We’ve known for a while that a new entry in the seemingly never-ending Puppet Master horror series was coming — but today’s casting news suggests the upcoming 11th instalment may elevate the franchise to a whole new level of cult amazingness. Two words: Udo Kier.
Udo Kier. Image: AP Photo/Katy Winn
Two more words: Thomas Lennon. The casting of the legendary Kier (Suspiria, Blade, End of Days, Armageddon, almost every Lars von Trier movie) and the comedy multi-talent Lennon (star of Reno 911!, co-writer of Night at the Museum) elevates our interest in Puppet Master: The Littlest Reich beyond the bonkers title, and any initial curiosity of it boasting a script by Bone Tomahawk‘s S. Craig Zahler. The casting news also brought a bit more info on the story and how it ties to the 1989 original film, as reported by Variety:
“Puppet Master: The Littlest Reich” centres on a recently divorced young man [who] discovers a mint condition Blade doll in his deceased brother’s closet and plans to sell the toy at a convention in Texas celebrating the 30th anniversary of the infamous Toulon Murders. All hell breaks loose at during the auction when a strange force animates all of the various puppets throughout the convention as they go on a bloody killing spree.
Producers assert that the new will include the puppet mayhem mixed with comedy while expanding upon Toulon’s backstory. Kier will portray Toulon. Zahler sought out Laguna and Wiklund to direct due to his interest in their previous micro-budget horror films.
Sounds like there’ll be some late-period Child’s Play/Chucky vibes afoot in what could very well be a horror comedy cult classic in the making. Swedish duo Sonny Laguna and Tommy Wiklund, who co-wrote and co-directed the zombie film Wither, are set to direct. Variety further notes that film will begin filming in Dallas next week, with a cast that also includes genre legend Barbara Crampton (Re-Animator, Chopping Mall).