Transforming Phantasm from Silver Screen to Written Page: Expedition of Cult Filmmaker Don Coscarelli
Chatting with Don Coscarelli: The Man Behind Phantasm and Phiction
In a candid chat, we caught up with the uncensored and spirited mind of filmmaker Don Coscarelli, known for the iconic Phantasm series, Bubba Ho-Tep, The Beastmaster, and John Dies at the End. Now, the visionary is diving into fiction with his latest venture, Phiction, a book of short stories set in the Phantasm universe. Here's a snippet of our unorthodox conversation, complete with Coscarelli's unique blend of candor and insight.
Cheryl Eddy (CE): Phiction plunges further into the Phantasm world. Spill the beans on the inspiration behind writing this book.
Don Coscarelli (DC): You know, writing a memoir was so much fun, and it felt like a breeze compared to the usual screenwriting hell (laughs). So, I thought, "Now's the time to try some fiction." Phiction seemed like the ideal choice, since it'd be so much easier to navigate the Phantasm characters I've grown to love over the years. I started with Reggie, who's always been a core character with actor Reggie Bannister's considerable input.
CE: Has Reggie read the story about Reggie?
DC: Oh, yeah! Got good reviews, thank god. Reggie loved it.
CE: Curious about the Phantasm characters you considered. How did you decide who to focus on?
DC: I wanted to delve more into lesser-developed characters, like Reggie himself, who has a fascinating backstory involving everything from folk music to the Vietnam War. I also took a closer look at characters with limited screen time, like the Caretaker and Tobe. It was interesting to unmask these characters and fill in some narrative gaps.
CE: Our readers are chomping at the bit to find out if Phiction Part 2 is happening. What's the word?
DC: Hell yeah! The response to Phiction has been overwhelming, and I can't help but think about delving deeper into the Phantasm universe. There's a lot of fan demand, and I'm eager to give the Phans what they want.
CE: If you're not working on another Phantasm flick, what's next on your plate?
DC: I've got numerous projects brewing, including a potential TV series with a talented young writer. We're aiming for the unique and the innovative-just what the genre needs right now.
CE: Fuelled by your success and boundless creativity, what would you tell aspiring horror filmmakers out there?
DC: Hope is the name of the game. The tools are readily available, and all you need is a village of creative minds to support you. Unleash your vision and keep pushing forward.
CE: Phiction's hardcover is sold out, but you can still order the paperback or Kindle versions on Amazon. Any teasers for Phiction Part 2?
DC: You betcha! Watch this space. Fans, brace yourselves-there might be more Phantasm adventures coming your way!
Stay tuned for more updates on Phantasm, Phiction, and everything sinister and spine-tingling in the world of horror. Follow Don Coscarelli's work and get the latest Phantasm news on his official website. Catch Phantasm on Freevee, Peacock, Tubi, Pluto TV, and Plex-if you dare.
- Don Coscarelli, renowned for his work on Phantasm and Phiction, announced that he is considering expanding Phiction into a Part 2, due to the overwhelming response from fans.
- Regarding less explored characters in Phantasm, Coscarelli revealed that he aimed to delve deeper into those with fewer screen appearances, such as Reggie, the Caretaker, and Tobe.
- The paperback and Kindle versions of Phiction, written by Don Coscarelli, are still available on Amazon, despite the hardcover edition being sold out.
- Barring any work on another Phantasm film, Don Coscarelli has revealed that he is developing a potential TV series with a young, talented writer, aiming for the unique and innovative.
