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Steve Niles on Wake the Dead, Criminal Macabre, Remains films

Speaking to MediaMikes, acclaimed author Steve Niles (“30 Days of Night”) offered updates on some of the films based on his works that are in the works.

Firstly though, interesting to hear Niles response in what he thought of the two “30 Days of Night” movies that were made.

Avoiding talking about the second film,”30 Days of Night: Dark Days”, altogether, Niles simply showered David Slade’s film with all the praise.

Said the writer, “For me it’s not even a question of which one was closer to the graphic novel. It was really about whether or not if the film was going to be a good vampire/horror movie. David Slade in the first film delivered exactly what I wanted. Even with the differences from the novel the film really achieved being just a good scary movie. I owe all that to David Slade and Sam Raimi”.

Indeed. Great bloody movie. And I can’t comment on the sequel, because I haven’t bothered to watch it yet, but can only imagine Niles dodged talking about it because it was dire.

Anyway, onto what’s next film wise…

Remains
Of the Colin Theys directed film adaptation, starring Miko Hughes (“Pet Sematary”) and Grant Bowler (“True Blood”), Niles says : “I am a producer on that. It’s kind of an experiment in a way as we really have no budget. I know there is a way to do TV movies that can be really entertaining and, I think we have a way to do it. Chiller has been amazing. I am waiting right now to see an edit. The whole thing from deal to screen was done in under a year. Everyone is really enthusiastic and doing what they can to get this out.”

Wake the Dead
Haley Joel Osment is attached to play Victor Franken in the film, which Jay Russell (“Ladder 49”) is directing and James V.Hart (“Dracula”) has penned.
“Jay Russell and I have the screen play. We are trying to find a reliable production company to get the movie made. The biggest problem in Hollywood is getting something made.”

Criminal Macabre
Keith Goldberg, who executive produced “R.I.P.D”, is onboard this one. He will probably have more say than Niles on the pic.
“It all comes down to a studio decision. I can put in my votes and I think there are a lot of people out there that could play Cal McDonald. You can never predict with studios. We still don’t have a screen play. Money keeps getting thrown out the window and I have yet to be given the chance to try writing one. It’s kind of sad. Until something happens nothing is happening.”

Anything else from Niles you think could work as a film?

What’s next for Jeremy Renner? Kurt Cobain, more Mission or a foot spa?

Damian Walshe-Howling