There’s not been much success in bringing Asian talent directly to Hollywood, and although I can feel concerns about the Pang Brothers (Oxide and Danny) coming here, there’s still a whole heap of anticipation, especially since they’ll be working with Sam Raimi‘s Ghost House Pictures who have already given us some great movies and successfully brought over Asian talent. I think that’s a first!
So great news from Hollywood Reporter through Coming Soon that Ghost House have signed a deal with Sony to allow the Pang Brothers to make their first English language feature. I do have high hopes for this, not only for their excellent visual talent, but that Ghost House will get behind them and not try and bend them into the Hollywood mould.
On the back of this deal is that for distribution of Grudge 2.
Sarah Michelle Gellar, who starred in the first film, has not yet committed to the sequel. Director Takashi Shimizu, the creative force behind the “Grudge”/”Ju-On” franchise, is back at the helm, and will reteam with writer Stephen Susco; producers Sam Raimi, Robert Tapert and Taka Ichise; and executive producers Roy Lee and Doug Davison.
Almost a dream team in the creation of films without studio interference. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it now. If you haven’t seen any of the Pang’s work, go see it now. Wonderful. Is there an appetite out there for Grudge 2, the Pang’s and more specifically output from Ghost House? Does anyone share my enthusiasm?