This Day In Horror History: KRAMPUS Opened in 2015
On this day in horror history, the new Christmas classic Krampus opened in 2015. Directed by Michael Dougherty (Trick ‘r Treat, Godzilla: King of the Monsters) the film is based on the eponymous character from Austro-Bavarian folklore.
While the holiday season represents the most magical time of year, ancient European folklore warns of a horned beast who punishes naughty children.
Dougherty’s Trick ‘r Treat follow-up begins when a dysfunctional family loses the festive spirit. And a fearsome demon’s wrath is unleashed. As Krampus lays siege to their home, they must band together to save one another from a monstrous fate.
Dougherty co-wrote the script with Todd Casey and Zach Shields. Weta Workshop (The Lord of the Rings, King Kong, Hellboy) crafted the creature effects.
The film stars Adam Scott (Piranha), Toni Collette (Herediatary), David Koechner, Allison Tolman, Conchata Ferrell, Emjay Anthony, Stefania LaVie Owen, Lolo Owen, Queenie Samuel, Maverick Flack, Sage Hunefeld, and Krista Stadler.
Sporting a budget of $15M, Krampus earned $16.3M opening weekend. It finished in second place behind The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2. Krampus grossed $42.7 million in the U.S. and $18.8M elsewhere for a worldwide total of $61.5M
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The new Christmas classic sports a solid 66% approval rating over on Rotten Tomatoes with a Critics Consensus that reads: Krampus is gory good fun for fans of non-traditional holiday horror with a fondness for Joe Dante’s B- movie classics, even if it doesn’t have quite the savage bite its concept calls for.
Legendary Entertainment released a graphic novel, Krampus: Shadow of Saint Nicholas in November 2015. Brandon Seifert wrote the comic. Michael Dougherty, Zach Shields, and Todd Casey contributed stories. Fiona Staples, Michael Montenat, Stuart Sayger, Maan House, and Christian DiBari provided the art.
Do you dig Krampus?
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