Is the sword and sorcery genre about to rise again, phoenix-like, from the ashes of the 1980s? Many fans hope so! For those yearning for epic quests, mythical beasts, and heroic battles, there's exciting news: Steven Kostanski, the director behind the cult classic Psycho Goreman, has unleashed his reimagining of Deathstalker! And with He-Man and the Masters of the Universe also on the horizon, could we be entering a new golden age of sword-and-sorcery films?
I recently had the incredible opportunity to chat with Kostanski and the film's star, Daniel Bernhardt, about their passion project. Their enthusiasm was truly contagious. Sadly, due to some technical gremlins on their end, the recording vanished into the digital void. But fear not! I'm determined to share the most exciting insights I gleaned from our conversation.
Kostanski, a self-confessed fanatic of the 1980s sword and sorcery boom (with a special place in his heart for Deathstalker II), embarked on this project to recapture that very magic. He emphasized that his Deathstalker is more of a loving homage, embracing the original film's aesthetic rather than a strict, beat-for-beat remake. Longtime fans, however, can expect plenty of Easter eggs and nods to the original franchise.
But here's where it gets controversial... Kostanski didn't just want to rely on nostalgia. He aimed to inject a fresh, modern sensibility into the genre, while still respecting its roots. Do you think he struck the right balance? Let me know in the comments!
And this is the part most people miss... the critical role of crowdfunding. The Deathstalker remake's Kickstarter campaign, while not fully funding the entire production, proved instrumental in bringing Kostanski's vision to life. It specifically allowed him to prioritize something increasingly rare in independent filmmaking: practical special effects. In today's world of budget constraints, many indie films default to CGI. However, thanks to the generosity of Kickstarter backers, Deathstalker boasts a glorious array of tangible, practical effects that harken back to the genre's heyday. This investment in practical effects aims to give the film a tactile, visceral feel that CGI sometimes struggles to replicate.
I've always appreciated Daniel Bernhardt's work as the quintessential tough guy, from his roles as memorable henchmen in the John Wick franchise to his appearance as an Agent in The Matrix sequels. It was thrilling to see him finally step into the spotlight as Deathstalker himself. Bernhardt clearly relished the opportunity to wield swords and shields, putting his decades of martial arts expertise to spectacular use. He described the role as a genuine dream come true. If you have even a passing fondness for sword and sorcery adventures, I wholeheartedly recommend checking out this Deathstalker remake. You won't be disappointed!
Deathstalker (2025) Plot Synopsis:
The Kingdom of Abraxeon is besieged by the Dreadites, monstrous harbingers of the ancient sorcerer Nekromemnon. When Deathstalker unwittingly retrieves a cursed amulet from a battlefield littered with corpses, he becomes marked by dark magic and relentlessly pursued by monstrous assassins. To survive, he must break the curse and confront the rising tide of evil. Death is just the beginning… of an epic adventure!
Deathstalker arrives exclusively in theaters on October 10th, 2025. Will you be there to witness the return of sword and sorcery? What are your favorite sword and sorcery films of all time? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
