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The Drago spinoff will be darker than the Rocky and Creed films, bringing a new tone to the franchise. Dolph Lundgren and Florian Munteanu have agreed on the script, aiming to start filming in 2025 if possible. The Drago movie will explore a timely and topical story of Ivan and Viktor moving to the US following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Florian Munteanu has promised that his upcoming Drago spinoff film will be a lot darker than the Rocky and Creed movies, which could take the franchise in an exciting new direction. A spinoff movie centered around Dolph Lundgrens villain Ivan Drago has been in development since November 2021. It was officially announced by MGM in July 2022. Robert Lawton was tapped to write the screenplay, which would reportedly revolve around Dragos untold backstory. The announcement of the Drago spinoff created a minor controversy when franchise creator Sylvester Stallone claimed he wasnt consulted about the project.

Dolph Lundgren, who portrayed Ivan Drago in Rocky IV and Creed II, recently confirmed that his character's spinoff film is still in development at MGM.

"Yeah, I think so," the actor shared during an interview with Screen Rant. "MGM was developing the script called Drago about my character and my son. I think what happened was the studio changed leadership, and then Creed III did very well, so they started preparing for Creed IV. This is last year, and then now there is a problem with a co-star in Creed IV. That storyline they had on the Drago script was interesting, it was kind of a coming to America, kind of immigration angle, with me and the son, and it was pretty cool."

Related Dolph Lundgren Addresses Potential Return as He-Man in Masters of the Universe Sequel Masters of the Universe star Dolph Lundgren has commented on the possibility of...

Dolph Lundgren revealed on “In Depth With Graham Bensinger” that he nearly punched Sylvester Stallone during the making of their 2010 ensemble action movie “The Expendables.” Stallone helmed the film himself, marking the second time he directed Lundgren in a movie after 1985’s “Rocky IV.”

“We had some good times and bad times, kinda like family to some degree,” Lundgren said about his long-standing working relationship with Stallone. “He was very harsh on me in a scene in ‘The Expendables’ where he kinda yelled at me in front of the whole crew and had me do about 20 takes on a scene. It was like, ‘My grandmother could do it better than that. What the fuck, what are you doing?’ You know, basically in front of everybody. And there was press there that day too, international press.”

Lundgren continued, “We took a lunch break and I remember I was kind of in tears.

A Rocky TV show from Sylvester Stallone is reportedly a possibility. An unknown talent at the time, Stallone first starred as the titular small-time club fighter from Philadelphia who gets a once-in-a-lifetime shot at the title in 1976's Rocky, a film which he also wrote. Over the years, Stallone starred in five Rocky sequels, writing all of them and directing some. Today, the Rocky franchise lives on in the form of Creed, with Stallone returning as Rocky for the first two spinoff films. Though Stallone didn't return for Creed 3, he remained on board as a producer.

Now, as Amazon Studios plans to flesh out the boxing franchise, a Rocky TV show from Stallone is reportedly a possibility, per Deadline. The studio recently signed a first-look deal with Stallone and his production company, Balboa Productions, for both film and TV projects. The trade's sources say that "expanding the Rocky brand...

The "Creed" series is ready for another round. With its box-office record-setting opening weekend now in the rearview, fans are already clamoring for information on what is coming next for Michael B. Jordan and Adonis Creed. Thanks to an exclusive report from Deadline, it sounds like the answer is "more." While representatives for both Amazon and Jordan declined to comment, Deadline's sources allege there have already been meetings between the two about possible "Creed" projects, including more films and a possible series.

Deadline said, "Details are sketchy because some of the conversations are still in exploratory stages, but we hear that an anime series connected to the 'Rocky' spinoff IP is in the works, and there are ideas for a companion live-action TV series." The idea of an anime series makes perfect sense, especially considering how much Jordan loves the medium and incorporated anime elements into his directing...

