Fans of Peter Jackson and Michael J. Fox are likely familiar with their iconic works. Jackson is renowned for “The Lord of the Rings” series, while Fox became famous through the “Back to the Future” trilogy. However, both were involved in an unusual horror comedy titled “The Frighteners,” which is set to debut on a new streaming platform.
Streaming Debut on Peacock
On October 1, 2023, “The Frighteners” will become available for streaming on Peacock. This release is part of a larger October update that includes various horror titles. Other notable films being added are:
- The Leprechaun series
- The Ring
- From Dusk Till Dawn
- The first three movies from the Scream franchise
The Storyline of “The Frighteners”
In “The Frighteners,” Michael J. Fox portrays Frank Bannister, a con artist with an unusual ability. After a tragic car accident that killed his wife, Frank gains psychic powers, allowing him to communicate with ghosts. Instead of using his gift for good, he deceives people into hiring him to exorcize the spirits he convinces to haunt them.
The plot thickens as a malevolent entity threatens both the living and the deceased in Frank’s small town. As he delves deeper into this supernatural mystery, he finds himself romantically entangled with the wife of one of the victims, while also dealing with an eccentric FBI agent played by Jeffrey Combs.
Box Office Performance and Reception
Visual Effects Innovation
This film marked a significant milestone for visual effects, showcasing groundbreaking work by Weta Digital, Peter Jackson’s company. Although the effects were ambitious, the project faced pressures and challenges. Jackson had to collaborate with many external artists to complete the visual effects in time.
The experience gained from “The Frighteners” helped pave the way for Jackson’s later successes with “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, where Weta Digital reached new heights in visual storytelling.
Fans of this unique horror comedy can look forward to streaming “The Frighteners” on Peacock starting October 1, adding a dose of nostalgia to the spooky season.
