It’s been a minute since the last movie in “The Strangers” franchise; almost six years, in fact. But that didn’t stop journeyman director Renny Harlin from directing three (yes, three) new installments in the slasher series, all hitting theaters in 2024. Bryan Bertino‘s 2008 film updated the classic slasher narrative with a menacing home invasion twist to the delight of many horror. So how will Harlin’s films measure up again to the original and its 2018 follow-up “The Strangers: Prey At Night“?
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It’s time to find out, as “The Strangers: Chapter 1” hits theaters this Spring. Those familiar with the series know the drill by now: a couple or family staying somewhere isolated gets stalked and attacked by three masked killers who pick them off one by one. Why? Because they’re home, and because they’re there, and because this is a redundant franchise.
Here’s a synopsis for “The Strangers: Chapter 1,” courtesy of Lionsgate Films:
After their car breaks down in an eerie small town, a young couple are forced to spend the night in a remote cabin. Panic ensues as they are terrorized by three masked strangers who strike with no mercy and seemingly no motive in THE STRANGERS ― CHAPTER 1, the chilling first entry of this upcoming horror feature film series.
“The Strangers: Chapter 1” stars Madeleine Petsch, Froy Gutierrez, Rachel Shenton, Gabriel Basso, and Florian Clare. Harlin directs a script by Alan R. Cohen and Alan Freedland.
When asked whether the movie was a reboot or sequel to the 2008 original, cast member Ema Horvath answered, “It’s within the same universe, I’ll say that. It’s a trilogy.” And Harlin’s two other films are also theater-bound sometime later this year. So keep that in mind, horror fans: if Harlin’s take on this premiere ends up being decent, this trilogy could be this year’s sleeper genre hit.
“The Strangers: Chapter 1” hits theaters on May 17 via Lionsgate Films. Watch the first trailer for the slasher below.