Whenever Drew Goddard announces a new original work, audiences can expect something that is subversive, innovative and thought-provoking in anticipation of its release. Goddard has built a steady name for himself in the science-fiction, action, and horror genres. The filmmaker has worked prominently in both film and television, having acted as a writer on the classic franchise “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” the mind-bending series “LOST,” and the successful superhero show “Daredevil,” as well as writing such films as the meta-horror comedy “Cabin in the Woods” and the Oscar-nominated “The Martian.”
The trailer for Goddard’s latest film, “Bad Times at the El Royale,” debuted at Cinemacon. The new thriller marks the screenwriter’s first venture behind the camera for a feature and first collaboration between Goddard and Chris Hemsworth since “Cabin in the Woods.”
“I was desperately wanting to work with him [Goddard] again after [“Cabin in the Woods”], and almost didn’t even read the script.” Hemsworth told CinemaBlend earlier this year, “I was like, ‘I’m in, whatever it is! Let’s go, buddy’… When something is good enough it re-inspires you, and reinvigorates you.”
Godard calls it “love letter” to ’60s film noir and crime fiction, as well as his shot at making a big ensemble picture.
“Rather than starting from an idea and a logline, this started from a basic premise: A bunch of characters check into a hotel on one night in 1969, and nobody is who they appear,” Goddard explained to EW recently. “I started with that very simple concept, wrote the roles, and then let the characters dictate the story.”
Hemsworth also described “Bad Times at the El Royale” as a “’60s noir thriller.” Read the official synopsis below.
Seven strangers, each with a secret to bury, meet at Lake Tahoe’s El Royale, a rundown hotel with a dark past. Over the course of one fateful night, everyone will have a last shot at redemption…before everything goes to hell.
“Bad Times at the El Royale” also stars Jeff Bridges, Cynthia Erivo, Dakota Johnson, Jon Hamm, and Cailee Spaeny. Goddard is co-producing the film with Jeremy Latcham. Twentieth Century Fox will release the film on October 5, 2018.