‘Deathstalker’ Returns With A New Trailer
by Erik Amaya
As some longtime Comicon readers will know, editor-in-chief Erik Amaya has a passion for cheesy movies, but few merit as much love as what he holds for Deathstalker II. Directed by schlockmeister Jim Wynorski, it understood its assignment better than most, turning an inexpensive Conan ripoff into a fun-filled fantasy romp by deciding to take things far less seriously than its predecessor. The result: a beloved cult classic among the fantasy film crowd.
And it appears the makers of the new Deathstalker understand that aspect of its appeal.
While clearly taking itself more seriously than Deathstalker II, the use of its theme and the wind-up about the character’s name genuinely feel Deathstalker — for as much as that can be a “thing” considering we’re talking about a four-film series with very little lore building or consistency from production to production. What little continuation one can find between them is a not-entirely serious regard for the subject matter and at least one joke per film about the name.
And, judging from this trailer, director Steven Kostanski and executive producer Slash get it. From the wonderful looking creatures to some light jabs at fantasy storytelling, it appears the Last Great Warrior King is poised to finally have his moment. Well, assuming the film does well enough and star Daniel Bernhardt sticks around. Although, changing the lead is also a Deathstalker tradition.
This time around, the seemingly deceased sorcerer Nekromemnon unleashes his Dreadites upon the Kingdom of Abraxeon. During a battle, Deathstalker recovers a cursed amulet and must find a way to lift its hex. Of course, he is also hounded by monstrous killers and the very power of dark magic.
The film also features Patton Oswalt as the voice of a wizard called Doodad.
Again, this may be a more serious take on Deathstalker, but the preview above suggests it will retain some of the humor that was there from the original first film — no, really! — and amplified to the max in the sequel. And, hopefully, the film will see us get a new Deathstalker II.
Deathstalker arrives in theaters on October 10th.
