Key Takeaways:
– Felipe Vargas, award-winning short film director, is set to reimagine the Leprechaun franchise.
– Vargas aims to bring a blend of horror and comedy to the franchise, striking a new balance and engaging audiences both old and new.
– The novel Peeves’ writer, Mike Van Waes, has scribed the screenplay for the new Leprechaun project.
– The project will be produced by reality TV kingpin Roy Lee and his company, Vertigo Entertainment.
The Return of the Leprechaun: A Radical Reimagining
Lionsgate initially announced a fresh take on the Leprechaun series nine months ago, with acclaimed director Felipe Vargas onboard.
In an exclusive interview with Splattercast, first reported and transcribed by Bloody Disgusting, Vargas confirmed the project is ongoing. The director expressed his anticipation in steering the Leprechaun project towards a gory, sexy, crazy, and elevated direction.
Vargas Hearts Leprechaun and its Limitless Potential
Vargas, who earned praises for his short film Milk Teeth, expressed his delight in having a hand on the Leprechaun franchise. “It’s a cool franchise. To me, what makes it so special is that it really is limitless,” he explained. Praising the franchise’s freedom from being grounded, Vargas seems eager to plunge into the gore, horror, and unpredictable craziness.
Striking a Balance between Horror and Comedy
One of the trickiest aspects of the project, according to Vargas, is the balance between horror and comedy. The director joked that he wants the film to leave viewers simultaneously terrified and amused. He emphasized his desire to remain faithful to the roots of Leprechaun while also attracting fresh audience interest.
Elevating the Vibe of the Franchise
A significant change viewers can anticipate is an elevated vibe. Vargas affirmed his predisposition towards practical effects for the project, underscoring his commitment to a tangible and gritty depiction of fantasy.
High-profile Screenwriter and Producers
Supporting Vargas is Mike Van Waes, renowned writer of the popular novel Peeves, who is also part of the live-action Lilo & Stitch’s creative team. Van Waes has hitherto penned the screenplay for the new Leprechaun. As the plot specifics remain undisclosed, there’s heightened anticipation surrounding Van Waes’s contribution.
On the production front, Roy Lee, notable for his recent It films and Barbarian, will work with Vertigo Entertainment, his production company. Sharing production duties with Lee is his company compatriot Miri Yoon. For Lionsgate, Meredith Wieck and Jon Humphrey will oversee the proceedings.
A Busy Schedule for Vargas
Ever since the Leprechaun reimagining announcement, Vargas has had a packed schedule. The talented director has kept himself busy by concentrating on his first feature directorial venture, the high-concept horror film called Rosario. A release date remains to be decided for the director’s debut feature, piquing horror fan’s curiosity worldwide.
Calling All Leprechaun Fans
If you’ve followed the Leprechaun franchise keenly or find Felipe Vargas’s vision enticing, we’d love to hear from you. Share your thoughts below.
