Exciting news is brewing for fans of the horror hit Talk to Me! The sibling directing duo Danny and Michael Philippou have taken a monumental leap from their viral YouTube roots to Hollywood’s prestigious A-list, catching the attention of A24 with their captivating film. Following the film’s success, a sequel was officially greenlit in August 2023. However, it seems the horror aficionados will be getting something quite different before the much-anticipated cinematic sequel.
According to Variety, the gripping world of Talk to Me is set to expand into a new series composed of six half-hour episodes. These episodes are crafted specifically for Meta headsets and will be shot entirely in 3D, promising an immersive XR experience where horror fans can feel as if they’re living through the terrifying events. After all, who wouldn’t want to dive into the surreal thrill of possession?
The series will stick to the chilling premise of the original film—a disembodied hand capable of possessing anyone who dares to grasp it. The journey into the spirit realm is no walk in the park, as the characters soon find out; some experiences can land them “trapped in a hell dimension.” Not exactly the ideal way to enjoy your youth!
In this new series, viewers will follow a group of young adventurers seeking the ultimate party on a European island until they stumble upon the Hand, a supernatural entity more addictive than any drug. It sounds like a wild ride, doesn’t it?
While the Philippou brothers will serve as executive producers, a fresh creative team brings new vision to this Meta and XRTV collaboration. Darren Brandl, the co-founder of XRTV, conceived the idea alongside Trent Atherton, who is penning all the episodes, while Craig William Macneill—known for his work on Castle Rock and Westworld—takes on the director’s role.
Brandl believes that Talk to Me represents the perfect opportunity to harness the potential of “extended reality,” or XR. He explains, “The promise of XR is the ability to immerse viewers into the story—the unsettling reality of feeling a demon right beside you in your own space.” His credibility is further enhanced by his involvement with Eli Roth’s CryptTV, known for creating compelling digital horror content.
“Talk to Me is ideal for immersive storytelling, as it features young adults seeking the thrill of possession, only to become tormented by their encounters with the spirit world. It managed to turn possession into a fun yet frightening experience,” he continues. This ambitious project aims to make fans feel the essence of possession, stirring both curiosity and dread.
But don’t hang up your hopes for Talk to Me 2 just yet. The Philippou brothers have confirmed their plans for a sequel that will eventually grace the big screen. In an interview with Hollywood Reporter, they discussed the pressure they faced to dive right into the sequel following their recent release, Bring Her Back.
Danny Philippou stated, “We were asked, ‘What about Talk to Me 2?’, but I was really eager to tell this other story first. A24 supported this decision.” His brother Michael added, “Jumping straight into Talk to Me 2 felt more like chasing hype than crafting the right narrative. We needed to step back and view it with fresh eyes.”
As of now, no release date or title has been confirmed for the Meta and XRTV Talk to Me series. However, fans are eager to experience the next chapter in this haunting saga.
What kind of story can we expect from the Talk to Me series? The series will follow thrill-seeking travelers and their run-in with the supernatural Hand, offering a chilling narrative filled with twists.
Will there eventually be a cinema release for Talk to Me 2? Yes, the Philippous have expressed ongoing interest in returning to the sequel once they are ready.
How does the XR experience differ from traditional viewing? XR offers an immersive environment that causes viewers to feel they are part of the action, enhancing the horror experience significantly.
What can viewers expect in terms of visual effects in the series? Viewers can anticipate breathtaking 3D visuals designed to envelop them in the chilling atmosphere of Talk to Me.
As we await further updates on the Talk to Me universe, it’s a great time to explore related content and stay tuned for more thrilling developments. Visit Moyens I/O for all the latest news and information!