After scoring a Tko with audiences for his directorial debut on Creed III, Michael B. Jordan could get back into the ring to develop a Creed-Verse with Amazon. According to Deadline, Jordan is dancing around a universe-spanning deal for Creed-related film and television projects. While there have been multiple meetings and attempts to build a Rocky universe, the latest dealings could yield hard-hitting results for the franchise’s future. The seriousness of the deal is the result of Creed III‘s success, which has earned $110M+ worldwide at the time of this posting.

Details about the deal remain shrouded in mystery, though Deadline says an anime series connected to the Rocky IP is possible in addition to a live-action spinoff series. The idea of building a project around Adonis Creed’s daughter, Amara, is also being discussed. The anime project sounds likely, as Jordan is an out-and-proud anime fan.

Exclusive: Creed already broke ground for Amazon, with the latest installment in the MGM movie franchise, Creed III, racking up a $100M-plus global opening and setting a box office record for the tech giant. Now Creed could spawn an Amazon universe spanning both film and TV. There have been meetings with franchise star and filmmaker Michael B. Jordan about various Creed-related projects for the past year, sources said. The plans for the scope of the universe have gotten bolder in the wake of Creed III’s big debut. Reps for Amazon and Jordan declined comment.

Details are sketchy because some of the conversations are still in exploratory stages, but we hear that an anime series connected to the Rocky spinoff IP is in the works, and there are ideas for a companion live-action TV series. Also percolating is a potential project centering on Adonis Creed’s daughter Amara, who was...

Michael B. Jordan’s “Creed III” is now playing in theaters, which means a lot of moviegoers may find themselves asking the same question: Where the hell is Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky Balboa?

Stallone starred opposite Jordan in “Creed” and “Creed II,” even earning an Oscar nomination for supporting actor thanks to his role in the 2015 first installment. But Stallone is entirely absent from “Creed III.” While Rocky’s name gets name-dropped a couple times in the script, his whereabouts are never explained.

Stallone’s absence in “Creed III” marks the first time in nine films and 47 years that a movie in the “Rocky” film franchise does not feature Rocky Balboa. The reason behind Stallone’s departure is twofold: He wasn’t the biggest fan of “Creed III’s” creative direction, and his clash against longtime franchise producer Irwin Winkler remains ongoing.

“Creed III,” scripted by Keenan Coogler and Zach Baylin...

Michael B. Jordan not only stars in Creed III but also makes his directorial debut. During the Hollywood premiere at the Chinese Theatre, Jordan introduced the entire cast of the film and gave an emotional speech.

“This journey over the last three years has been incredible. Never thought I could do what y’all say I did,” he said. “I couldn’t have done that without the people that I just named in this incredible, incredible cast. It’s a team effort”

Jordan continued, “Every day I tried to show up and I wanted to impress them. I wanted to let them know that I wasn’t doing it just to do the job. And finding the truth within the Creed family was really, really important to us. So, thank you, guys, so much for having my back every step of the way, even when it’s difficult.”

Michael B.

Snoop Dogg and Kenya Barris are partnering up with MGM on the upcoming comedy feature “The Underdoggs.” Snoop Dogg will star in and co-produce the project.

Described as “The Bad News Bears” meets youth football, the film revolves around former NFL superstar Jaycen “2Js” Jenning (Snoop Dogg), who agrees to coach a youth football team in hopes of jumpstarting his career after he has a run-in with the law.

Charles Stone will direct. The script, based on an original pitch by Snoop Dogg and producing partner Constance Schwartz-Morini, is written by Danny Segal and Isaac Schamis, whose previous work includes Barris projects “Grown-ish” and “#BlackAF”.

Also Read:

Kid Cudi and Kenya Barris’ ‘Entergalactic’ Gets Sept. 30 Premiere Date

“Black-ish” and “Mixed-ish” creator Barris will produce alongside Mychelle Deschamps for Khalabo Ink Society and Jonathan Glickman for Panoramic Media. Snoop Dogg will produce under his banner Death Row Pictures, with Schwartz-Morini producing through Smac Entertainment.

