Netflix’s Best Horror Franchise Gets New Standalone Movie
According to an exclusive write-up in Collider, a new Fear Street standalone film is currently in the works at Netflix. Though the streamer has long held some of the best titles in horror, Head of Film Scott Stuber has expressed that Netflix has yet to craft its own unique horror icon. With the latest Fear Street film, Netflix intends to do exactly that, bringing the beloved R.L. Stine-penned series to life for a whole new audience.
The Fourth Fear Street Installation Will Be A Standalone Film
The upcoming feature is set to be the fourth film in the Fear Street franchise, following up on the trilogy of movies first distributed by Netflix in 2021. While some fans are overjoyed at this news, others are left wondering what stories the streamer plans to tell within the Goosebumps author’s esteemed IP, which spans over 50 books. During a recent press event at the grand opening of the nonprofit American Cinematheque at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood, Netflix Head of Film Scott Stuber elucidated on the studio’s plans moving forward.
While the Netflix exec remained tight-lipped about the fine details regarding the upcoming Fear Street installment, Stuber explained Netflix’s plan to adapt a specific standalone story within the series, entirely separate from the characters and plot in the 2021 trilogy.
The New Movie Will Take Place In The Same Universe
Currently, the team behind the upcoming film is still in the process of getting the screenplay just right, and are no doubt preparing to enter active production now that both the WGA and SAG-AFTRA unions have reached an agreement with the AMPTP. Stuber also explained that, despite the new film taking place away from the previous Fear Street films, it will still exist within the same universe, offering small but significant crossover connections.
Netflix’s Flagship Horror Series
One major reason why the streamer seems to be so focused on a new Fear Street installment, according to Stuber, is the need for Netflix to have its own flagship horror icon. The streamer has done numbers with such classic horror events as Mike Flanagan’s The Haunting of Hill House, Midnight Mass, and Gerald’s Game, but they still lack cultural icons such as Jason Vorhees, Freddy Krueger, or Chucky, the murderous doll.
Though Stuber refused to elaborate on which horror figure from the Fear Street books Netflix plans to bring to life, the series offers many opportunities to construct a long-standing pop horror figure.
With Over 50 Novels, Netflix Has Plenty Of Material To Work With
It should come as no surprise that Netflix execs intend to lean on the horror genre in the coming years, as it remains one of the most popular niches in the film industry, serving as a nearly guaranteed hit with each release. With so many options from the Fear Street books to adapt, we may see Netflix dropping new projects within the franchise every Halloween for years and years to come. Stuber even specifically made note of the Halloween horror trend, explaining that he and the studio intend to release their own slate of spooky autumnal films.
The First Three Films Are Streaming On Netflix
For now, the latest Fear Street film is in the early stages of active development at Netflix, so it may be some time before fans get any major updates. In the meantime, be sure to stream the first three Fear Street films if you haven’t yet had the chance. Each film in the franchise is currently available to watch on Netflix.
