The drop of the new trailer comes following the recent acquisition of the film’s North American rights by Well Go USA Entertainment.
Unwelcome tells the tale of what happens to people who come in contact with the violent, bloodthirsty goblins known originally in Irish folklore as the “fear dearg” (or far darrig), now often referred to worldwide as the “Redcaps.”
Well Go USA intends to kick off the film’s U.S. theatrical release on St. Patrick’s Day, while Warner Bros. Entertainment will handle the Irish and UK release.
In addition, AMC Networks’ Shudder—the premium streaming service for horror, thriller, and the supernatural—has negotiated exclusive North American streaming rights with Well Go. Unwelcome will premiere later in 2022 following the conclusion of the theatrical window.
Directed by Irish-born Jon Wright (Grabbers, Robot Overlords) and based on an original screenplay by Mark Stay, Unwelcome stars Hannah John-Kamen (The Stranger, Black Mirror) and Douglas Booth (Loving Vincent, The Dirt) who feature as a couple who escapes their urban nightmare to the tranquillity of rural Ireland only to hear stories of mysterious beings who live in the gnarled, ancient wood at the foot of their new garden. As warned by their new neighbours, in Irish mythology, the Redcaps will come when called to help souls in dire need of rescue, but it’s crucial to remember that there is always a dear price to pay for their aid.
The film also boasts a strong Irish contingent include Golden Globe nominee Colm Meaney (Gangs of London) Jamie-Lee O’ Donnell (Derry Girls), Chris Walley (The Young Offenders) and Kristian Nairn (Game of Thrones).
The film has also reunited the Grabbers creature team. The powerhouse ensemble includes prosthetics by Shaune Harrison, who has worked on some of the world’s highest-grossing blockbusters including the Harry Potter films, Star Wars: The Phantom Menace and Avengers: Age of Ultron, creature designs by Paul Catling (Maleficent, Thor, Fantastic Beasts) and long-time Wright-collaborator VFX supervisor Paddy Eason (28 Weeks Later, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Grabbers).
“We are thrilled to bring this new spin on an age-old Irish legend to North American horror fans, who may or may not know about the legend behind this mysterious group of faerie folk,” said Doris Pfardrescher, President and CEO at Well Go USA Entertainment. “The entire ensemble of stellar, tried-and-true cast and crew members have really outdone themselves bringing this story to life, and we believe audiences will be delighted by the result.”
Unwelcome will release in Irish and UK cinemas in spring 2022.