Dolph Lundgren has spoken out and is standing in Sylvester Stallone’s corner over the upcoming “Rocky” spinoff “Drago.”

“Just to set the record straight regarding a possible Drago spinoff,” Lundgren posted on his Instagram page. “There’s no approved script, no deals in place, no director and I was personally under the impression that my friend Sly Stallone was involved as a producer or even as an actor. There was a press leak last week which was unfortunate. In touch with Mr Balboa – just so all the fans can relax…There ya go.”

On Sunday, Stallone voiced his displeasure, again, at the development of a spinoff of “Rocky” character Drago, this time demanding that producer Irwin Winkler and his partners return the rights to the characters.

Also Read:

Sylvester Stallone Throws Another Punch at Irwin Winkler Over ‘Rocky’ Spinoff: ‘Return My Rights Bloodsuckers!’

“After Irwin Winkler and Family Suck Rocky Dry!

Dolph Lundgren took to social media to “set the record straight” regarding the recent controversy that’s consuming the “Rocky” franchise. Variety reported July 28 that MGM is developing a “Drago” spinoff movie with screenwriter Robert Lawton, an announcement that was later condemned by “Rocky” franchise creator and actor Sylvester Stallone. Lundgren told “Rocky” fans to relax after Stallone spoke out against the film, and he confirmed he is now in touch with Stallone about the potential spinoff after assuming Stallone would be automatically involved.

“Just to set the record straight regarding a possible ‘Drago’ spinoff. There’s no approved script, no deals in place, no director and I was personally under the impression that my friend Sly Stallone was involved as a producer or even as an actor,” Lundgren wrote. “There was a press leak last week which was unfortunate. In touch with Mr. Balboa – just so all the fans can relax…...

Sylvester Stallone is voicing his displeasure, again, at the development of a spinoff of “Rocky” character Drago, this time demanding that producer Irwin Winkler and his partners return the rights to the characters.

“After Irwin Winkler and Family Suck Rocky Dry!” Stallone’s Instagram post begins, accompanying a photo of Winkler edited to look like Dracula sucking Rocky’s blood. “Presumed to be the most hated, untalented, decrepited (sic) producer in Hollywood and his cowardly children have found their next meal… Drago. Return My Rights Bloodsuckers! Throughout history so many artists in every industry, recording, painting, writing you name it have been destroyed by these blood suckers who have destroyed so many families, lining their pockets with other people!”

The post ends with Stallone turning his attention to Dolph Lundgren, who played Russian fighter Ivan Drago in 1985’s “Rocky IV” and is planned to be at the center of the story of this new film.

Click here to read the full article.

Sylvester Stallone has more to say about the Rocky franchise in light of MGM developing a film spinoff centering on Ivan Drago.

Stallone — who wrote the screenplay for 1976’s Oscar-winning Rocky, in which he starred as boxer Rocky Balboa — took to Instagram on Saturday to criticize the planned film Drago that is being written by Robert Lawton, as first reported this week by The Wrap. Although Stallone did not directly name anyone in his latest post, his mention of a “94-year-old producer” is an apparent reference to Irwin Winkler, who is 91 and has a producing credit on all of the films in the Rocky franchise, in addition to the subsequent Creed spinoff films.

“Another Heartbreaker… Just found this out…Once Again , Pathetic 94 year old Producer and His Selfish Useless Children are once again picking what is left Off The Bones of another wonderful character!

Sylvester Stallone came out swinging over the news TheWrap broke Friday that a “Rocky” spinoff based on the Drago character is in the works at MGM and that he is not a part of it.

“Heartbreaker… Just found this out…Once Again , Pathetic 94 year old Producer and His Selfish Useless Children are once again picking what is left Off The Bones of another wonderful character !!!” Stallone fumed in an Instagram post Saturday night.

He went on: “Seriously , how do you weasels look in mirror ???. I am sorry to the Fans , I Apologize to the Fans I never wanted Rocky to be exploited For This Greed .. # no shame #sad day #Parasite.”

