Shudder renews Cursed Films for Season 2
David Farnor | On 08, Aug 2020
Shudder has renewed its documentary series Cursed Films for a second season.
Written, directed and executive produced by Jay Cheel (How to Build a TIme Machine), Cursed Films explores the facts and legends around iconic films and franchises whose casts and crews have been struck by misfortune and tragedy. The first season examined The Omen, Poltergeist, The Exorcist, The Crow and Twilight Zone: The Movie.
The show debuted in April as the second most-watched series premiere in Shudder history, behind only breakout hit Creepshow. Cursed Films also stands as the service’s most-watched documentary premiere (series or film) ever.
“Season 1 of Cursed Films captivated audiences with its thoughtful but unflinching exploration of the often tragic events surrounding some of history’s most notorious productions, becoming an instant hit for us and earning rave reviews from both critics and viewers. Since its debut, the number one question we’ve been asked is: Will there be more, and how soon? We’re delighted to say that we’re partnering with Jay once again for a second season of Cursed Films that will be even bigger and better than the first,” said Craig Engler, Shudder’s General Manager.
“Filming season one of Cursed Films was an amazing experience, so I’m thrilled to have the chance to interview a new group of talented filmmakers and film critics while exploring the stories behind five more legendarily ill-fated film productions. This time around we’ll be heading outside of North America for a few episodes, which will not only widen the scope of the series but offer an exciting collection of stories connected to a diverse group of movies,” said Cheel.
“We’re thrilled to be on board for the second season of Cursed Films and to be working with Jay and Shudder. We can’t wait to dive into the fascinating stories behind these films and see where Jay’s bold vision and creative approach takes us this season,” said executive producers Jonas Prupas and Courtney Dobbins.
Season 2 will turn its focus to a new group of “cursed” films whose titles will be revealed at a later date. It will be written, directed and edited by Jay Cheel (How to Build a Time Machine) and executive produced by Jonas Prupas and Courtney Dobbins from Muse Entertainment, along with Jay Cheel and Brian Robertson from Low End.
It is now in production and set to premiere in 2021.
Shudder to explore Cursed Films in new documentary series
10th February 2019
Shudder continues to dive into the documentary arena with new series Cursed Films.
The high-end documentary series will examine the facts, myths and mysteries around iconic films and franchises whose casts and crew have been struck by misfortune and tragedy, from The Exorcist and Poltergeist to The Omen. Cursed Films will reveal the events that haunted these productions through interviews with experts, witnesses and the cast, directors and producers who lived through the real-life events. Were these films really cursed, as many believe, or just the victims of bad luck and bizarre circumstances?
“Cursed Films is a fascinating look at why these iconic horror movies have gained such an outsized reputation for being the focus of bizarre tragedies and strange coincidences that seemingly defy explanation,” says Craig Engler, Shudder’s General Manager.
Cursed Films is written, directed and edited by Jay Cheel (How to Build a Time Machine) and executive produced by Andrew Nicholas McCann Smith and Laura Perlmutter for First Love Films, along with Jay Cheel and Brian Robertson. It follows the release of Shudder’s first original documentary film, Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror, which premiered this week.
“As a documentary filmmaker and lifelong horror fan, this project has offered an amazing opportunity to indulge my own curiosities surrounding these ‘cursed’ film productions,” said Jay Cheel. “In turn, Cursed Films offers Shudder’s audience a unique perspective on the making of these classic movies while attempting to uncover why we’re so captivated by the catastrophes and coincidences connected to them.”
Cursed Films is the latest addition to Shudder’s lineup of original programming, along with The Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs and Creepshow series. All three will premiere later this year.