The folk horror comic series “Black Diamond” will be officially adapted into a feature film by Fangoria Studios and Panic Studios, Variety has exclusively learned.
Ernest Dickerson, known for directing episodes of “The Walking Dead” and films such as “Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight” and “Bones,” will serve as director and executive producer. The script will be written by Brendan Columbus, the creator of the cult comic book series.
Comparing it to both The Wicker Man and Hitchcock, the film’s official description teases: “‘Black Diamond’ follows Owen and Victoria Welch’s family ski trip that turns into a nightmare. When their son is kidnapped by a mysterious cult, the couple is pushed to the brink and faced with a soul-crushing ultimatum: sacrifice another child or lose your child forever.”
“‘Black Diamond’ was my attempt to put everything I love about thrillers on the page,” Columbus said in a statement. “We want people to feel like they can’t physically leave the theater or they’ll miss out on the next twist. Ernest is going to scare the hell out of you with this movie, with his brilliant cinematic vision and great story sense.”
Producers from Fangoria Studios include Tara Ansley, Abhi Goel, and Armen Aghaeian. Panick Studios producers include Columbus, Adam Schlagman and Kris Longo. Rose Geddes will serve as executive producer alongside Dickerson.
Dickerson recently directed episodes of “Bosch: Legacy,” “The Irrational,” “Parish,” “DMZ,” “Raid by Wolves,” and “Bosch.” His storied career in cinematography includes work with Spike Lee on “Do the Right Thing,” “She’s Gotta Have It,” and “Mo Better Blues.”
Upcoming Fangoria releases include “Goodbye, Monster” and “Sitora” currently in production. “Black Diamond” is Panic’s first full-length work.
