‘Talk to Me’ 3D Spinoff: New Horror Series Announced

The acclaimed horror film “Talk to Me,” from the directorial duo Danny and Michael Philippou, is set to expand its unsettling universe into a new dimension with an exclusive 3D spinoff series. This groundbreaking project, developed in collaboration with Meta and XRTV, promises a uniquely immersive experience for horror enthusiasts, leveraging cutting-edge extended reality (XR) technology for Meta headsets.

An Immersive Dive into the ‘Talk to Me’ Universe

The untitled spinoff series is envisioned as a six-episode arc, each half an hour in length. It will transport viewers into a narrative following “a group of young travelers chasing the ultimate party on a European island until they discover the Hand, a supernatural high deadlier than any drug.” This premise, likened to “Euphoria with possession,” firmly establishes the series within the chilling lore of the original film, exploring the dangerous allure and consequences of interacting with the spirit world.

Pioneering XR Technology for Horror

What distinguishes this series is its commitment to an unparalleled immersive experience. Designed exclusively for Meta headsets, the entire series will be shot in 3D. Beyond standard 3D viewing, the production will harness advanced mixed reality (MR) technology, allowing the narrative to interact with the viewer’s physical environment. This means the story can be mapped into the user’s space, blurring the lines between the on-screen terror and their living room.

Darren Brandl, co-founder of XRTV, highlighted this innovation, stating, “The promise of XR is this idea that we can now map the story into your own space so you feel like you’re inside it… Its superpower is presence: that awe of being transported, the unsettling feeling that a demon is with you — in your room.” This approach aims to deliver a deeper sense of dread and involvement than traditional viewing formats.

The Creative Forces Behind the Spinoff

The concept for the series originated from a pitch by Darren Brandl, known for “The Girl in the Woods,” and Trent Atherton, who worked on “The Wheel.” Atherton is also penning the six episodes. Directing all episodes is Craig William Macneill, whose credits include “Them,” “The Terror,” “Castle Rock,” and “Westworld.”

The Philippou Brothers, directors of the original “Talk to Me” film, are involved as executive producers for Racka Racka. They are joined by Samantha Jennings and Kristina Ceyton for Causeway Films, Andreas Michael Wentz and Juan Antonio Cano Trujillo for Sur Film, Jeff Rich producing for Meta, and Darren Brandl and Jack Davis for XRTV.

The Acclaimed Predecessor: ‘Talk to Me’

The original “Talk to Me” film, released by A24 in 2022, was a significant success. It debuted to critical acclaim at the Sundance Film Festival, sparking a competitive bidding war. Upon its release, it became A24’s highest-grossing horror title, earning over $90 million worldwide. The film’s compelling narrative about teenagers discovering how to conjure spirits using an embalmed hand resonated strongly with audiences, leading to a feature film sequel currently in development.

This strong foundation makes the “Talk to Me” universe particularly well-suited for an immersive extension. As Brandl noted, “‘Talk to Me’ is the perfect immersive IP because it’s about young adults who seek the Hand, to experience the euphoria of possession but end up tormented by breaking through to the spirit world.”

XRTV: A New Era of Storytelling

XRTV is a relatively new venture founded by Crypt TV co-founders Darren Brandl and Jack Davis. It operates as a studio in association with the original film producers, Causeway Films and Racka Racka. XRTV’s mission is to focus on immersive storytelling across various formats, including 3D, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), and spherical screens.

Samantha Jennings and Kristina Ceyton, executive producers for Causeway Films, expressed their enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “This groundbreaking technology is opening up new frontiers and we are delighted to be working with world leaders Meta and XRTV… The concept of ‘Talk To Me’ is perfectly suited to the exciting possibilities of new kinds of immersive storytelling and we can’t wait to see the results.”

Conclusion

The upcoming ‘Talk to Me’ 3D spinoff series represents a notable step forward in the landscape of immersive entertainment. By combining the established appeal of a successful horror franchise with the innovative capabilities of Meta’s XR technology and XRTV’s specialized storytelling approach, the project aims to deliver a uniquely personal and terrifying experience. Horror fans can anticipate not just watching a story unfold, but potentially feeling an unsettling presence within their own space, pushing the boundaries of interactive fear.