AVAILABLE NOW! 🎃🍁 New officially licensed TRICK ‘R TREAT collection is here, and it’s drenched in spooky season vibes! New premium tees, hoodies, long sleeves, custom PUMPKIN GUTS tie-dyes, and cozy crewneck sweatshirts - all inspired by Sam and the fan-favorite 2007 film!:
Halloween news from the last week across many horror movie news websites with embeds from my facebook page @trickhorrortreater:
If you thought Halloween was spooky before, think again, because in the horror short POV, the spookiest night of the year is straight-up deadly – and no one really knows why. The film takes the home invasion trope to a whole new level, not only delivering on gore and thrills, but livestreaming everything to a home audience via a mask turned camera. You’re not just watching the horror unravel around you; you’re put directly in the middle of it... From rue-morgue.com:
POV | Horror Short Film - An ideologically opposed couple attempt to survive a home invasion by a masked killer on the single most dangerous night of the year... Halloween:
John Carpenter never expected Halloween to become a franchise. Nearly 50 years later, however, Michael Myers is still stalking Haddonfield, and Carpenter says he’d be happy to remain involved with whatever comes next.
The legendary filmmaker appeared on a new episode of the Tape Delay podcast with host Austin Boyd, where the two discussed Carpenter’s new graphic novel Cathedral and its companion album, among several other topics. Naturally, the conversation eventually turned to the future of Halloween.
Boyd asked Carpenter whether he expects to have any involvement with the franchise going forward. “They haven’t asked me yet, but I sure would,” Carpenter said. “And, you know, I stuck with that franchise over the years. It’s important to me, and I’d love to contribute.”
“Michael’s disappearance at the end of the first film makes you gasp,” Carpenter previously explained. “And I wanted to leave the audience that way. I didn’t want any sequels. Boy, was I wrong, huh?” From dreadcentral.com:
Tape Delay Podcast: John Carpenter Talks Cathedral, Future of Halloween Franchise and More:
Artist Julles Modelado has created a massive 1:1-scale Art the Clown diorama/bust based on an original concept by Travis Knight, and instead of simply recreating Art’s already iconic face, the sculpture cracks his skull wide open to reveal an entire Terrifier nightmare happening inside his head... Post at dreadcentral.com:
One of the South’s most iconic haunted attractions is about to become the setting for an all-new generation’s nightmares. Bald Man Films and Todd Slater’s Convoke Media proudly unleash the first trailer for “Hellbilly Hollow, ” a blood-soaked Southern throwback horror reminiscent of cult classics Terrifer and Friday The 13th inspired and filmed on location at the real Hellbilly Hollow haunted attraction in Vincent, Alabama... from bloody-flicks.co.uk:
In “Hellbilly Hollow,” a team of paranormal YouTubers ventures deep into the Alabama backwoods to film at a haunted attraction the night before Halloween. They encounter a sinister presence far more frightening—and deadlier—than spectres and staged scares: Tickles, a disfigured, childlike clown, and his manipulative caretaker brother, Bull. One by one, the investigators, together with local thrill-seekers, fall victim to the siblings’ sadistic games.
Fangoria reports this week that Clown in a Cornfield 2: Frendo Lives, a movie adaptation of Cesare’s same-titled sequel novel, is indeed in the works at Temple Hill Entertainment!
According to the outlet, Clown in a Cornfield 2 will be written by Hudson Morgan and Will Lowell, with Temple Hill looking to begin production sometime later this year.
Fangoria details that the upcoming big screen slasher sequel “takes the first film’s Final Girl, Quinn Maybrook, to college where she will learn some of America’s cruelest lessons.” At bloody-disgusting.com:
Here’s the official synopsis for the Clown in a Cornfield 2 novel…
“After barely making it out of the Kettle Springs cornfields alive, Quinn’s first year away at college should be safe and easy. All she wants is to be normal again. But instead, Quinn finds that her past won’t leave her alone when she becomes the focus of online conspiracy theories that claim the Kettle Springs Massacre never happened.
“It’s a deranged but relentless fantasy, and there’s nothing Quinn can do to get people to hear the truth—not even on her own campus or in her own dorm room. So when a murderous clown attacks Quinn at a frat party while another goes after her father in Kettle Springs at the same time, Quinn realizes that the facts alone are never going to save her. Her only option is to go back into the cornfields, back where the nightmare began, to set the record straight the only way she knows how. Because when the truth gets lost in the lies, that’s when people start to die.”
Arrow Video is bringing The Frighteners to 4K, with the set arriving on October 26, just in time for Halloween. The three-disc release will include both the theatrical and director’s cuts in 4K Ultra HD, with the director’s cut also featuring an audio commentary by Jackson... From joblo.com:
Horror fans will soon have another chance to come face-to-face with Jason Voorhees. Six Flags has officially announced Jason: Blood Reign, a brand-new haunted maze inspired by the Friday the 13th franchise that will debut at three of the chain’s parks during this year’s Halloween events. The attraction is coming to Kings Island in Ohio, Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey, and Carowinds, which straddles the border of North and South Carolina... From joblo.com:
He’s back, and he’s coming for you 🔪 Jason: Blood Reign haunted maze is coming to select Six Flags parks this fall 🩸 Learn more at the link in our bio… will you survive the night? @JasonUniverse13
Variety announces this morning that V/H/S/MIXTAPE will premiere October 9, 2026!
