Fred Olen Ray is known as one of the great B-movie makers, a reputation he has earned over a career that stretches back to the end of the 1970s and includes more than 165 directing credits. Ray has also produced over 100 movies, including the 1995 “killer pumpkinhead scarecrow” movie Jack-O, which was directed by Steve Latshaw from a script by Patrick Moran (based on a story crafted by Ray and Brad Linaweaver). Jack-O has gained a cult following over the decades – and now, it has a sequel! Although a release date for the new film hasn’t been announced, a trailer for Jack-O 2 has just dropped online to give us an early look at the Halloween horror sequel. You can watch it in the embed above.
Jack-O Returns
If you need a refresher, Jack-O had the following synopsis: On Halloween night the spirit of Mister Jack, The Pumpkin Man rises from its long forgotten grave to once again terrorize the citizens of Oakmoor Crossing. Summoned by warlock, Walter Machen, the resurrected monster soon sets its sites on killing young Sean Kelly, the descendant of Machen’s enemies. Sean’s babysitter, Carolyn, tries to save the day, but is there really a chance in Hell?
Ray wrote, directed, and is producing Jack-O 2, with Latshaw serving as executive producer. Sean Donohue is also producing, with legendary exploitation director William Grefé also on board as an executive producer. Why Jack-O 2 now? Ray explains, “For the last decade I have focused on dozens of Made for TV network movies… Christmas films and Lifetime Women’s thrillers and it’s been great, opening an entirely new page in my long career… but my early Drive-in movie roots are begging me to take another walk on the wild side, a walk back to my beginnings and I want to do it in Florida with you. I’m going to produce a 1970s styled Drive-in movie… the kind fans want but no big company wants to finance anymore.”
Now that the film is complete, Ray added, “Jack‑O 2 pushes our characters—and our audience—to the edge while honoring the outrageous spirit of the original. It’s a return to practical, in‑your‑face horror filmmaking.“
Genre icons Linnea Quigley, Brinke Stevens, John Carradine, and Cameron Mitchell had roles in the original Jack-O. For the sequel, Ray has cast Sybil Danning (Howling II: Your Sister Is a Werewolf), Richard Gabai (Nightmare Sisters), Sushii Xhyvette Holder (Swamp Woman), Martin Nicholas (Beach Blanket Bloodbath), and rising new actress Annah Arias
A press release notes that Jack-O 2, “shot against a Halloween Eve backdrop, showcases the atmospheric cinematography of Thomas L. Callaway (Deep Blue Sea 2, Critters 3 & 4), whose visual style heightens the film’s blend of psychological tension and visceral horror. … Designed as a multi‑media event, Jack‑O 2 aims to satisfy both hardcore horror fans and mainstream viewers alike.”
Are you looking forward to Jack-O 2? Check out the trailer, then let us know by leaving a comment below.
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