The new horror film that Ketchum is writing will be based off his 1991 novel called OFFSPRING. That particular novel was written as a sequel to another book entitled OFF SEASON. Now, here’s why Ketchum and van den Houten have chosen to go this route:
According to van den Houten, they plan on addressing the events of OFF SEASON at the beginning of the film with the confidence that OFFSPRING can stand on its own without a lot of back story.
That sounds feasible to me. That way, they can just jump right into all the action and carnage without setting up a lot of stuff. And what exactly is there to set up? Well, have a look at the general gist of both books: OFF SEASON and OFFSPRING deal with a cannibalistic backwoods clan that preys on the residents of a small Maine town.
I know that’s a bit vague, but it does show some tasty potential, don’t you think? Maybe a sort of HILLS HAVE EYES in the land of Stephen King? Maybe I should pick up OFF SEASON and give it a read to see if all is on par, horror-wise. As for now, OFFSPRING already has a cast. Check it: Art Hindle (THE BROOD, INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS) will play George Peters and Pollyanna McIntosh (HEADSPACE) will take on the role of “The Woman”, the matriarch of the cannibal clan. Anthony Pepe (SATAN’S LITTLE HELPER) will be handling special makeup effects with William M. Miller (THE GIRL NEXT DOOR) on board as cinematographer. I’ll give you more on this as I hear it.