KISS ProfileVeteran rock icon Gene Simmons has partnered with WWE Studios, the film-production arm of professional wrestling behemoth WWE, to launch Erebus Pictures, a new movie financing and production company with a particular focus on "elevated" horror films.
Evidently undeterred by WWE's resoundingly unsuccessful foray into making their own horror and action movies over the past decade or so, Simmons will be a partner in at least a three-picture co-production deal, set to get under way with previous WWE Studios acquisition Temple, according to a statement from the sports entertainment juggernaut.
"The horror genre continues to fascinate me as it proves to be endlessly thrilling and engaging for audiences," Simmons said. "I am so thrilled to be working with the masterminds from WWE Studios in launching Erebus Pictures."
The new company fittingly takes its moniker from the Greek deity of the same name, which represents the personification of darkness in mythology. According to the statement, its first film, Temple, "will follow a team of highly trained operatives who find themselves trapped inside an isolated military compound after its artificial intelligence is suddenly shut down. While investigating the source of the malfunction, the crew begins to experience strange and horrific phenomena as they attempt to uncover who or what killed the team previously stationed at the compound".
Temple was written by Matt Savelloni; a director is yet to be announced, though principal photography is scheduled this year, as is commencement of production on Erebus' second movie.
“Horror films fall into a genre that thrives on genuine passion, and I believe this partnership truly capitalizes on that sentiment and supports our vision,” WWE Studios president Michael Luisi said.
“I am confident that Erebus will provide audiences with an unprecedented horror experience.”
