For lovers of awesomely bad horror, the luck of the Irish really kicked in this St. Patrick’s Day. Yes, possibly the campiest long-running slasher franchise is returning to its roots, as the gold-craving, ironic punishment-meting Leprechaun is back in the second attempt at a fresh start for the series. WWE Studios previously tried this with Leprechaun Origins, a vehicle for WWE superstar Dylan “Hornswoggle” Postl that eliminated the comedy factor and attempted to remake the creature as a scary cave monster, but it wound up alienating old fans without converting any new ones. And now that Postl’s no longer with the company, the studio no longer needs the property.
Syfy looks to be returning the character to its original conception as a mix of traditional Leprechaun mythology with Freddy Krueger-style wisecracks and magical kills. Warwick Davis is unfortunately not returning; he’ll be replaced by Linden Porco, who may be best known as Marlon Wayans’ body double in Little Man. Based on the brand-new teaser, he seems to be basing his interpretation on Davis’ familiar style.
But one familiar franchise actor will be returning. Mark Holton, best known as Francis Buxton in Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, will be back as the mentally challenged, sweet-natured Ozzie, who narrowly survived the very first film. Leprechaun Returns will also feature higher-profile filmmakers than usual, as it’s written by Suzanne Keilly (Ash vs Evil Dead) and directed by Steven Kostanski (The Void). Because it’s made for basic cable it probably won’t be hard R in the violence or sexuality departments, but Kostanski has a vivid imagination and Keilly clearly knows horror-comedy. This could actually be a Leprechaun to look forward to, though he had better say “I want me gold!” at least once. Or fifty times. It is his thing.
Will this new movie be a lucky charm for the network? Sure, ye better tell us in the comments!
Image: Syfy
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