This Day in Horror History: THE CRAFT Was Released in 1996
Josh Millican
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One of the most enduring horror films of the 1990s, The Craft (directed by Andrew Fleming) was released on this day in 1996. The film, steeped in the paranormal, stood apart from the deconstructed, meta-slasher craze of the era (ignited by the like of Scream and its many imitators). The Craft sported a quartet of strong female leads (Robin Tunney, Fairuza Balk, Neve Campbell, and Rachel True), each of whom delivers a powerhouse performance.
A remake (or possibly a sequel) was in post-production before the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered Hollywood. A release date remains elusive, but it’ll most likely be timed to coincide with The Craft‘s 25th anniversary in 2021.
If it’s been a while, or if you’ve yet to experience the engrossing draw of The Craft, check out the film’s trailer and synpopsis below.
Synopsis:
After transferring to a Los Angeles high school, Sarah (Robin Tunney) finds that her telekinetic gift appeals to a group of three wannabe witches, who happen to be seeking a fourth member for their rituals. Bonnie (Neve Campbell), Rochelle (Rachel True) and Nancy (Fairuza Balk), like Sarah herself, all have troubled backgrounds, which combined with their nascent powers lead to dangerous consequences. When a minor spell causes a fellow student to lose her hair, the girls grow power-mad.
Trivia:
An official website of the film said: “The crew had to return to the location a second time to complete filming interrupted by several weird occurrences that even caused witch consultant Pat Devin to raise an eyebrow. As the fog rolled in at midnight, the four actresses used actual Wiccan rites and language to invoke powerful forces. Then, as Fairuza Balk’s character Nancy attempts to invoke the deity Manon, a flock of bats hovered over the set and the tide rose dramatically, extinguishing the circle of candles. Witchcraft consultant Devin recalls that ‘Manon, a fictitious creation for the film, sounds very close to Mananan, the Gaelic god of the sea. Luckily, we weren’t all swept to sea!'” Director Andrew Fleming is quoted: “‘Every time the girls started the ceremony, and only when they would start the ceremony, the waves would start coming up tremendously fast, pounding heavily. Then, right when Nancy says her line, “Manon, fill me,” right at that exact moment, we lost power. It was a very strange thing.'” (Source)
One scene involved using over 3,000 snakes including pythons, boas, water snakes, garter snakes, rat snakes, and a 10-foot Amazon constrictor – even rare albino snakes. (Source)
Are you a fan of The Craft? Are you excited to see the remake? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! You can also carry on the convo with me personally on Twitter @josh_millican.
Categorized:News This Day in Horror
