Okay, I may have to get Quibi. The very last thing I want is one more streaming service, but have you seen the trailer for Sam Raimi’s 50 States of Fright? Apparently, this series has been out since April, but I only recently became aware of it thanks to a Gofobo exclusive screening email.
Which sounds more impressive than it is. I signed up to get notified of movie screenings back in the good old days. You know, before this pandemic turned a trip to the theater into a potentially deadly affair. Well, once they reopened, that is.
Gofobo was how I was able to see and review Doctor Sleep before it was released in theaters. But the beauty of screening 50 States of Fright is that it’s all online. No scary trip to the theater required.
I’m thinking that based on the tagline “More states. New fates. Same terror.” that the screening I’ll “attend” (from the comfort of my couch) on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 is for season 2. Beyond the poster, there aren’t many details, and the trailer seems to showcase the episodes that were released in April.
So let’s take a look at what we do know about the series so far and speculate on what to expect from the new episodes.
Storyline
Here’s the description included in the Gofobo email:
Which is about the same thing as what’s on IMDB:
Quibi series explores stories based on urban legends from different places in the United States, taking viewers deeper into the horrors that lurk just beneath the surface.
The First States
When 50 States of Fright was released on Quibi in April 2020, it included 14 episodes, all of which but one, “Scared Stiff” (Oregon), was divided into three parts that featured five states, which were:
- “The Golden Arm” (Michigan)
- “America’s Largest Ball of Twine” (Kansas)
- “Scared Stiff” (Oregon)
- “Grey Cloud Island” (Minnesota)
- “Destino” (Florida)
Next States?
Where will the series take us next?
I’m going to speculate that since it’s coming out near October it might include some of the spooky season’s favorite places for Halloween, such as:
- Massachusetts (Salem?)
- Louisiana (New Orleans?)
- New York (Sleepy Hollow?)
- Nevada (Las Vegas?)
- California (Long Beach? Or maybe good old Hollywood?)
I would’ve included Minnesota, since Anoka, which dubs itself “The Halloween Capital of the World,” is one of the top spookiest cities to celebrate Halloween. However, Minnesota was already featured in season 1.
What about you? What other states do you think might be featured in the next batch of episodes?
Stars In 50 States of Fright
There are some impressive names starring in this series, including:
- Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) played “Heather” in “The Golden Arm” (Michigan) episode.
- Asa Butterfield (Ender’s Game) played “Brandon Boyd” in the “Grey Cloud Island” (Minnesota) episode.
- Danay Garcia (Fear the Walking Dead) played “Maria Vazquez” was in the “Destino” (Florida) episode.
- Karen Allen (Animal House, Raiders of the Lost Ark) played “Sheriff Stallings” in the “America’s Largest Ball of Twine” (Kansas) episode.
- James Ransone (Sinister 1 & 2, IT Chapter Two) played “Sebastian Klepner” in the “Scared Stiff” (Oregon) episode.
50 States of Fright Trailer
For More Info
Visit: https://quibi.com/shows/50-states-of-fright-417/
Check-In
Do you watch any shows on Quibi? If so, which ones? Have you seen 50 States of Fright?
Courtney Mroch is a globe-trotting restless spirit who’s both possessed by wanderlust and the spirit of adventure, and obsessed with true crime, horror, the paranormal, and weird days. Perhaps it has something to do with her genes? She is related to occult royalty, after all. Marie Laveau, the famous Voodoo practitioner of New Orleans, is one of her ancestors. (Yes, really! As explained here.) That could also explain her infatuation with skeletons.
Speaking of mystical, to learn how Courtney channeled her battle with cancer to conjure up this site, check out HJ’s Origin Story.
I haven’t seen any episodes, but what a COOL idea for a series. I wonder what story in my state (Virginia) will be featured.
Oh! You’re in VA? Why did I think NC? I don’t know what they’ll feature from your state because wow. There are SO many weird stories that hail from there!!!! I’ll be curious to see. And I agree with you. SUPER neat idea for a series!