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‘Herbert West: Reanimator’: First Look At Joseph Morgan & Katie Cassidy In Fantasy Horror Adapted From H.P. Lovecraft Story
Deadline has revealed first-look images of Joseph Morgan and Katie Cassidy in "Herbert West: Reanimator," a contemporary reimagining of H.P. Lovecraft's 1922 short story, now filming in Alton, Illinois. Morgan (The Vampire Diaries, The Originals) takes the title role of a surgeon obsessed with reanimating the dead, while Cassidy (Arrow) plays a pathologist with a troubled past who becomes drawn into his experiments; both are also serving as executive producers. The project follows an earlier adaptation of the same story, the cult 1985 film starring Jeffrey Combs, and marks a return to horror for Cassidy.
Michael Grossman is directing from an original screenplay by Jade Sandberg Wallace, with Jeff Lewis producing through financier Woodlake Entertainment. The extended synopsis traces West's childhood trauma after witnessing his father's failed reanimation experiment, through to his adult obsession with a serum capable of reviving severed tissue, aided by pathologist Kate Locke, who is intrigued rather than repelled by his work. Supporting cast includes Scott Aiello, Ira J Amyx and Randall Newsome among others. Both leads described enthusiasm for the "dark twist" the new version brings to the Lovecraft source material.
In short
- Joseph Morgan and Katie Cassidy star in new "Herbert West: Reanimator" adaptation
- Contemporary reimagining of Lovecraft story now filming in Illinois
- Both actors also serve as executive producers on the film
Explained simply
H.P. Lovecraft's 1922 short story "Herbert West: Reanimator" tells of a surgeon obsessed with reviving the dead using a secret serum. The tale has remained influential in horror fiction and was previously adapted as a 1985 film that achieved cult status amongst enthusiasts of the genre.
A contemporary reimagining of the story is now in production, directed by Michael Grossman. Joseph Morgan, known for roles in The Vampire Diaries and The Originals, plays the title character West, whilst Katie Cassidy from Arrow plays a pathologist drawn into his experiments, with both actors also serving as executive producers.
The film explores West's background, beginning with childhood trauma from witnessing his father's failed reanimation attempt, which later drives his obsession with developing a serum to revive severed tissue. The production is described by Cassidy as bringing a "dark twist" to Lovecraft's source material and represents a return to horror for the actress.