2014 saw a number of reboots on the big screen - Broadway classic "Annie," Michael Bay's widely successful version of the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" and Gareth Edward's latest take on "Godzilla." Much can also be expected to arrive this year: "Fantastic Four," "Jurassic World" and "Mad Max: Fury Road." In the horror genre, "Poltergeist" and another installment for "Friday The 13th."
Another addition set to scare audiences this year is another Hollywood adaptation of Japanese cult classic "The Ring" or "Ringu" in Japan. Originally a novel by Kôji Suzuki, the story was picked up by director Hideo Nakata and put out the first film of the series back in 1998. "The Ring" and sequel "The Spiral" oddly was released at the same time. Numerous films followed including the first American adaptation that was released in 2002 starring Naomie Watts.
The new reboot is reported to be under Paramount's wing with Spanish director F. Javier Gutiérrez responsible for helming the project. There's no news yet if this will be another reboot or a sequel to Watts' second Ring film. According to a report from The Wrap, the film has already cast rising talent Matilda Lutz to play the lead role. They also claim that the upcoming movie will be titled "Rings" and will both be a reboot and "the next chapter" in the series.
Possible spoilers ahead!
The story follows Reiko Asakawa, a single parent and a TV reporter who investigates a series of deaths caused by a cursed videotape. The mysterious tape is fabled to curse anyone who watches it, receiving a call saying that they will die within seven days.
Due to the popularity of the killer videotape, Reiko investigates the deaths and ends up watching the footage herself. Receiving the call of her impending doom, she tries to find answers and a way to save herself within seven days.
She then discovers that the videotape's curse comes from a child named Sadako who possesses supernatural powers. Sadako was experimented on by her father who records their sessions, allegedly transferring her powers to the videotape. Eventually, her own mother kills her by throwing her into a well. Sadako spent seven days in the well before she died. The now vengeful child lives through the videotape, bringing death to anyone who sees her.
Check back for more on "Rings" here at Franchise Herald.