Instagram

Stallone then went in for round two on Twitter, posting, “I’d like to congratulate Irwin Winkler and family beating another wonderful character into the ground! # no shame,” referring to the “Rocky” producer who took home an Oscar in...

MGM has lost the film rights to “Tomb Raider,” based on the popular video game, sparking a bidding war for the IP, TheWrap has exclusively learned.

MGM had till May of this year to greenlight a “Tomb Raider” sequel, and the window passed. A host of Hollywood movie studios are in the mix and put in bids, according to multiple insiders with knowledge of the project.

Alicia Vikander, who starred as Lara Croft in 2018’s “Tomb Raider” is no longer attached to the project. Insiders add it’s a complete reboot and there are no casting or director commitments. Rights reverted to the game company, then the game company and Graham King’s Gk Films made a deal to rep the IP.

Also Read:

‘Rocky’ Spinoff Film ‘Drago’ Set for MGM With Robert Lawton to Write (Exclusive)

The 2018 “Tomb Raider” earned nearly 275 million at the global box office. The film...

“Creed III” has just been pushed to 2023, but MGM clearly has confidence in the sequel’s success. The company is continuing to aggressively expand the franchise by developing a new spin-off film, “Drago,” from screenwriter Robert Lawton (via The Wrap).

While plot details are scarce, the name “Drago” is instantly recognizable to fans of the Rocky franchise. Ivan Drago, the Russian boxer played by Dolph Lundgren in “Rocky IV,” is one of Rocky Balboa’s most iconic foes. In “Creed II,” Lundgren returned as Ivan Drago and Florian Munteanu was introduced as Viktor Drago, his son who squared off against Michael B. Jordan’s Adonis Creed.

While it is not confirmed if Lundgren and Munteanu are returning for the film, the premise appears to follow the “Creed” formula by telling the story of the son of a famous Rocky Villain.

The news is the latest indicator that the “Rocky” franchise...

MGM is betting big on the house of Drago.

The studio is developing “Drago,” a spinoff of “Creed,” which itself is a spinoff of “Rocky” — the successful boxing franchise starring Sylvester Stallone as the ultimate underdog Rocky Balboa.

Robert Lawton has been hired to write the screenplay. He got the job after impressing MGM executives with his spec script “Becoming Rocky,” about the making of the first “Rocky” film, according to The Wrap, which first reported the news of Lawton’s hiring. Though the studio didn’t move ahead with his film idea, it appointed Lawton to build out a backstory about Russian boxer Ivan Drago, who took on Rocky in 1985’s “Rocky IV.” His character’s son, Viktor Drago, appeared in 2018’s “Creed II,” stepping into the ring against another offspring of Rocky’s rivals, Adonis Creed.

“I’m incredibly humbled and grateful for this opportunity, and I’m...

Warner Bros. Discovery has appointed Asif Sadiq as its chief officer of global diversity, equity and inclusion, the company said Wednesday.

Sadiq will lead the company’s diversity, equity and inclusion strategy and global team, expanding on initiatives from both legacy Discovery, Inc. and legacy WarnerMedia.

Sadiq will jointly report to CEO David Zaslav and people and culture chief Adria Alpert Romm.

Also Read:

Hollywood Veteran Alan Horn Joins Warner Bros. Discovery as Senior Adviser (Exclusive)

Sadiq most recently served as the head of international diversity, equity and inclusion for WarnerMedia and was a key architect of many of the WarnerMedia DE&I internal and content-focused initiatives on which Wbd plans to build. Earlier, Sadiq held senior diversity positions at Adidas, The Telegraph Media Group, Ey Financial Services and the City of London Police.

In his role, Sadiq will chair Wbd’s new Business Diversity Council, a senior advisory board...

Let's get ready to rumble! MGM is looking to expand the scope of the "Rocky" franchise in the wake of the success of the recent "Creed" films but this time, they're going to head to Russia for an exploration of one of the key characters in the series not named Balboa or Creed. Namely, we're getting an Ivan Drago spin-off film.

