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The Rise of Sharksploitation Films: A Thrilling Comeback
The phenomenon of sharksploitation films is experiencing a significant revival, with reports highlighting the collaboration of Ioan Gruffudd, known for his role as Reed Richards in the 2005 adaptation of Fantastic Four, and DC star Ross Butler, recognized for his portrayal of Eugene in the Shazam! series, in a new thriller titled Zipline.
Directed by Magnus Martens, known for his work on Fear the Walking Dead, and penned by George Mahaffey Jr. from Chief of Station, Zipline features a cast that includes Holland Roden from Teen Wolf and Sonia Ammar from Scream and The Equalizer 3. Produced by Simple House Films, the international rights are with Black Bear, who plans to pitch the film to buyers at the upcoming American Film Market. The premise suggests a captivating adventure set in a tropical location, combining suspense with the enduring fascination with sharks.
Synopsis of Zipline
The narrative centers on a group of college friends who, after gathering for a leisurely vacation on a tropical island, find themselves in a perilous situation. A ziplining adventure leads them to dangle dangerously over a deserted lagoon, and as the tension escalates and their zipline becomes unstable, they must collaborate to escape. However, their troubles are compounded by a lurking danger beneath the water’s surface.
The Current Shark Film Climate
Shark-themed thrillers have long held a place in the horror genre, particularly within the nature-run-amok subgenre. Despite a dip in popularity post-Sharknado, the genre has resurged significantly since 2018, primarily due to the success of Meg and its sequel, which grossed nearly $400 million. The momentum has only intensified in 2024, marking the release of at least five shark-centric films, reaffirming the cultural appetite for these aquatic horrors.
Among the standout releases is the Netflix sensation Under Paris, a French thriller that captured the attention of 40 million viewers in its first week, alongside No Way Up, which tells the gripping story of plane crash survivors in shark-infested waters. While critical acclaim may not have followed, audience engagement demonstrates a persistent allure towards cinematic portrayals of sharks, rooted in a primal fear that has persisted since JAWS.
Looking Ahead: More Sharks on the Horizon
The outlook for 2025 includes exciting new projects, notably Beneath the Storm, directed by Tommy Wirkola and featuring Phoebe Dynevor alongside Djimon Hounsou. Additionally, JAWS veteran Richard Dreyfuss is set to return to this genre in Into the Deep, while the 47 Meters Down franchise gears up for a third installment under the direction of Patrick Lussier.
Although the exact reasons behind this resurgence of shark films may be complex, the enthusiasm is unmistakable. As slasher films solidify their dominance, the reinvigorated interest in sharks offers diversity to the horror landscape, leaving audiences eager for more thrilling narratives and, quite possibly, unique cinematic merchandise, like the iconic popcorn buckets associated with past hits such as Meg 2: The Trench.
Source
movieweb.com