the works

Barbarella, originally a creation of Jean-Claude Forest for V Magazine in 1962, was transformed into a cinematic icon by Jane Fonda under the direction of Roger Vardim in 1968. Despite a sequel, Barbarella Goes Down, never seeing the light of day, the character has remained a symbol of sci-fi allure and adventurous spirit.

Over the decades, several high-profile names including Rose McGowan, Halle Berry, and Kate Beckinsale were floated as potential leads for a reboot, with directors Robert Rodriguez and Robert Luketic, and writers Neal Purvis and Robert Wade previously attached to revive the franchise. Unfortunately, none of these iterations made it past the conceptual stage.

Barbarella

The film’s progress took a promising turn approximately eighteen months ago when Sony Pictures announced its decision to cast Sydney Sweeney in the titular role, a move that Sweeney herself has suggested was facilitated by her involvement in Madame Web, also under Sony’s banner. This strategic decision was aimed at fostering a beneficial relationship with the studio, specifically with the Barbarella reboot in mind.

When probed about Edgar Wright’s potential directorial role, Sweeney adeptly sidestepped, merely noting that Wright has become an acquaintance. This has left fans and industry watchers speculating about the extent of his involvement, if any, in the project.

Barbarella is known for its adventurous tales of a young woman traversing the galaxy, engaging in escapades that often incorporate elements of sexuality—a theme Sweeney seems eager to explore. Her commitment to reimagining Barbarella for a new generation, while staying true to the character’s original essence, sounds like the making of a great reboot.

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‘The First Omen’ Almost Received an NC-17 Rating

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the first omen trailer

Set for an April 5 theater release, ‘The First Omen’ carries an R-rating, a classification that was almost not achieved. Arkasha Stevenson, in her inaugural feature film directorial role, faced a formidable challenge in securing this rating for the prequel to the esteemed franchise. It seems the filmmakers had to contend with the ratings board to prevent the film from being saddled with an NC-17 rating. In a revealing conversation with Fangoria, Stevenson described the ordeal as ‘a long battle’, one not waged over traditional concerns such as gore. Instead, the crux of the controversy centered around the depiction of the female anatomy.

Stevenson’s vision for “The First Omen” delves deep into the theme of dehumanization, particularly through the lens of forced birthing. “The horror in that situation is how dehumanized that woman is”, Stevenson explains, emphasizing the significance of presenting the female body in a non-sexualized light to address themes of forced reproduction authentically. This commitment to realism nearly landed the film an NC-17 rating, sparking a prolonged negotiation with the MPA. “This has been my life for a year and a half, fighting for the shot. It’s the theme of our film. It’s the female body being violated from the inside outwards”, she states, highlighting the importance of the scene to the film’s core message.

The First Omen Movie Poster – by Creepy Duck Design

Producers David Goyer and Keith Levine supported Stevenson’s battle, encountering what they perceived as a double standard in the ratings process. Levine reveals, “We had to go back and forth with the ratings board five times. Weirdly, avoiding the NC-17 made it more intense”, pointing out how the struggle with the ratings board inadvertently intensified the final product. Goyer adds, “There is more permissiveness when dealing with male protagonists, particularly in body horror”, suggesting a gender bias in how body horror is evaluated.

The film’s bold approach to challenging viewers’ perceptions extends beyond the ratings controversy. Co-writer Tim Smith notes the intention to subvert expectations traditionally associated with The Omen franchise, aiming to surprise audiences with a fresh narrative focus. “One of the big things we were excited to do was to kind of pull the rug out from under people’s expectations”, Smith says, underscoring the creative team’s desire to explore new thematic ground.

Nell Tiger Free, known for her role in “Servant”, leads the cast of “The First Omen”, set for release by 20th Century Studios on April 5. The movie follows a young American woman dispatched to Rome for church service, where she stumbles upon a sinister force that shakes her faith to its core and reveals a chilling plot aimed at summoning evil incarnate.

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