Eli Roth Goes 'South Of Hell'

Eli Roth The Green Inferno

Eli Roth has, for better or worse, fenced himself in as a writer and director of brutal horror pictures, notorious for inflicting severe bodily harm on his cast of frequently privileged innocents. With “The Green Inferno” dropping in just a few months (check out the trailer here), Roth is—after the poorly received “Hemlock Grove“—taking another dip into the world of television, joining some choice talent in bringing a new property to the home screen.

Entertainment Weekly reports that the “Hostel” creator will direct the pilot episode of “South of Hell,” setting up the Savannah-set story of a young demon hunter battling her own possession. The lead, Maria Abascal, is described as a “stunning, 30-year-old demon-hunter-for-hire. Alongside her brother, David, she is skilled and fearless in her pursuit of the demons that live in others. Like those that she hunts, Maria is divided within herself, struggling with her own demon, Abigail, who resides inside of her, feeding on the evil Maria exorcises from others.” Hopefully the series will portray the struggle with greater skill than this.

James Manos Jr., who cut his teeth on “The Sopranos” before moving on to “The Shield” and developing “Dexter,” will step up and serve as showrunner here. Roth will also executive produce, joined here by Jason Blum, Gerard Bocaccio, Stewart Till, and Gene Stein. “South of Hell” is set to premiere on WE tv, with channel president Marc Juris hailing it as “a dramatic thriller that introduces viewers to an unforgettable character, supernatural themes and the battle between good and evil.” Granted, the slate of shows WE has to offer does not inspire confidence, but perhaps in capable hands this demon hunting drama can stir up interest.