In the early 2000s, “versus” movies were quite popular, withFreddy vs. Jason,Alien vs Predatorand several other movies hitting theaters, pitting two cinematic icons against each other. Earlier this year, the “versus” format was pushed to a whole new level withBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, although that wasn’t really a true “versus” movie, since it helped set up Warner Bros.‘Justice Leagueuniverse. The format will go back to its horror roots this summer with the Japanese movieSadako vs. Kayako, which pits the evil spirits fromThe RingandThe Grudgeagainst each other. Today we have a new trailer and photos which showcases the horror battle of the year.
Ironically enough,Sadako vs Kayakowas actually birthed through an April Fool’s Day joke which quickly went viral. Japanese studio Kadokawa and NBCUniversal Japan realized the cinematic potential of this joke, andSadako vs. Kayakowas born. These two iconic supernatural entities fromThe RingandThe Grudgego against each other as they battle for ghostly supremacy, which you can see in this trailer fromNew Trailers Buzz. The movie is slated for release in Japan on June 18, but it isn’t known if there is a domestic release being planned quite yet.
Both the original versions ofThe Ring(Ringu) andThe Grudge(Ju-On) were largely responsible for the Japanese horror craze that also swept through America at the same time as the “versus” genre was becoming popular.Ringuwas adapted stateside into the 2002 hitThe Ring, with the American adaptation ofJu-On,The Grudge, following in 2004. Of course, even ifSadako vs. Kayakodoesn’t hit theaters in the U.S., if it becomes as popular as its original predecessors, a U.S. adaptation may not be too far behind. Except two different studios are behind both horror properties in the States, so it might also be impossible to get an English language remake.
Sadako vs KayakostarsMizuki Yamamotoas Yuri Kurahashi, who becomes caught in the middle of these two warring supernatural entities. The supporting cast includesTina Tamashiro,Aimi Satsukawa,Misato Tanaka,Masahiro Komoto,Masanobu AndoandTakako Fuji.Kôji Shiraishi(Gurotesuku,Noroi) is directing from a script based on the characters created byTakashi ShimizuandKôji Suzuki. While we may have to wait some time before this movie hits theaters, there are already different versions ofThe RingandThe Grudgein various stages of development.
Paramount will releaseRings, set several years after the original classicThe Ring, on October 28, and a report surfaced last week that the studio hopes to produce annual follow-ups toRings, if its theatrical release proves to be successful. Sony is also developing another remake ofThe Grudge, withSam Raimiset to produce. While we wait for more details onRingsandThe Grudge remake, check out the new trailer and photos fromSadako vs. Kayako.