Directors for the music-themed V/H/S/MIXTAPE include Ernest Dickerson (Demon Knight), Flying Lotus (Ash), Ghost’s Tobias Forge, David Moreau (MadS), RZA and Renee Zhan, with the film featuring GWAR and effects from Jim Henson’s Creature Shop.
Variety explains that Flying Lotus contributes music video interludes to the film, while Tobias Forge directs a music video. “Heavy metal icons GWAR also make a featured appearance.”
Shudder previews, “V/H/S/MIXTAPE cranks the signature found-footage horror up to eleven with an electrifying new anthology where music and sound become the source of terror. United by a theme that explores the power of music, rhythm, and audio to haunt, possess, and destroy, the film blends cosmic horror, psychological suspense, outrageous splatter, and groundbreaking practical effects into one unforgettable mixtape of nightmares.” Posted at bloody-disgusting.com:
The full official trailer for the new independent film Hansel & Gretel’s Halloween has been unveiled, previewing all the Halloween atmosphere and sweet gore coming in this fantasy horror movie inspired by the classic tale... Posted at halloweendailynews.com:
In the film, “On Halloween Night, six teens enter a candy-coated labyrinth from the tale of Hansel & Gretel, where a deadly Witch turns temptation into traps, and resisting the sweetest lure is their only way out.”
Directed by Marcus Mallard and Logan Walcher from a script by Chris Hoyt (The Adventures Of Jurassic Pet, Dinosaur World, The 7 Dwarves), the project recently wrapped filming in Oklahoma.
The cast includes Christy Tate (Lifetime’s Murder and Mayhem at Mardi Gras) as Amelia/Witch, Griffin Edge as Hansel, Alexia Berry as Gretel, with Aubree Payne as Madison, Nehemiah Auzer as Jacob, Madison Sein as Taylor, Tate Skelton as Michael, Amanda Stump as Jacob’s mom, and Caroline Kelly as Allison Cooper.:
Trailer:
In some fun news this morning, Lionsgate has announced that they’re releasing the 1999 The Blair Witch Project on VHS with the Be Kind, Rewind edition!
Via Lionsgate, “Some legacies endure, and some myths remain … a mystery. In October 1994, three film students ventured to a small Maryland town to shoot a documentary about the local Blair Witch legend, never to be seen again. All that remains is bone-chilling found video footage and unanswered questions. Newly restored with filmmaker approval from the original Hi8 videotapes and 16mm film elements, this special playable videotape edition of the 1999 horror sensationʼs revitalized original theatrical cut is available in the U.S. for the first time.”
Releasing the film on VHS is such an excellent idea, considering that The Blair Witch Project is presented as a mysterious “found” tape depicting a nightmare. There’s just something about that grainy VHS quality that gives any horror film an extra dash of cursed vibes.
Pre-order your copy of The Blair Witch Project on VHS now. It will release on October 13, 2026... Post from dreadcentral.com:
KILLER KLOWNS FROM OUTER SPACE Comedy horror – free online on YouTube! Posted at moviesandmania.com:
Watch Killer Klowns From Outer Space Free with ads on YouTube:
For the first time in the franchise’s history, the 1997 slasher classic “I Know What You Did Last Summer” is being transformed into a live haunted house attraction. Titled “I Know What You Did Last Summer: Final Catch,” the immersive haunted house will debut at SeaWorld’s Howl-O-Scream events in San Diego, San Antonio, and Orlando.
Tickets for Howl-O-Scream are on sale now, and SeaWorld Orlando and SeaWorld San Diego guests can take advantage of the limited-time Killer Summer Sale, with savings of up to 65% on Howl-O-Scream tickets and up to 70% for Pass Members. At SeaWorld San Antonio, Howl-O-Scream is included with park admission, and guests can save on tickets, Season Passes and Annual Passes with the Summer Sale... Posted at allhallowsgeek.com:
This fall, Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens crosses into dangerous territory with the introduction of two all-new haunted houses inspired by the Sony Pictures movie, Anaconda. For event dates, tickets, and promotions, guests can visit BuschGardens.com... Posted at dreadcentral.com:
Long before Trick ‘r Treat became a Halloween staple, Sam made his debut in a very different form. Taking to Instagram, Michael Dougherty has shared a gorgeous new look at the beloved Halloween spirit from his newly restored 1996 animated short Season’s Greetings, giving fans their best look yet at the character’s origins. Posted at dreadcentral.com:
Just a few months after Shudder finally brought HBO’s legendary horror anthology Tales from the Crypt to streaming, horror fans have another option, and this one won’t cost a subscription. All seven seasons of Tales from the Crypt are now streaming free on Tubi... From joblo.com:
Michael Dougherty's Trick 'r Treat is streaming now free with ads at Tubi. The Halloween classic first premiered at festivals in late 2007, but its official theatrical release was delayed until it came out direct-to-video in the U.S. on October 6, 2009. It gained immense popularity through word-of-mouth and home media, establishing itself as a Halloween staple before its first nationwide theatrical release in 4K happening in October 2025.
