Badlands picks up 'Wildman', a horror script described as 'John Wick meets Bigfoot' written by Jacob Reiner, who debuted through a scriptwriting contest.
In a noteworthy development for the genre film industry, Badlands, managed by Scott Strauss, has announced the acquisition of the horror screenplay titled 'Wildman'. This announcement highlights the script's unique premise combining elements reminiscent of the 'John Wick' franchise with a twist involving Bigfoot. The acquisition signals a new direction in horror storytelling and a fresh approach to interdisciplinary genres.
Written by Jacob Reiner, 'Wildman' revolves around Bigfoot seeking vengeance after hunters kill his little brother. As the logline suggests, Bigfoot embarks on a quest to retrieve the body while eliminating those responsible. This blend of horror and action could attract fans of both genres and provoke discussions on themes such as familial loyalty and vengeance, allowing audiences to engage with the narrative on various levels.
The script garnered significant attention after being featured on the Scriptshadow website, a platform dedicated to scriptwriters. This exposure was critical in securing Reiner's first-ever screenwriting deal, following his entry in a horror screenplay contest hosted by Scriptshadow. The contest, called Blood and Ink, brought his work to the attention of industry players, including Jake Wagner, manager at Alibi Entertainment, who subsequently pursued Reiner.
Badlands operates under the producers of the 'John Wick' franchise, specifically Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee from Thunder Road. Their involvement suggests a commitment to innovative genre films while maintaining ties to successful action narratives. Prior to acquiring 'Wildman', Badlands was preparing for the release of its debut feature 'Crawlers', directed by Angel Hernandez Gomez and set for a U.S. release on October 16 via Roadside Attractions and Saban Films. With 'Wildman', Badlands continues its strategy to expand its catalog in the horror genre, reinforcing its position in indie cinema.
In addition to 'Wildman', Badlands has several projects in production, including 'Dangerous Games to Play' and 'Perfect Girl'. Each project aims to captivate audiences with original narratives while staying true to genre conventions. The label is thus hedging its bets on the untapped potential of stories that contain both fresh perspectives and familiar elements, such as renowned creatures like Bigfoot.
For Jacob Reiner, this marks a significant step in his screenwriting career. After his success on Scriptshadow, he secured representation from attorney Farhad Amid at McKuin Frankel, signaling a growing interest in his narrative voice. His participation in the horror screenplay contest underscores a thriving independent film community eager for innovative stories and diverse voices. Reiner's journey is emblematic of the potential opportunities available to new creators in a competitive industry.
The acquisition of 'Wildman' signals an intriguing blend of action and horror with potential wide appeal. With Badlands' backing of this unique vision, the project stands to enhance the landscape of modern horror cinema, particularly among audiences seeking new interpretations within the genre. As production details emerge, it will be interesting to see how this film develops and how it potentially impacts Reiner’s burgeoning career. In this climate of evolving storytelling, 'Wildman' promises to introduce new dialogues about genre fusion in contemporary film.
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