by Marc Patterson

News just broke late last night (at least for those of us on the East Coast) that Adam Green’s Hatchet 2 has been picked up by Dark Sky Films with the intent of turning the films into the next big horror franchise. Earlier last week our own Britt Hayes spoke to Adam during final pre-production on the film, and we’ll be bringing that interview to you in the next couple of days.

From the press release:
The movie, which has just begun shooting in LA, brings back Kane Hodder as the villainous Victor Crowley, who terrorized the bayou in 2007’s groundbreaking “Hatchet.” Joining Hodder in the cast are Danielle Harris (“Halloween “IV & V”), Tony Todd (“CANDY MAN”) and Tom Holland (“CHILD’S PLAY”).

Dark Sky Films has partnered with ArieScope Pictures, the company behind “Hatchet” “Grace” and Green’s upcoming “Frozen,” which will premiere in this year’s Sundance Film Festival.

Writer-director Adam Green says: “Victor Crowley has been in my head since I was a kid so, the first movie was really 20 years in the making and a love letter to the films I grew up watching. HATCHET 2 is a gift to the fans for their loyalty.”

ArieScope Pictures producer Cory Neal says: “Hatchet became a phenomenon and a success beyond anything we ever dreamed. So, when gearing up for the sequel we needed to do it right. We needed a company that understood and valued our goals and ambitions. Dark Sky recognizes how big this franchise will be and how far it can go.”

Adam Green added, “Once ‘Hatchet’ became a success, a lot of doors opened. We met with all sorts of companies, both on the studio and independent levels. For the most part, our projects have worked better outside of the studio system. Dark Sky Films was a company with not only experience, but the hunger, ambition and strategy we need to grow.”

Greg Newman, executive vice president Dark Sky Films says: “We are thrilled to be a part of the ‘Hatchet’ franchise. In Victor Crowley, Adam Green has developed an enduring character that will continue to wreak havoc for years to come. Green is among the most talented filmmakers working in the genre and most importantly, he listens to his audience and understands how to make films that surpass their very high expectations. HATCHET 2 will deliver the goods.”

Neal added: “We are thrilled with this marriage and are ecstatic about the opportunities that await. This partnership with Dark Sky looks very promising because they aren’t just about playing it safe. You can see they aren’t afraid to embrace all aspects of the genre.”