According to The Wrap, Robert Lawton had been set to pen the appropriately titled "Drago" for the studio. Plot details are currently being kept under wraps, so it's not clear if Dolph Lundgren will reprise the role, as he did in 2018's "Creed II."...

The post Creed Spin-Off Drago Is In The Works At MGM appeared first on /Film.

A new Creed spinoff titled Drago, from screenwriter Robert Lawton, is in development at MGM, we can confirm. When contacted by Deadline, the studio had no comment.

Details as to the film’s plot are being kept under lock and key. But we hear that it will center on the Russian boxer of the same name, portrayed by Dolph Lundgren—previously seen in 1985’s Rocky IV and 2018’s Creed II—as well as his son Viktor Drago (Florian Munteanu), previously seen only in Creed II.

The Creed franchise launched in 2015 is a spinoff to Sylvester Stallone’s sports franchise Rocky, launched with the iconic 1976 film of the same name. Michael B. Jordan stars as Apollo Creed’s son Adonis and is reprising the role in the upcoming Creed 3—having also directed the pic slated for release on November 23.

Lawton notably won a Nicholl Fellowship in 2021 for the spec script Becoming...

Screenwriter Robert Lawton is set to write the “Rocky” spinoff “Drago” for MGM, multiple insiders with knowledge of the project exclusively tell TheWrap.

Although plot details are being kept under wraps, “Drago” centers on Russian fighter Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren), who first appeared as the antagonist in 1985’s “Rocky IV,” and his son Viktor Drago (Florian Munteanu) who was last seen as the antagonist in 2018’s “Creed 2.”

Lawton’s spec script “Becoming Rocky” about the making of the first “Rocky” film, was one of 50 scripts that won a 2021 Nicholl Fellowship. MGM execs were impressed by the spec and the “Drago” take that Lawton came up with, giving him the job.

Also Read:

Michael B. Jordan Explains Why the ‘Creed’ Series Is ‘Moving Forward’ Without Rocky

Lundgren, in an interview with THR last year mentioned that a “Drago” film was in the works. “By the way, I think there’s...

Charles de Lauzirika has probably been involved with some of your favorite behind-the-scenes footage and DVD extras on classic films like Blade Runner and the cult series “Twin Peaks”.

With Crave (review here) he’s graduating to a new level of filmmaking by directing his first feature about an eccentric photographer who begins to walk down a very dark path. Moving into directing is a good move and a brave one (for anyone) but especially for Lauzirika since DVDs are dropping off more and more and extras are now harder to come by as studios don’t put the effort into new releases quite like they used to.

Crave is certainly a decent first effort but also an effort that Lauzirika himself isn’t completely satisfied with. For anyone looking to direct themselves one day, the below interview should offer some insight and advice for any first-timer.

Dread Central: Working...

Phase 4 Films' VOD release of director Charles de Lauzirika's festival favorite Crave is available right now, and to get you geared up for the small screen goodies, we have landed an exclusive clip for you cats to chew on. Check it out!

Lauzirika also wrote the screenplay with Robert Lawton and produced the film with Robert Green. Scott Robinson and Marissa Neiman co-produced the project, which shot in Detroit.

Josh Lawson, Emma Lung, Ron Perlman, and Edward Furlong star.

Related Story: An Exclusive Image Gallery for You to Crave

Synopsis

Aiden (Josh Lawson) fantasizes about a better life away from his gruesome job as a crime scene photographer working alongside his detective friend Pete (Ron Perlman)--a heroic life where he falls in love with the perfect woman and dispenses justice on the hard streets of Detroit. When he meets the alluring young Virginia (Emma Lung) and...

