Punk Rock Icon Stars In Netflix Horror Comedy That Will Shock You
When it comes to musical icons making the cross into the world of filmmaking, the industry has never been at a loss. From Justin Timberlake to Harry Styles and even Jennifer Lopez (who did the criss-cross backward), countless celebrities have proven themselves to be a double threat over the years. Back in 2015, former Black Flag frontman Henry Rollins transferred his dynamic on-stage personality to in front of the camera on Jason Krawczyk’s He Never Died. Now, audiences can check out the film as it’s currently streaming on Netflix.
He Never Died, starring Henry Rollins in the lead role, is streaming on Netflix.
Starring Henry Rollins as Jack, He Never Died tells the story of an immortal cannibal with a sense of morality. Understanding that there’s nothing he can do to avoid his bloodthirsty urges, Jack goes into hiding to keep humanity safe from his insatiable hunger. Part comedy, part horror, the feature was a great way for the punk rock icon to show off his acting chops to the world.
Along with Henry Rollins, He Never Died featured performances from the likes of Booboo Stewart (The Twilight Saga), Jordan Todosey (Degrassi: The Next Generation), Steven Ogg (The Walking Dead), James Cade (Blue Mountain State), David Richmond-Peck (She’s the Man), Don Francks (The Big Town), Aron Tager (Donkey Kong Country), Kate Greenhouse, Walter Alza, Elias Edraki, and Mary Elaina Brisebois.
As is to be expected with a name like Henry Rollins leading the cast, the film made its world debut at South by Southwest, raking in strong kudos from both fans of the horror community and those of Rollins’ extensive musical history.
Although it never landed in cinemas, the title received a video on demand and DVD release with audiences bringing the horror and camp to their own living rooms. Not a big enough project to receive feedback from the better-known film critics, He Never Died still managed to gain a cult following with a handful of critics leaving mostly positive reviews.
So popular within Henry Rollins’ fandom, it was revealed in October 2014 that the team would reunite to re-create He Never Died in miniseries form, a way for the storytellers to delve further into the background of the main character.
Along with Rollins returning to reprise his cannibalistic character, Jason Krawczyk also agreed to hop back on board for the lengthier project. Unfortunately, the series wouldn’t pick up speed with the project eventually being scrapped.
Henry Rollins is also a lifelong bachelor who has, like Jack in He Never Died, kept up a life of solitude when it comes to dating.
Ditching the initial plans that would have seen Henry Rollins reprise his character, it was later decided that Krawczyk would pen a new spin on He Never Died which saw a woman in the role of the cannibal loner. Starring Olunike Adeliyi, the Audrey Cummings-helmed feature arrived in 2019 with fans and critics both cheering on the fresh adaptation of the franchise.
Although Henry Rollins’ role in He Never Died may be his biggest film appearance to date, the former Black Flag frontman is certainly no stranger to the cinematic world. The song-writer also holds credits in a slew of productions including The Patrick Star Show, The Last Heist, Adventure Time, Gutterdammerung, The Legend of Korra, Batman: The Brave and the Bold, Sons of Anarchy, Wrong Turn 2: Dead End, and Johnny Mnemonic.
Perhaps having something in common with his character, Henry Rollins is also a lifelong bachelor who has, like Jack in He Never Died, kept up a life of solitude when it comes to dating. The musician has previously made statements about never wanting to be in a romantic relationship – something that he claims he hasn’t been a part of since his twenties.
Focusing on his own successes and friendships, Rollins is famously best buds with fellow musician and Fugazi and Minor Threat frontman Ian MacKaye as well as Star Trek star William Shatner.
Henry Rollins In New-Gen
As for Henry Rollins’ next move in the film and television biz, he’ll be heard alongside a stacked voice cast that includes Lena Headey (Game of Thrones), Luke Wilson (The Royal Tenenbaums), Finn Wolfhard (Stranger Things), and Anya Chalotra (The Witcher) in the upcoming animated series New-Gen.
If you’re looking to get your Rollins fix before hearing him in the upcoming project, head over to Netflix where his celebrated performance in He Never Died is now streaming.
