Chuck Russell, the genre maestro behind A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors and The Blob (1988), makes a stylish return to horror with Witchboard—a reinvention of the 1986 cult favorite that premiered at the Fantasia International Film Festival in 2024 and is set for a U.S. theatrical release in August 2025.
This reimagining trades the original’s Ouija board for a sinister pendulum board—an occult object rooted in 17th-century lore and brimming with supernatural potential. Set in the mystical backdrop of New Orleans, the film follows a young couple whose lives unravel after discovering the board during a renovation project. What begins as curiosity quickly spirals into dreamlike hallucinations, violent possessions, and a confrontation with a modern coven of witches.
Russell co-wrote and directed the film, bringing his signature blend of practical effects, surreal set pieces, and genre-bending energy to the screen. Witchboard draws heavily on the director’s love for classic horror visuals and physical stunts, all while indulging in a campy, no-holds-barred tone that recalls ‘90s horror staples and anthology television. The film embraces tropes—from the clueless boyfriend to the vampy ex—with a self-aware charm that makes even its most outrageous moments feel intentional.
Shot primarily in Montreal with select scenes filmed on location in New Orleans, Witchboard showcases Russell’s passion for atmospheric world-building. He worked closely with a dedicated cast that includes Madison Iseman, Aaron Dominguez, Charlie Tahan, and Jamie Campbell Bower—each contributing to the film’s chaotic, high-energy ensemble dynamic.
Though deeply rooted in nostalgia, Witchboard carves out its own mythology and tone, merging gothic horror, Creole folklore, and visual maximalism. The result is a cinematic experience that’s at once absurd, scary, and wildly entertaining—pure Chuck Russell.
As horror continues to evolve, Russell reminds audiences of the genre’s power to thrill, amuse, and unsettle—all at the same time. Witchboard isn’t just a remake; it’s a resurrection.
Jessie Hobson