Director Charles de Lauzirika talks his feature directorial debut Crave, in theaters December 6

Some filmmakers often have various different professions in the film industry before that directorial debut, whether it be writing, editing or working in visual effects, to name a few. Charles de Lauzirika had the opportunity to observe countless A-list filmmakers on the set while working as a producer and director of behind-the-scenes documentaries that are found on the bonus features of Blu-ray and DVD releases, before making his directorial debut with Crave. This indie thriller stars Josh Lawson as Aiden, a freelance crime scene photographer, who makes his living by capturing gruesome murder scenes on film, while he slips into his own equally-dark fantasy world to escape his reality. I recently had the chance to speak with Charles de Lauzirika for Crave, which co-stars Emma Lung and Ron Perlman, about his first feature film, debuting in theaters December 6.

Once Phase 4 Films announced a December 6th VOD release for director Charles de Lauzirika's festival favorite Crave, we knew it wouldn't be long before a new trailer arrived, and that's exactly what we have for you this morning!

Lauzirika also wrote the screenplay with Robert Lawton and produced the film with Robert Green. Scott Robinson and Marissa Neiman co-produced the project, which shot in Detroit.

Josh Lawson, Emma Lung, Ron Perlman, and Edward Furlong star.

Related Story: An Exclusive Image Gallery for You to Crave

Synopsis

Aiden (Josh Lawson) fantasizes about a better life away from his gruesome job as a crime scene photographer working alongside his detective friend Pete (Ron Perlman)--a heroic life where he falls in love with the perfect woman and dispenses justice on the hard streets of Detroit. When he meets the alluring young Virginia (Emma Lung) and steals a gun from a crime scene,...

Phase 4 Films has announced a December 6th VOD release for the Charles de Lauzirika festival favorite Crave starring Josh Lawson, Emma Lung, Ron Perlman, and Edward Furlong; and we have over a dozen exclusive images for you to dig on!

Lauzirika also wrote the screenplay with Robert Lawton and produced the film with Robert Green. Scott Robinson and Marissa Neiman co-produced the project, which shot in Detroit.

Synopsis

Aiden (Josh Lawson) fantasizes about a better life away from his gruesome job as a crime scene photographer working alongside his detective friend Pete (Ron Perlman)--a heroic life where he falls in love with the perfect woman and dispenses justice on the hard streets of Detroit. When he meets the alluring young Virginia (Emma Lung) and steals a gun from a crime scene, the line between his darkest fantasies and reality begins to blur... with deadly consequences.

Visit The Evilshop @ Amazon!

Phase 4 Films has announced a December 6th VOD release for the Charles de Lauzirika festival favorite Crave starring Josh Lawson, Emma Lung, Ron Perlman, and Edward Furlong so mark your calendars now, kids!

Lauzirika also wrote the screenplay with Robert Lawton and produced the film with Robert Green. Scott Robinson and Marissa Neiman co-produced the project, which shot in Detroit.

Synopsis

Aiden (Josh Lawson) fantasizes about a better life away from his gruesome job as a crime scene photographer working alongside his detective friend Pete (Ron Perlman)--a heroic life where he falls in love with the perfect woman and dispenses justice on the hard streets of Detroit. When he meets the alluring young Virginia (Emma Lung) and steals a gun from a crime scene, the line between his darkest fantasies and reality begins to blur, with deadly consequences.

Visit The Evilshop @ Amazon!

Got news? Click here to submit it!

Crave is a psychological thriller that is currently make the rounds at film festivals. Director Charles de Lauzirika won a Best Director award recently at Fantastic Fest for this title. And, the film centrally focuses on Aiden (Josh Lawson), a crime scene photographer. He becomes disenchanted with his life after witnessing dozens and dozens of gruesome murders. Aiden turns to a vigilantism in order to make a change in his life and in his community. However, this character gets to close to those he pursues. He loses a part of himself, until he becomes more evil than those he hopes to eliminate. The trailer for Crave is below. In the clip, Aiden talks with Pete (Ron Perlman) about his work and dark fantasies. Actress Emma Lung also appears in the clip as Viriginia, Aiden's love interest. Director: Charles de Lauzirika. Writers: Robert Lawton and Charles de Lauzirika. Cast: Josh Lawson,...

