Rock icon and KISS bassist Gene Simmons has partnered up with WWE Studios to produce elevated horror movies. The two have launched Erebus Pictures, a new studio which will finance and produce horror films.
The new venture has locked a three-picture co-production deal starting with Temple, which was originally acquired and developed by WWE Studios. Erebus Pictures — named for the Greek primordial deity representing darkness — will begin production on their second movie later this year.
“The horror genre continues to fascinate me as it proves to be endlessly thrilling and engaging for audiences,” said the KISS icon, who has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide after nearly 41 years in rock ‘n roll and more than 8 seasons and 167 episodes on his own reality TV show. “I am so thrilled to be working with the masterminds from WWE Studios in launching Erebus Pictures.”
“Horror films fall into a genre that thrives on genuine passion, and I believe this partnership truly capitalizes on that sentiment and supports our vision,” said Michael Luisi, President of WWE Studios. “I am confident that Erebus will provide audiences with an unprecedented horror experience.”
Temple is written by Matt Savelloni (Exile to Babylon) and will follow a team of highly trained operatives who find themselves trapped inside an isolated military compound after its artificial intelligence is suddenly shut down. While investigating the source of the malfunction, the crew begins to experience strange and horrific phenomena as they attempt to uncover who or what killed the team previously stationed at the compound.
Erebus Pictures says a director for Temple will be announced soon, and filming is expected to begin this summer. Erebus Pictures’ second feature will go into production later this year.
This is really interesting news so we will bring you more on this as it develops!
As a huge pro wrestling and horror fan, I find this to be an interesting pairing. I really hope that these films maintain a hard “R” rating and cater to the proper audience (adults). Will be interesting to see if any WWE wrestlers make their way into any of these… Dedman13
I agree with you Dedman, giving both Gene Simmons and WWE’s marketing skills, this should be an interesting pairing. WWE already uses their wrestlers in many of the WWE Studio films and would love to see more of them showing up in these films.