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Appearances by Groovy Bruce Campbell You Forgot Happened

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We all LOVE Bruce Campbell.  For horror fans, it’s pretty much a given. If you don’t love Bruce, go sit in the corner and think about why you’re wrong. It just so happens that today is The King, The Chin, the Almighty Bruce’s birthday and to celebrate, we are bringing you a cluster of appearances by Bruce Campbell you forgot happened.

We all know Bruce as Ash, but the man with the chin has played a variety of characters from movies to video games and some may surprise you.

Psych (2014)

Bruce Campbell

Campbell as the book promoting doctor in Psych. Photo via Pinterest

The episode of Psych that featured our man was aptly titled “The Nightmare on State Street” where Bruce played a doctor named Ashford N. Simpson. This was toward the end of the series and the episode was very bizarre but it put two of my favorite things together and I was super happy about that.

Burn Notice (2007-13)

Bruce Campbell

Bruce as Sam Axe in his signature Hawaiian shirt in Burn Notice. Photo via TheTVWatchtower

I heard about this show A LOT. As a favorite of my dad’s, this story is of a disavowed spy who gets a “burn notice” (oh shit….the title) and chooses to use his expertise to help others. Campbell backs up Jeffrey Donovan as a supporting lead named Sam Axe and I maintain that he is the best character in the show.

My Name is Bruce (2007)

Bruce Campbell

Screenshot via JordanandEddie

A fun little B-movie about kids that (of course) unleash a curse on their town and Jeff (one of said kids) goes and kidnaps his hero…Ash from Evil Dead. Except it isn’t Ash, it’s Bruce Campbell who plays along thinking this is an event set up by his agent. Horror and comedy brought together with a helping of cheese.

Man with the Screaming Brain (2005)

Bruce Campbell

Campbell in his directorial debut. Photo via horror-movies.ca

Campbell plays William Cole, a murdered businessman who has part of his brain replaced by a mad scientist with a brain from a Russian cab driver named Yegor. They are on the hunt for their murderers, which happen to be the same woman. Campbell and Ted Raimi co-star in this sci-fi comedy that Campbell, himself, directed.

Bubba Ho-tep (2002)

Bruce Campbell

Screenshot of Bruce as Elvis and Ossie Davis as Jack. Photo via BasementRejects

A devastatingly underrated movie, Bruce plays Elvis Presley, who is actually alive and chilling with a man who thinks he’s JFK in a nursing home when an Egyptian mummy threatens the souls of the entire facility. You can’t call yourself a Bruce Campbell fan if you haven’t seen this movie.

Charmed (2002) “Witch Way Now?”

Bruce Campbell

Bruce Campbell as FBI Agent Jackman in “Charmed.” Photo via Pinterest.

Did you know our favorite chainsaw-wielding hero was also in an episode of Charmed? It seems EVERYONE has been in an episode of Charmed, so it’s not all that surprising. In the episode called “Witch Way Now?” Bruce played FBI Agent Jackman who threatens to expose the sisters unless they help him.

Jack of All Trades (2000)

Bruce Campbell

Bruce Campbell in “Jack of All Trades.” Photo via Pinterest.

You know how some actors all have something they kind of regret doing? I’ve always had a nagging feeling this may have been Bruce Campbell’s regret, but I never understood why. This was my first real encounter with the man and his glorious chin and I loved him as Jack Stiles. I ladored the show which featured him as a trouble-causing American spy stationed in the South Pacific. The time period was great placing the show in the early 19th century, with pirates and revolution and tri-corn hats, I maintain that this cheese ball cable TV adventure was amazing.

Hercules: The Legendary Journeys (1995-99)/ Xena: Warrior Princess (1996-99)

Bruce Campbell

Bruce as the popular character Autolycus. Photo via Pinterest

I always really loved the shared universe between Hercules and Xena. The crossovers were spot-on and the actors were outrageous. Ted Raimi was hilarious as Joxer, Kevin Smith was smoldering as Ares and Bruce is perfect at everything. In both shows he played Autolycus.

The X-Files (1999) “Terms of Endearment”

Bruce Campbell

Image from “The X-Files” episode feat. Bruce Campbell. Image via Pinterest.

Talk about a show that had an appearance by everyone, I think it would be weird if Bruce WASN’T in an episode of The X-Files, to be honest. He graced our screens during the episode “Terms of Endearment” where he played Wayne Weinsider. What was the episode about? Demon fetal harvesting of course…that was a silly question to ask.

The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr.(1993-94)

Bruce Campbell

Yee haw, Bruce! Image via SitcomsOnline.

Bruce led the series as Brisco County, Jr…an old west bounty hunter that catches bad guys with futuristic tools and weapons. For many too young to watch horror or not allowed by their parents, this was their first encounter with Bruce and with a plot like that, who wouldn’t see him as the bad ass he is.

With other appearances in Escape from L.A., Congo and voice acting for more cartoons and video games than I can count, this man has done it all and with the popularity of Ash vs. the Evil Dead, he shows no signs of slowing down.

We here at iHorror want to wish our favorite horror movie hero the happiest and creepiest of birthdays. Stay groovy Bruce!

Bruce Campbell

Courtesy of giphy

Don’t forget, Bruce is making his way across the country on a book tour. Check if he’s coming to your city!

(Featured image courtesy of Slate.com)

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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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