The Rise of Genre Mash-Ups: What Wildman’s Acquisition Means for Horror and Beyond

The recent acquisition of Wildman, a horror script described as “John Wick but with Bigfoot,” by Badlands is just the latest example of a growing trend in genre filmmaking. For years, spec scripts were often reduced to simplistic comparisons – think Die Hard on a [insert location here] or John Wick but with [insert twist here]. Now, we’re seeing a new wave of genre mash-ups that blend seemingly disparate elements to create something entirely new.

On the surface, Wildman’s logline – “When his little brother is killed by hunters, Bigfoot goes on a quest to retrieve the body while killing everyone responsible along the way” – might seem like just another variation on the monster takes revenge trope. However, this script is part of a larger movement towards more nuanced and complex genre storytelling.

The influence of international cinema, particularly from Asia, may be contributing to this trend. Films like Train to Busan and Parasite have shown audiences that genre can be both high-concept and emotionally resonant. Western filmmakers are now looking to blend their own action-horror sensibilities with global influences.

Badlands is poised to capitalize on this trend with a slate of projects including Crawlers, Dangerous Games to Play, and Hivemind. With backing from Renegade Capital, they have the financial muscle to take risks on more innovative and experimental projects.

The acquisition of Wildman may also signal a shift towards more inclusive and diverse storytelling. By blending different cultural and stylistic influences, we may see more opportunities for underrepresented voices to break into the industry. This is evident in Bigfoot as protagonist – a character that subverts traditional genre conventions.

Some critics will argue that this trend represents a watering down of traditional genre conventions or an over-reliance on flashy marketing gimmicks. However, for those who’ve been following the evolution of horror and action cinema over the past few years, it’s clear that something exciting is happening.

As genres become increasingly blurred, what was once considered lowbrow or guilty pleasure entertainment is now being recognized as a rich source of creative inspiration and innovation. Badlands’ push on genre mash-ups will likely lead to even more bold and boundary-pushing storytelling in the years to come.

The success of Wildman will depend not just on its own merits but on how well it resonates with audiences. Will viewers respond to Bigfoot as a sympathetic protagonist or see him as another iteration of the monster as anti-hero trope? Whatever the outcome, one thing’s clear – this is a momentous time for horror and genre filmmaking.