Fans of campy ‘80s horror rejoice as the Ghoulies are making a comeback. Director Luca Bercovici and writer Jefery Levy have regained the rights to the franchise and intend to make not one but three new movies. Yes, you heard that right - a new Ghoulies trilogy is in the works. Not unlike Michael Myers and the recent Blumhouse-produced Halloween trilogy, these toilet-dwelling horror icons are coming back in a big way.
The news was confirmed via a press release, which states that Levy and Bercovici have gained the domestic rights to the Ghoulies. It’s been 30 years since a new film was produced in the franchise and it seems that has allowed the writer and director to take back their creation. The specifics remain elusive but it’s said that “the plan is to develop a new film trilogy for a new generation.” No word yet on who might be partnering with them on the films, be it a streaming service or a traditional studio.
Levy, Bercovici, and Theo Lemasters will unveil a series of projects that will “keep audiences wallowing in filthy horror fun for many years to come.” They will be expanding the Ghoulies universe beyond the silver screen with a book series in addition to the new movies. They also promise an exclusive line of figures, apparel and collectibles.
Released in 1984, the original film was a pretty solid hit in its day that gained cult status. It spawned three sequels including 1987’s Ghoulies II, 1991’s Ghoulies III: Ghoulies Go to College and 1994’s Ghoulies IV.
The original film centers on Jonathan Graves, who inherits his father's mansion. At his housewarming party, he decides to hold a Satanic ceremony and unwittingly conjures a horde of small goblins. Back in 2020, the filmmakers launched a Change.org petition to try and get the series rebooted, at the time, Bercovici had this to say as to why now is the time to bring these characters back to the silver screen.
“An entire generation of kids grew up with Ghoulies, and were by turns frightened, horrified, disgusted, and laughing out loud hysterically. Ghoulies’ reach was, and is, legendary. Kids afraid to use the toilet for fear of the slimy green creature that may lurk below. 'They Get You in the End'. That tagline has resonated through the decades; legions of people of a certain age will recognize it immediately, mostly likely with a smile, for Ghoulies is forever embedded in that generation's childhood, remembered almost fondly; that first time when they saw in the theater, or on the shelves at Blockbuster.”
The new Ghoulies movies do not have a timetable for release but stay tuned as we’ll surely be learning more in the not-too-distant future.
