RLJE Films, the business unit of AMC Networks, and its horror-centric streaming service Shudder have acquired the North American rights toThe Lair, the upcoming horror film fromNeil Marshall, from Highland Film Group along with its release date being announced. Originally reported byDeadline, the newest horror outing from the director of 2005’sThe Descentwill be released by RLJE Films in theaters and on digital and Video On-Demand later this year on October 28 with it eventually heading to Shudder early in 2023. While RLJE Films will manage the film’s North American release, with Shudder picking up the rights for the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand markets.
The film starsCharlotte Kirkas Capt. Kate Sinclair, a Royal Air Force pilot who is shot down in the air over Afghanistan. Once on the ground, she takes refuge in an old abandoned bunker, unknowingly releasing beings known as the Ravagers, half human, half alien man-made bioweapons. Other stars in the film includeJonathan HowardandJamie Bamber. Ahead of its theatrical run this October,The Lairwill premiere next month at FrightFest. Marshall had this to say about his upcoming film:
“I’m thrilled to be back in the world of full blooded action horror for the first time since ‘The Descent’ and ‘Dog Soldiers,’ and this film certainly holds some kinship with those two movies. Originally conceived as a small and contained indie film to shoot during lockdown, my ambitions for the movie grew into something much more action-packed and monster-fuelled, with a sci-fi twist. It’s packed full of cool characters, scares, laughs, and of course some grizzly death scenes. The main thing I want audiences to take from this movie is a great time. I don’t think they’ll be disappointed.”
Along with the announcement of the acquisition, Deadline spoke to people from both RLJE Films and Highland Film Group aboutThe Lair. One of the individuals spoken to was RLJE Films’ Chief Acquisitions Officer,Mark Ward, who said, “After directing the scariest horror film of its decade,The Descent, Neil Marshall is back with another terrifying trip underground.The Lairproves yet again that Neil Marshall is a true master of horror.” Another quote comes fromDelphine Perrier, the Highland Film Group COO, who spoke on the company’s excitement for this deal with RLJE Films. “We are thrilled to have the team at RLJE Films and Shudder come on board to releaseThe Lair. They are the ideal partner to introduce this action horror film to audiences in the US, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.The Lairoffers an edge-of-your-seat experience with terrifying creatures and delivers exhilarating thrills that audiences love!”
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In addition to Kirk, Howard, and Bamber, the cast forThe Lairalso includesMark Arends,Hadi Khanjanpour,Tanji Kibong,Leon Ockenden,Mark Strepan,Harry Taurasi,Alex Morgan,Adam Bond,Sarah Lambie,Kibong TanjiandTroy Alexander. In addition to starring in the film, Kirk also served as the co-writer on the film alongside Marshall with the pair also being the executive producers withSamantha Allwinton,Reinhard Besser,Phil Rymer,Joe Simpson, andSimon Williams. The producer on the project isDaniel-Konrad CooperwithKwesi Dickson, Jonathan Halperyn, andDaniel Kresmeryserving as co-producers. The film is produced by Rather Good Films Ltd. Financing for the project comes from Ashland Hill Media Finance, Ingenious, and Trigger Films. Highland Film Group is handling international sales of the film.
The Lairis set to release in theaters and on digital and VOD on October 28, with Shudder set to bring the film to stream the film early next year. Stay tuned at Collider for a trailer forThe Lair, in the meantime check out a sneak peek clip from Shudder’s new docuseriesQueer for Fear.