A creepy, darkly comic celebration of the scariest night of the year from producer BRYAN SINGER (director of X-Men and Superman Returns) and writer-director MICHAEL DOUGHERTY (co-scripter of X2 and Superman Returns). Trick 'R Treat takes the Creepshow/Tales from the Crypt approach to nefarious new depths with four interwoven tales set on Halloween night: a high school principal (DYLAN BAKER) moonlights as a vicious serial killer; the quest of a young virgin (ANNA PAQUIN) for that special someone takes a gruesome turn; a group of teens carries out a cruel prank with disastrous consequences; and a cantankerous old man (BRIAN COX) battles a mischievous trick-or-treating demon.
Directed by Michael Dougherty, starring Dylan Baker, Quinn Lord, Rochelle Aytes, Brian Cox, Anna Paquin and Leslie Bibb.
Trick 'r Treat Omnibus Sam's 10th Anniversary Collection:
Trick 'r Treat Omnibus Sam's 15th Anniversary Collection:
Trick 'r Treat: Witching Hours Comic Book:
Several Trick 'r Treat comics and graphic novels have been released, expanding the universe of the cult-favorite horror film. These have primarily been published by DC Comics' WildStorm imprint and Legendary Comics.
Released Graphic Novels & Collections
Trick 'r Treat (2009): The original graphic novel adaptation of the film, initially planned as a four-issue mini-series, was eventually released as a single graphic novel by WildStorm/DC Comics in October 2009.
Trick 'r Treat: Days of the Dead (2015): The first all-new original graphic novel, published by Legendary Comics in October 2015. It features four new tales of Samhain horror across different historical periods.
Trick 'r Treat Omnibus (2020 & 2022): This collection brings together the stories from both the original graphic novel and Days of the Dead.
A "Sam's 10th Anniversary Collection" hardcover omnibus was released in September 2020 by Legendary Comics.
A 15th-anniversary edition omnibus was also launched via Kickstarter in October 2022, which included a new story exclusive to that edition.
Trick 'r Treat: Witching Hours (2024/2026): An original graphic novel anthology, also from Legendary Comics, featuring four brand new stories. It was launched via Kickstarter in late 2024 and is expected for general release in August 2026.
You can often find these graphic novels for purchase through online retailers like Walmart or Barnes & Noble, or comic book specialty shops
Jack-O's Review: Trick ’r Treat (2007) is one of my two all-time favorite Halloween horror films—the other being Halloween III: Season of the Witch. It’s the very movie that inspired me to start this blog, in hopes of discovering more films that capture the same spirit. It’s epic, endlessly rewatchable, and simply the best Halloween movie ever made. Long live Sam! I still don’t understand why it’s taken so long for a sequel to happen. ★★★★★ @trickhorrortreater
More Reviews:
“Trick ‘r Treat neatly apportions scary and campy elements while cleverly interlacing four storylines on Halloween night in an Ohio hamlet. It’s only fitting that, since the ’70s pics that inspired him were themselves inspired by ’50s EC Comics, Dougherty uses comic book graphics for intros and transitions. Wisely, however, he doesn’t overplay the gimmick.” Variety.com
” …the scares feel organic to the stories, and the film manages to stay away from the realm of camp, though it certainly flirts with the concept at times. The abundance of stories to tell provides a momentum that remains steady without ever faltering. Every Halloween memory and tradition is touched upon here and twisted just a bit, from carving pumpkins to dressing up in costumes to the stories you used to hear about strangers with candy.” Score: 8 out of 10 IGN.com
“There’s no surprise this film has waited two years for release. The only shock is how Brian Cox and Anna Paquin ended up in something so atrocious. In trying to span so many genres, the film fails to hit the mark with any of them. The real problem, though, is it just isn’t scary.” Independent.co.uk
“Trick ‘r Treat is backed by beautiful art direction by Tony Wohlgemuth and photography from Glen MacPherson. The FX are also a true delight – I can’t single out any examples for fear of ruining some of the key revelations. This is an absolute killer of a directorial debut on Dougherty’s behalf. He’s made horror fun again without completely succumbing to campy kitsch.” ComingSoon.com
“Tone wise, it had clever yet grounded dialogue, a quirky sense of humor that rubbed me the right way, sported a bag-full of mucho suspenseful set pieces and even managed to be a tad sexy within one of its tales.” Joblo.com
“It’s fun to watch, there’s incredible innovation, a magnificent cast, awesome effects, a nice soundtrack and a killer beginning and end.” Our score: 85. BloodRedReviews.wordpress.com