(Editor's Note: Horror Pop Culture is a weekly round-up of horror genre news, reviews and rumors)
NECA Reveals ‘Hero From the Sky’ Ash Figure!
Horror collectors rejoice! The first series of Evil Dead 2 figures, featuring ‘Farewell to Arms’ Ash and ‘Deadite’ Ash, were huge hits and Series Two - which is to feature the first-ever Henrietta figure - has yet to hit shelves. But NECA has revealed photos of their third exclusive figure for the 2012 San Diego Comic-Con! Straight from the end of the Evil Dead 2, after traveling back in time to the Dark Ages, it’s ‘Hero from the Sky’ Ash! Judging from the photos, Ash comes equipped with his boomstick, chainsaw and a pretty cool display base, as well as that confused looking mug of his. The figure is painted in sepia tones, capturing a unique old-school horror look in honor of the film’s 25th anniversary. Although it’s a shame you’ll only be able to pick this up at this year’s Comic-Con in San Diego (and probably eBay afterwards for a jacked-up price), if you’re going, it would definitely be worth picking up… or giving it to someone (hint hint).
Stephen King’s IT to Hit the Big Screen as Two Movies
IT is one of those movies that people have always talked about as being a really frightening film. Pennywise, the clown from the TV mini-series, has brought nightmares to countless boys and girls and now it seems he will be doing it once again. Cary Fukunaga is now attached to directing not one, but two movies based on the 1986 story by Stephen King. One can only assume that the first film will focus on the main group of characters during their childhood and the second film when they are adults. (via Shock till You Drop)
R.I.P. Ray Bradbury
On Wednesday, June 6, the Sci-Fi community - and perhaps the world - lost one of its greatest writers. Ray Bradbury, the author of such popular and inspiring books as Fahrenheit 451 and something wicked this way comes, passed away. Some of you may even remember The Ray Bradbury Theater which aired on HBO for two seasons in the mid 80s. He was a talented writer and will certainly be missed.
Joel Kinnaman Talks Robocop Remake
Kinnaman, the actor playing Alex Murphy, the man to - unfortunately? fortunately? - become Robocop, spoke with Collider about the upcoming remake. So what did he have to say?
[Director José Padilha] has a completely different take on this than Verhoeven had, and with all respect, everybody that’s involved in this movie loved the original and we have a lot of respect for it. We’re going to have a lot of throwbacks and there’s going to be a lot of fun stuff for the fans of the first movie. It’s a new story within the old one.Okay, so how many times have you heard that before? Plenty, right? He also addressed the concern behind the remake, as well as remakes in general.
Why are we doing a remake? ... We do that all the time in the theater. If we weren’t doing remakes, nobody would know who Shakespeare was. I’m not saying that Robocop is Shakespeare, but it’s a way to … we’re retelling. That’s what we do as human beings. We retell our favorite stories. That’s what we’ve done since we were sitting around campfires. It’s a part of the human spirit. It doesn’t have to be negative to creativity. It can be completely opposite. That’s how you can break new ground by rethinking something that’s already been done.I don’t know about you, but I’m always excited about anything Robocop, so stay tuned for updates as they come! (via Shock till You Drop)
PlayStation Vita’s Silent Hill: Book of Memories Gets a Release Date
Originally pushed back to end of March along with the Silent Hill HD Collection and Silent Hill: Downpour, Silent Hill: Book of Memories was delayed without a release date - until now.
PS Vita’s owners mark your calendar and rejoice! Konami had this to say at this year’s E3:
Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., has released new assets for SILENT HILL BOOK OF MEMORIES. The brand new adventure horror title, created exclusively for the PlayStation®Vita handheld entertainment system, is a slight departure from the (para)normal Silent Hill narrative, as Silent Hill Book of Memories incorporates role playing game elements and multiplayer capabilities for the first time ever.
Explore several different Otherworlds in SILENT HILL BOOK OF MEMORIES while working with other players to solve puzzles, defeat demonic creatures and advance through the Nightmares to uncover the truth behind the Book of Memories. SILENT HILL BOOK OF MEMORIES is an all-new game in the Silent Hill series, with a unique premise and storyline. The story begins with a strange book that is received; inside that book is your entire life story to this point, everything that's ever happened to you, all of your memories. You discover that by altering what's written, you can actually change the past and write your own ideal history.Keep your eyes peeled in October, this frightening new addition to the Silent Hill series will fill up your trick or treat bag before Halloween this year. (via IGN)