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The Haunted Traveler: Haunted New Orleans

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In our first month of Haunted Traveler, we traveled to Asia to visit the most haunted places in Hong Kong. This month, let’s hop across the pond from Asia to another place of magic, superstition, and murder. I’m talking about haunted New Orleans.

You may have read iHorror’s past article on famous murderers of New Orleans, and you may see some familiar names because where there’s murder, there’s a breeding ground for ghosts. Let’s jump right in!

LaLaurie Mansion-1140 Royal St.

Haunted New Orleans

(Image credit: Patrick Keller of The Big Seance Podcast)

Many will know this name. As one of the villains of American Horror Story: Coven, Delphine LaLaurie was brutal, sick and twisted and unfortunately a real person. Many of the actions carried out in the show of Delphine’s sick past are based in fact.

The Big Séance did a podcast episode on her crimes and inevitable capture. I recommend taking a listen.

From torture, to murder, to possible desecration of corpses, this woman was a monster. She owned a number of slaves and many were found chained to the wall and it is said that body parts littered her hidden torture room.

Her mansion, built in 1832, still stands on Royal St. Strange sounds are heard and images appear both inside the home and outside on the street.

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1- 425 Basin St.

Haunted New Orleans

(Image credit: pinterest.com)

One of the many gorgeous cemeteries in New Orleans, this one is the most famous and said to be one of the most haunted in the country. Due to the bowl shape of the city causing it to be below sea level, all graves are above ground.

The most famous grave in the cemetery is that of The Witch Queen of New Orleans, Marie Leveau, Many flock to her grave because it is said that if you knock three times, draw “xxx” on her grave, knock three more times and leave an offering, your wish will be granted.

Haunted New Orleans

(Image credit: pinterest.com)

So many came to visit that the Archdiocese closed it to the public in 2015 and a special permit is needed to enter. Specially licensed tour guides can take tourists into the cemetery.

Hotel Monteleone- 214 Royal St.

Haunted New Orleans

(Image credit: hauntedrooms.com)

This hotel was built in 1886 and remains one of the last family owned hotels in the country. Its most famous amenity is its carousel bar, which houses spirits of many kinds. Apparitions are often seen to appear (and disappear) at the bar.

Haunted New Orleans

(Image credit: criollonola.com)

Many children died of yellow fever in the hotel and are seen playing in the halls. Others have seen old employees still working and doors open and close on their own.

Lafittes Blacksmith Shop-941 Bourbon St.

Haunted New Orleans

(Image credit: asergeev.com)

Being the oldest bar dating back to around 1722, this location is no stranger to history. Started by notorious pirate Jean Lafitte, it was thought to be a front for his smuggling business. With a history that long, it would be hard to think that some patrons didn’t stick around.

So grab a drink, sit in the candlelit tavern, and if you wait long enough, you just might see Jean Lafitte himself.

The Jimani House- 141 Chartres St.

Haunted New Orleans

(Image credit: chattyentertainment.com)

The Jimani House holds a tragedy in its past. It used to be called the UpStairs Lounge and was a popular spot for the gay community. On June 24, 1973 the club was targeted by an arsonist taking the lives of 32 patrons.

Haunted New Orleans

(Image credit: New Orleans Times-Picayune via time.com)

Those who visit the location in modern day claim to hear the cries and pleas of the fire victims to not be forgotten.

New Orleans Pharmacy Museum- 514 Chartres St

Haunted New Orleans

(Image credit: nolavie.com)

This originally was a pharmacy opened by Louis Joseph Dufilho, Jr. in 1816. He provided medicine and voodoo for those too embarrassed to go elsewhere. When Dufilho, Jr. retired, he sold the business to a Dr. Dupas.

Dupas used the pharmacy to reportedly do grotesque and bizarre experiments on pregnant slaves in the area. It is unknown to what extend his experiments were carried. It is said that Dupas’ children that died in the pharmacy are seen playing outside.

Haunted New Orleans

(Image credit: pinterest.com)

The museum is also host to poltergeist activities such as things being moved and thrown and alarms going off.

We’re going to jump out of haunted New Orleans a bit to include one of the most haunted places in the country:

Myrtle’s Plantation- St. Francisville, LA

Hautned New Orleans

(Image credit: commons.wikimedia.org)

Not quite a hop, skip or jump from New Orleans at 111 miles away, but many Haunted Travelers make a point to pass through this location before they hit haunted New Orleans. Myrtle’s Plantation has been investigated by famous ghost hunters from the likes of T.A.P.S and Zak Bagans and the Ghost Adventure’s crew.

The plantation was built in 1796 by General David Bradford. Passing through several hands means many have died in the house both by illness and murder. Many see apparitions in the windows, hear footsteps, and is said to house 12 ghosts.

Haunted New Orleans

(Image credit: Patrick Keller of The Big Seance Podcast)

Even Unsolved Mysteries got their hands in the Myrtle’s Plantation pot and it was said they had technical difficulties while filming. It is currently a bed and breakfast and would make a great resting spot if driving to haunted New Orleans. Big Seance also visited the plantation on their trip and made an episode on it as well.

Unfortunately I can’t include all of the amazing locations where spirits dwell in haunted New Orleans and some honorable mentions I wouldn’t miss in my travels include: the Gardette-Lepretre Mansion, The Beauregard-Keyes House, Muriel’s Séance Lounge, Arnaud’s Restaurant and Le Pavillion Hotel.

Don’t forget to check in on the first of every month for a new haunted location.  What city would you like to see us visit? Let us know in the comments!

(Featured image courtesy of Ghost City Tours)

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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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