A few days ago, I exclusively reported that Jeremy Saulnier's mysterious A24 project, formerly "October," was now titled "Slayground” (no relation to the Donald E. Westlake novel, or 1983 movie). It also still had no release date, and that's despite being in post-production for almost a year now.
Here's an update: a teaser for "Slayground" is now playing in theaters, attached to "Resident Evil" showings — it's mostly just security camera footage, but the teaser apparently ends with "Fall." Is A24 actually going to release this film before the year is done? That would be wild considering they've only just started marketing it — barely — and without much info beyond the title change and brief teaser.
A24 has been keeping quiet about the film, but it did recently screen internally, with a runtime of 2.5 hours, and it's supposed to be Saulnier's most ambitious film to date. The official website for the film has also gone live with a countdown clock set to 31 days — is that for the trailer or the release itself?
"Slayground" takes its title from the haunted attraction where the lead character — played by Cory Michael Smith — works. The film was previously titled "October" — a stronger choice — but A24 was unwilling to hold the release for that month, so Saulnier was asked to change it. Does this mean November or December?
Oh, and a small note about the music: I've heard that none other than Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross composed the score, as if we couldn't get more excited about the damn thing. The duo are of course known for their work on David Fincher and Luca Guadagnino films, and have won two Oscars, including for their landmark work on "The Social Network."
What else do we know about "Slayground"? Cory Michael Smith stars, alongside Chase Sui Wonders, Sophie Wilde, Stephen Root, Imogen Poots, Matty Matheson and Young Mazino. Macon Blair also has a small part. It has been described as a "fugitive thriller set around Halloween." Saulnier wrote and is directing; A24 financed and produced.
I can confirm that the plot follows Smith's character, the primary suspect in a mass murder investigation, after he escapes police custody. He goes on the run, attempting to prove his innocence while becoming the target of a massive manhunt.
Saulnier's film has been described as a tense, hard-hitting chase thriller with echoes of "The Fugitive," while still carrying the rough, uncompromising style that defines his work. The script reportedly delivers the same violent, rebellious energy that made "Green Room" such a gripping experience.
Is A24 actually going to release this film before the year is done? That would be wild considering they've only just started marketing it — barely — and without much info beyond the title change and brief teaser.