Long-gestating horror comedy, Krampus comes from the genius who brought us Trick ‘r Treat – Michael Dougherty. After a slump in development, The Wrap and THR now report that the movie has recruited a few new cast members who may suffer a fate worse than death… a Christmas-themed death!
The outlets both reveal that Toni Collette, Adam Scott – hot off his stint on NBC’s Parks And Recreation – and Anchorman‘s David Koechner have all signed on. The trio join The Carrie Diaries‘ Stefania Owen, Fargo‘s Alison Tolman and Chef‘s Emjay Anthony, who round out the confirmed cast.
Much like Treat ‘r Treat explored the wickedness of Halloween, Krampus will revolve around the perils of another holiday. This time Christmas looks set for buckets of blood, as the Krampus – a pagan demon who punishes wicked children – is comin’ to town. Forget writing a list to St. Nick. If you’ve been naughty, you won’t simply be without presents on Christmas, you’ll probably be without limbs, too.
Anthony is lined up to play a youngster targeted by the beastie, with Collette and Scott set to play his worried parents. Koechner will similarly play a father whose children have disappeared under mysterious circumstances.
At first glance, the idea is perfect for a cultish horror indie. So perfect, that Kevin Smith has had a similar project in development for several years now. Originally titled Comes The Krampus, back in April 2014 Smith renamed it Anti-Claus, and released a flood of casting information on the movie, which was scheduled to begin shooting last September.
Looks like Smith might get beaten to the punch, as Universal will release Dougherty’s version of Krampus on December 4th, 2015.