Crave

Directed by Charles de Lauzirika

Written by Charles de Lauzirika and Robert Lawton

USA, 2012

Although this review is going to be about Charles de Lauzirika’s Crave, it seems appropriate to talk about it in relation to Taxi Driver, because despite its best efforts to differentiate itself, Crave just can’t seem to emerge from its obvious shadow of influence. Throughout the film, the anti-hero pontificates to his imaginary enemy while waving his gun at them, has relationship-ending theatre-going experiences with his date, is involved in convenience store stickups, and has a deep-seated hatred for pedophiles and pimps; but he is not supposed to be Travis Bickle. Right.

The anti-hero is Aiden (Josh Lawson), a cynical Detroit crime scene photographer who’s troubled with the urban and moral decay of his city. An introvert by birthright, Aiden copes with his anxieties by escaping to the dark recluse of his inner fantasies,...

Directed by: Charles de Lauzirika

Written by: Charles de Lauzirika, Robert Lawton

Featuring: Josh Lawson, Emma Lung, Ron Perlman, Edward Furlong

Self-perception is a tenuous thing. Everybody wants to think of themself as a good person, even when they do bad things. And especially if they do these bad things for good reasons. This is the slippery conceit explored in Crave, the darkly comic first feature from director Charles de Lauzirika.

Crave follows Aiden (Josh Lawson), a freelance photographer who documents violent crime scenes on the mean streets of Detroit with the help of his buddy Pete (Ron Perlman), a world-weary homicide detective. Aiden's a nice guy, despite the voices in his head that constantly hector him, telling him he's a coward or that people that do bad things deserve to die. But, hey, everyone talks to themself, right?

Aiden realizes something's off. His constant observations of the dark side...

Crave

Directed by Charles de Lauzirika

Written by Robert Lawton & Charles de Lauzirika

USA, 2012

Genre movies express and nourish the unconscious thoughts, fears, and desires of their audience. Fans of thrillers or action films first find their morbid curiosities sated and then their dreams of heroism and personal strength. Crave might be the most literally psychological thriller ever made, but calling it such feels disingenuous. It’s an in depth character study of an irrelevant and unnoticed man, an intelligent examination of a doomed tryst, and a thriller–but the film’s propulsion and genre dressings come entirely from its protagonist’s mess of neuroses and self-deceptions.

Primarily, though, Crave is a film about two characters who deeply desire things that they cannot or should not desire. Aiden (Josh Lawson) is a mid-30s crime-scene photographer who is constantly stuck in his head. In frequent voiceover, Aiden invents scenarios, chastises himself,...

Not all cinematic psychos are so obvious with their psychoses. Sure, it doesn't take a team of psychiatrists to figure out that Jason Voorhees is a lunatic (and probably a zombie), and even the classier psychos like Hannibal Lecter are still plainly and obviously unhinged. (It's in his eyes.) But there's a distinct sub-genre of horror / thrillers that look like simple, low-key character studies on the surface, but are actually "about" the sad, disturbing, and creepily matter-of-fact idea that, well, sometimes men go insane. Taking a bit of its inspiration from Taxi Driver, but also slightly reminiscent of arthouse chillers like Keane and Clean, Shaven, Charles de Lauzirika's debut feature Crave is a slow-build character study that seems a bit aimless at times, but really starts to gel into something smart, subtle, and satisfying when all is said and done. 

If the name of the first-time director / co-writer sounds familiar,...

The Hollywood Reporter is reporting that Ron Perlman, Josh Lawson, and Emma Lung have been cast in the upcoming indie thriller “Crave.” The directorial debut of Charles de Lauzirika, who also wrote the script alongside Robert Lawton, the film is about a troubled photographer (Lawson) whose dangerous visions begin to destroy his relationship with a beautiful young woman (Lung), and end up getting him pursued by a dark and cynical detective (Perlman). Lauzirika is also producing “Crave” alongside with Robert Green, Scott Robinson and Marissa Neiman. The project will begin shooting this Friday in Detroit. Stay tuned to Shockya.com for more on “Crave”. By Costa Koutsoutis (Source: The Hollywood Reporter)...

