News Round-up: The Babadook, Screamfest 2014 and More!

A lot of this week's news has so far been dominated with reports from Gamescom 2014. Indeed, there is a lot to be excited about (keep your eyes peeled for a Wise Words... horror highlights special), but what else has been going on in the world of horror? Well you're in luck, as it's time for another News Round-up...

American Horror Story: Freak Show Debut

The creepy workings of Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuck are to once again grace our screens, as their new series of American Horror Story is upon us.

On October 8th, 2014, American Horror Story: Freak Show will debut on its home channel, FX. The familiar faces of Jessica Lange, Evan Peters and Sarah Paulson return, with Kathy Bates and Angela Bassett, in a series set in the 1950s. It surrounds one of the last remaining freak shows of that era, promising us the likes of Siamese twins and bearded ladies, in amongst the show's usual madness. Newcomers to the cast include John Carroll Lynch, taking the reigns as the season's core villain, rumoured to be a rather scary killer-clown. An official trailer is yet to be released, so stay tuned for further updates.

American Horror Story: Freak Show will debut on Wednesday 8th October, 2014 at 10pm, only on FX (UK date TBC).

The Devil's Advocate Television Series

According to reports from Deadline, rumor has it that The Devil's Advocate might well be getting the television treatment. This 1997 thriller, directed by Taylor Hackford and adapted from Andrew Neiderman's novel of the same name, starred Keanu Reeves as a skilled public defender who unknowingly joins a law firm run by The Devil, played by Al Pacino. 

From Warner Bros. TV to the platform of NBC, a pilot episode of this devilish tale has been ordered, to be penned by Matt Venne, who will also co-executive produce with John Wells, Andrew Stearn and Arnold Kopelson (who produced the 1997 feature).

It's still very early days yet, but a legal drama with a supernatural twist is the sort of premise networks will push for in today's horror-fuelled programming. Odds are, this will go ahead.

Are you a fan of the film? How do you feel about a televisual adaption? Post a comment! 

New Trailer for The Babadook

Australian horror, The Babadook is causing an absolute storm right now, not least because of its rave reviews emerging from various festival circuits. Since its premiere at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival, high praise has been circulating the web as us unlucky pundits wait with feverish anticipation. Needless to say such anticipation is now even greater, as a second trailer has been released...


Written and directed by Jennifer Kent, the film follows widowed-mother Amelia and the struggling relationship with her out-of-control six year-old, Samuel, as both are plagued by a mysterious children's book,The Babadook, and its titular sinister creature. Ghostly hallucinations, familial frustration, emotional strife and a long-fingered, top-hat-wearing monster? Count us in.

The Babadook is set for release on October 24th (UK) and November 28th (US). 

Screamfest 2014 Line-up

Screamfest 2014 is soon to terrorise the streets of LA once again, and as the festival that has previously brought us Trick 'r Treat, Paranormal Activity and American Mary, horror fans eagerly await what delights have been added to this year's line-up. 

Well, the first wave of programming has been announced and lucky festival-goers will be able to catch the world premiere of See No Evil 2, in addition to Richard Bates Jr's Suburban Gothic and Venezuelan hit The House at the End of Time. Other films include; The Creep Behind the Camera, I Survived a Zombie Holocaust, Julia, Parlor and Refuge.

Screamfest runs from October 14th to October 23rd. Visit the official website for further information and stay tuned for future announcements!

That's it for now - fancy sharing your views on any of the above? Post a comment! 

Up next on Wise Words... - the Horror Highlights of Gamescom 2014!