Steven Kostanski, best known for his cult hits like The Void and Psycho Goreman, reimagines Roger Corman’s 1983 sword‑and‑sorcery B‑movie Deathstalker in a “requel” that marries nostalgic camp with modern filmmaking flair.
Slash Ditches CGI for Gory Practical Effects
Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash signs on as executive producer, embracing Kostanski’s commitment to practical effects and old-school filmmaking: “I’m not a big CGI guy,” Slash noted, emphasizing the reboot’s tactile, gory aesthetic.
Trailer Unleashes Fantasy Mayhem
The newly released trailer is a wild ride—packed with sword fights, monstrous assassins, bloody kills, and decapitations, all delivered with a self-aware, tongue-in-cheek bravado. It teases a story set in the besieged Kingdom of Abraxeon, invaded by the Dreadites—and follows Deathstalker, played by Daniel Bernhardt, as he unearths a cursed amulet that marks him for deadly supernatural consequences.
Cast & Creative Team
- Daniel Bernhardt stars as Deathstalker, the stoic—if not particularly overly bright—warrior battling both dark magic and enemies.
- Patton Oswalt voices Doodad, a benevolent wizard. Additional cast includes Christina Orjalo, Paul Lazenby, and Nina Bergman.
- The soundtrack features a theme composed by Slash alongside Bear McCreary and Chuck Cirino.
A Festival Debut and Theatrical Release
Deathstalker celebrated its world premiere at the Locarno Film Festival on August 15, 2025 and is set for a U.S. release on October 10, 2025 via Shout! Studios, with Canadian distribution by Raven Banner.
