The Future of Black Horror
Over the past few years, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in Black horror films being released into the mainstream. This has sparked conversations around the future of Black horror, as well as the impact it has had on the horror genre as a whole. In this article, we’ll discuss what the future of Black horror looks like, from casting and filmmaking to the growing demand for movies in this genre.
The Rise of Black Horror
In the past decade, we’ve seen a surge in Black horror films being released into the mainstream, with films like Get Out, Us, and Jordan Peele’s new take on Candyman dominating the box office and bringing newfound attention to African-American filmmakers and actors in the horror space. This new era of Black horror is being characterized by a move away from traditional stereotypes and plotting, with stories that focus on the unique experiences of people of color, often weaving thematic elements of society and culture into the narrative.
Casting and Filmmaking
One of the major changes to the landscape of Black horror has been the casting of African-American actors and filmmakers. There have been a number of prominent Black actors and directors who have broken through in the horror genre, bringing a fresh perspective to their films. Jordan Peele’s casting of Lupita Nyong’o for his hit film Get Out is an example of this; the lead actress’s nuanced performance has been commended by critics, and she was even awarded an Oscar for the role.
In terms of filmmaking, African-American directors have been at the forefront of the horror renaissance, with Peele’s ironic twist on the horror genre, and Nia DaCosta’s remake of Candyman in the works. Many Black horror films have been released in the last few years, such as Black Lightening (2018) and Burning Sands (2017), which have explored the dark corners of the African-American experience. There are also a number of up-and-coming Black directors, including Tee Franklin and Shalendra Evans, who are bringing their unique vision to the genre.
Marketing and Distribution
The rise of Black horror has also been accompanied by an increase in marketing and distribution. Distributors are beginning to take notice of the successes achieved by Black horror films and are eager to get their hands on the next big thing. This has opened the door to indie filmmakers who might normally have a hard time getting their films seen by the mainstream. Distributors are also investing more in marketing and advertising of the films, giving them a bigger platform than ever before from which to reach potential viewers.
Audience
The increase in Black horror films has also been felt by the audience. Not only are audiences excited to watch African-American actors and directors take on a genre typically dominated by white actors, but they are also passionate about this new era of horror films. There has been an increase in demand for these types of movies, as well as movie-related merchandise, such as books, t-shirts, and posters. This genre of film is appealing to an increasingly diverse audience, which is expanding the audience base beyond the traditional horror fan.
The Future
There is no doubt that Black horror is here to stay. With more African-American filmmakers and actors taking on major roles in the genre, and the demand for these types of films continuing to grow, it’s safe to say that the future of Black horror is bright. As more Black directors and actors take on the horror genre, we could see a shift away from traditional tropes and stereotypes, as well as a move toward more nuanced and original stories. We could also see further collaborations between African-American filmmakers and distributors, as well as an increase in marketing and ad campaigns designed to target broader audiences.
There is no doubt that Black horror is on the rise. With more African-American filmmakers and actors taking on major roles in the genre, and an increasing demand for these types of films, we are sure to see a shift away from traditional tropes and a move toward more nuanced and original stories. The future of Black horror looks brighter than ever as the genre continues to grow and evolve.
