James Gunnhas more up his sleeve than just big superhero movies. One of his other projects, the horror thrillerThe Belko Experiment, has been acquired by BH Tilt (a division of Blumhouse) and Orion. The two studios partnered to secure the release ofThe Belko Experimentafter its premiere at the 2016 Toronto Film Festival’s Midnight Madness. We won’t have to wait long to see the movie either as it has secured a release date in March of 2017.
Deadlinebroke the news that BH Tilt, which “takes advantage of new distribution and marketing strategies to release targeted films backed by digitally heavy campaigns” and Orion had made the deal for the release ofThe Belko Experiment, which was written and produced byJames Gunn. The movie was directed byGreg McLean, who directed the cult favoriteWolf Creek.Peter Safran, who producedThe ConjuringandAnnabelleproduced the movie along withGunn.John Hegeman, who runs BH Tilt, had this to say following the announcement.
“Greg, James and Peter made a truly original andunique moviethat we are excited to work with them and Orion on bringing to genre audiences all across the country.”
The Belko Experimentis a movieGunnwrote more than ten years ago and just recently got around to finally making. The movie tells the story of a twisted social experiment where a group of 80 Americans are locked in their high-rise corporate office in Bogata, Colombia. They are then ordered by a mysterious voice coming from the company’s intercom system to participate in adeadly gamewhere they will have to kill or be killed. Here is whatGunnhad to say about the deal between Orion and BH Tilt.
“I can’t imagine a better home for us than BH Tilt - a movie as edgy and unique as Belko needs a deft hand for its release, and BH Tilt is the deftest of them all.”
Most people knowGunnfrom his work on Marvel’sGuardians of the Galaxy, but this is far from the first time he has worked on a genre movie. Before his work on massive budget superhero movies, he wrote the 2004 remake ofDawn of the Deadand he wrote and directed the cult favorite horror movieSlither. SinceGunnis very busy with his work onGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, he wasn’t able to direct the movie himself, but that is whereMcLeancomes in. He has a lot of experience in the horror genre andGunnhad a lot of faith in his ability to be able to bringThe Belko Experimentto life. Here is whatMcLeanhad to say about the move and the deal after it was announced.
“I’m so proud of this movie and theamazing team of collaboratorsbehind it and couldn’t be more excited about once more working with my friends at Orion and BH Tilt to bring Belko to audiences. Genre fans are in for an unforgettable ride!”
The Belko ExperimentstarsJohn Gallagher Jr.,Tony Goldwyn,Adria Arjona,John C. McGinley,Josh Brener,Melonie Diazas well asJames GunnregularsMichael Rookerand his brotherSean Gunn.The Belko Experimentis set for release onMarch 17, 2017. We will be sure to keep you updated as more information on the movie becomes available.
