Adaptation of "Dead Mall" Comic Series to Feature Film

The horror comic series "Dead Mall," created by author Adam Cesare and artist David Stoll, is set to be adapted into a feature film by the production company Not the Funeral Home. The rights to the four-issue series have been secured, with screenwriter Michael Varrati, known for his work on "The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula" and "Fangoria Chainsaw Awards," assigned to write the script. The film will incorporate not only the comic's narrative but also additional material from Cesare’s original story notes.

Variety Magazine

The official synopsis describes "Dead Mall" as follows: Five teenagers sneak into the Penn Mills Galleria for one last look before its demolition. However, they soon discover that the mall is not abandoned; it is home to a sprawling, ever-changing cosmic horror. This transformation turns the familiar shopping environment into a nightmarish maze, where survival becomes increasingly uncertain.

‘Dead Mall’ Comic Series Heads to the Big Screen

Not the Funeral Home, co-founded by Matt Manjourides and Justin Martell, has a history of producing horror content, including the series "The Last Drive In With Joe Bob Briggs" and films such as "Street Trash" and "Black Eyed Susan." Manjourides has described "Dead Mall" as reminiscent of "Event Horizon" and "Hellraiser," indicating a blend of psychological and cosmic horror elements.

DEAD MALL: Michael Varrati To Pen Cosmic Horror Comic Movie Adaptation

Michael Varrati's involvement is notable as he aims to expand the narrative beyond the comic's pages by integrating previously unseen material from Cesare. This approach is expected to enrich the film's storyline, providing fans of the comic with a deeper exploration of the "Dead Mall" universe.

DEAD MALL: Michael Varrati To Pen Cosmic Horror Comic Movie Adaptation

While the adaptation has generated excitement among fans of the horror genre, some critics may question the necessity of adapting a comic series into a film, particularly given the challenges of translating visual storytelling into a cinematic format. Concerns about maintaining the original tone and essence of the comic could also arise as the project progresses.

DEAD MALL: Michael Varrati To Pen Cosmic Horror Comic Movie Adaptation

As the adaptation moves forward, further details regarding casting, filming locations, and release dates are anticipated. Fans and horror enthusiasts are encouraged to stay tuned for updates on this project, which promises to deliver a unique blend of horror and nostalgia.

Variety Magazine

• “’Dead Mall’ is like ‘Event Horizon’ and ‘Hellraiser’ in a mall — we are excited to work with Adam on this project,” — Matt Manjourides, Co-founder of Not the Funeral Home.

Variety Magazine

• “Inside the crumbling retail labyrinth, they encounter a sprawling, ever-changing cosmic horror that has made the mall its home, transforming the familiar consumer temple into a nightmarish maze where survival is anything but guaranteed.” — Official synopsis of "Dead Mall."

Variety Magazine