Shudder, AMC Networks’ premium streaming service for horror, thriller and the supernatural, today announced initial casting for its upcoming horror anthology series,Creepshow, based on the iconic 1982 film written byStephen Kingand directed byGeorge A. Romero.Adrienne Barbeau(The Fog),Giancarlo Esposito(Better Call Saul), andTobin Bell(Saw) will star in “Gray Matter,” adapted from King’s short story byByron WillingerandPhilip de Blasi(The Commuter) and directed by series showrunnerGreg Nicotero(The Walking Dead).
In “Gray Matter,” Doc (Esposito) and Chief (Bell), two old-timers in a small, dying town, brave a storm to check on Richie, an alcoholic single father, after encountering his terrified son at the local convenience store. The story, first published in 1973, is part of King’s best-selling 1978 collection,Night Shift.
Here’s what Nicotero had to say:
“I feel I’m in great company getting the opportunity to direct a story written by Steve. BetweenSalem’s Lot,Pet SemataryandThe Stand, I’ve always found his stories rich in relatable characters forced into supernatural situations beyond their control—the everyday person’s primal fears. To visualize ‘Gray Matter’ for Creepshow with the help of Adrienne, Giancarlo and Tobin was about as good as it gets for a horror fan from Pittsburgh!”
For Barbeau, “Gray Matter” represents a return to theCreepshowfranchise more than 25 years after her unforgettable portrayal of “Billie” in the 1982 segment, “The Crate.” (Barbeau also serves as the host of theShudder Original podcast,She Kills.)
“I was thrilled when Greg asked me to join theCreepshowworld once again,” said Barbeau. “And then working with Tobin and Giancarlo, with Greg as our director, well, that was the icing on the cake —no, notthatcake. Oh, you know what I mean.”
The DNA of the original movie is firmly embedded in the new series: In addition to Barbeau and King’s return to the franchise, fans will recall that writerJoe Hill(who has also contributed a story this season) played comic-book-loving “Billy” in the film’s wrap-around segments.John Harrison, who was 1st Assistant Director on 1982’sCreepshowand composed its iconic theme, is back to direct several segments of the series. And executive producer Nicotero visited the first film’s set as a teenager, and contributed make-up effects to its 1987 follow-up,Creepshow 2.
With “Gray Matter,” Shudder has confirmed eight of the twelve segments that will make upCreepshow’s six-episode season. Previously announced segments include “By the Silver Water of Lake Champlain” by Hill, “House of the Head” byJosh Malerman(Bird Box), “The Companion” byJoe Lansdale, “The Man in the Suitcase” byChristopher Buehlman, “All Hallows Eve” byBruce Jones, “Night of the Paw” byJohn Esposito, and “Bad Wolf Down” byRob Schrab. Additional titles and casting will be announced soon. The series is scheduled to wrap production later this week in Atlanta, GA.
Shudder’sCreepshowis produced by the Cartel with Monster Agency Productions, Taurus Entertainment, and Striker Entertainment:Stan Spry,Jeff Holland, andEric Woodsare executive producers for the Cartel; Nicotero andBrian Wittenare executive producers for Monster Agency Productions;Robert Dudelson,James DudelsonandJordan Kizwaniare executive producers for Taurus Entertainment;Russell Binder is executive producer andMarc Mostmanco-executive producer for Striker Entertainment.Creepshowwill premiere on Shudder later this year.
