By Peter Martin
The First Purge: The title for the next installment in the Purge series has now been announced: The First Purge. The horror-thriller will examine how a small-scale test of a sociological theory became a nationwide phenomenon in which all crime becomes legal for a single night. James DeMonaco, who wrote and directed the first three installments, also scripted the next entry, which will open theatrically on July 4. Watch the first teaser video below. [Deadline]
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Halloween: Jamie Lee Curtis, who first portrayed the heroic Laurie Strode in John Carpenter’s classic horror film Halloween (above), shared the first official look at herself as the character in the upcoming direct sequel (below). Production has begun under the direction of David Gordon Green; a theatrical release is set for October 19. [Twitter via The Wrap]
First shot! First day. Same slate. Same Laurie. David Gordon Green directing from his script. Happy Halloween 2018 everyone. See you 10/19/18 @halloweenmovie#HalloweenMoviepic.twitter.com/iSC7NOblEA
— Jamie Lee Curtis (@jamieleecurtis) January 30, 2018
Jungle Cruise: Emily Blunt (The Girl on the Train, above) will star in Disney’s Jungle Cruise. Inspired by the theme park attraction, the action-adventure stars Dwayne Johnson and will be directed by Jaume Collet-Serra (The Commuter). Reportedly, Johnson sees the film as taking inspiration from the classic romantic adventure The African Queen, starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn; Disney hopes it will kick off a franchise. Production will begin in May. [Variety]
Hereditary Trailer: Debuting at the recently-concluded Sundance Film Festival, Hereditary shook up critics with its unsettling, disturbing atmosphere. Toni Collette stars in the dramatic horror film. Watch the first trailer below; it will open in theaters on June 8. [Movieclips]
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