Despite recent reports elsewhere, it doesn’t look like the Creeper will be returning to the buffet line for a third helping of humans any time soon. According to Fangoria sources, the recent merger between Sony and MGM has crippled plans for a proper wrapup in the proposed JEEPERS CREEPERS trilogy, this despite the fact that the previous entries have proven to be solid moneymakers. At one time, Rogue Pictures offered series creator Victor Salva and Francis Ford Coppola’s production shingle Zoetrope Pictures (also responsible for both JEEPERS films) a sizable budget to launch a JEEPERS CREEPERS 3. A complicated framework of rights logistics between MGM and Sony prevented Rogue from moving forward, and Salva was left with no choice but to move on. He helmed an adaptation of WAY OF THE PEACEFUL WARRIOR, starring Nick Nolte and Amy Smart, instead, and Zoetrope was left to seek funding of its own if it wished to see the Creeper fly again.
For more on matter, Fango turned to the father of the carnivorous creature himself. “Before the JEEPERS films came along, no one would release films on Labor Day weekend,” Salva tells Fango. “But each of our Creeper tales broke box-office records for Labor Day openings. Each of the JEEPERS films also did around $39 million domestic and $100 million apiece [with DVD revenues factored in]. So Sony and MGM can say what they will, but eventually one of them will make a JEEPERS 3 with or without me, because that kind of money in the bank is never ignored. Sadly, what is very doubtful, however, is that I will be involved in whatever the next incarnation is.”
Looking ahead, Salva is gearing up for a trip to Romania to lens his wartime horror effort THE WATCH. That’s expected to take place in 2007 to take advantage of the country’s winter environment.
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