Josh Lawson, Emma Lung and Ron Perlman will star in the indie thriller "Crave." The film marks the directing debut of Charles de Lauzirika. Lauzirika wrote the screenplay with Robert Lawton ("Sex & Sushi") and produces with Robert Green ("Waiting ..."). Project began shooting Friday in Detroit, Mi. "Crave" tells of a troubled photographer (Lawson) whose dangerous visions wreak havoc after his romance with a woman (Lung) ends and he is pursued by a detective played by Perlman). Perlman can be seen next in Lionsgate's "Season of the Witch" with Nicolas Cage.

DVD and Blu-ray feature producer Charles de Lauzirika is ready to leave the realm of supplemental material behind and instead hop directly into the director's chair for the upcoming film Crave, which has already attracted a couple of solid names including Hellboy himself.

According to The Hollywood Reporter Josh Lawson, Emma Lung, and Ron Perlman have been cast in the lead roles of the indie thriller Crave, which centers upon a troubled photographer (Lawson) whose dangerous visions wreak havoc when his romance with a young woman (Lung) ends and he is pursued by a world-weary detective (Perlman).

Lauzirika also wrote the screenplay with Robert Lawton and will produce with Robert Green. Scott Robinson and Marissa Neiman are co-producing the project, which began shooting Friday in Detroit.

Look for more on this one soon!

- By Uncle Creepy

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Crave things in the Dread Central forums!

Ron Perlman (”Hellboy”), Josh Lawson (”$quid: The Movie”), and Emma Lung (”The Boys Are Back”) have all signed on to Charles de Lauzirkia’s indie thriller, “Crave”. According to THR, the story “centers on a troubled photographer (Lawson) whose dangerous visions wreak havoc when his romance with a young woman (Lung) ends and he is pursued by a world-weary detective (Perlman).” I love the “troubled photographer” character because I always like to imagine him down at Sears about to take a family’s Christmas photo and suddenly he screams, “The demons are coming to rape us all!” And isn’t that really what Christmas is all about?

This is de Lauzirkia’s feature debut which he also co-wrote the script with Robert Lawton (”Sex & Sushi”). If you don’t know who de Lauzirika is, take a look at the DVDs and Blu-rays on your shelf. You see the ones with the greatest extra content?...

Josh Lawson, Emma Lung and Ron Perlman have signed on to star in the indie thriller Crave, directed by Charles de Lauzirika, which marks his feature directorial debut.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Lauzirika wrote the screenplay with Robert Lawton and will produce with Robert Green.

Crave centers on a troubled photographer (Lawson) whose dangerous visions wreak havoc when his romance with a young woman (Lung) ends and he is pursued by a world-weary detective (Perlman).

Crave began shooting Friday in Detroit.

Josh Lawson, Emma Lung and Ron Perlman have been cast in the lead roles of the indie thriller "Crave," the directing debut of Charles de Lauzirika.

Lauzirika wrote the screenplay with Robert Lawton ("Sex & Sushi") and will produce with Robert Green ("Waiting ..."). Scott Robinson and Marissa Neiman are co-producing the project, which began shooting Friday in Detroit.

"Crave" centers on a troubled photographer (Lawson) whose dangerous visions wreak havoc when his romance with a young woman (Lung) ends and he is pursued by a world-weary detective (Perlman).

Lauzirika, a frequent producer of DVD and Blu-ray extras content, has worked on ancillary releases for "Blade Runner," the "Alien" movies, "Twin Peaks," "Spider-Man 2," "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen," "(500) Days of Summer" and the upcoming "Avatar."

Lawson, repped by UTA, Lisa Mann Creative Management in Australia and Management 360, recently co-wrote and starred in "Squid: The Movie."

Lung, repped by UTA and 3 Arts,...