A new horror anthology: ‘Deepest, Darkest’ adds Rahul Kohli to its star-studded cast
A blend of horror and sci-fi
The upcoming horror and science fiction anthology, Deepest, Darkest, has just added another notable name to its already impressive roster. Rahul Kohli, known for his roles in The Haunting of Bly Manor and iZombie, has officially joined the cast of this highly anticipated project. The anthology is the brainchild of writer-director Marc Bernardin and actor Tiffany Smith.
Kohli’s excitement for the project
Kohli expressed his enthusiasm for joining the project, stating, “Deepest Darkest is an exciting project combining all my favorite genres and my favorite people. Joining this project was a no-brainer for me.” His addition to the cast brings even more excitement to a lineup that already includes Tiffany Smith (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3), Rosario Dawson (The Mandalorian, Ahsoka), Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusters), Yetide Badaki (American Gods), Phil LaMarr (Futurama, Samurai Jack), and Quantum Leap stars Raymond Lee and Caitlin Bassett.
Executive production and creative team
The anthology is executive-produced by Akela Cooper (M3GAN, Malignant) and David Dastmalchian (Late Night With the Devil, The Suicide Squad). Co-created by Bernardin and Smith, the project is produced by Rachel Walker, Carrie Finn, and Kyle Smithers. Bernardin, a WGA Award winner, will direct several chapters, marking his second directorial venture after his debut with the short film Splinter.
The intriguing premise
Deepest, Darkest promises a genre-blending mix of horror, dark comedy, suspense, and sci-fi. The anthology’s pitch reads: “Have you ever had a secret? One so big, so awful, so horrifically extreme that you had no choice but to keep it to yourself? Something that if anyone else knew, that revelation would shift your world on its axis? What if there was someone whose job it was to listen to those secrets — because she could never remember them? What would you pay for absolution?”
A diverse team of writers and directors
The anthology will feature a team of renowned television writers stepping behind the camera to explore stories centered on the human instinct to keep secrets. Writers such as LaToya Morgan (The Walking Dead), Deric A Hughes and Benjamin Raab (The Flash), Ubah Mohamed (The Handmaid’s Tale, Avatar: The Last Airbender), Lamont Magee (Black Lightning, Star Wars: The Young Jedi Adventures), Sujata Day (Insecure), and Kevin Avery (Last Week Tonight with John Oliver) will be directing, many for the first time. Writer-directors Avery and Day will also co-star in their segments.
Funding and audience engagement
The film is currently raising funds through a Kickstarter campaign, which has raised $128,000 toward its $250,000 goal. Bernardin acknowledges the risks involved with crowdfunding but remains optimistic, stating, “Kickstarter is always a gamble, but I believe there’s an audience out there that might embrace a collection of cinematic short stories that aim to thrill and scare and provoke while also celebrating voices who don’t often get to be at the center of narratives like this.”
With 713 backers so far, the campaign runs until Thursday, Sept. 26. The support from fans and the community will be crucial in bringing this ambitious project to life.
Personal reflections and analysis
As a fan of both horror and science fiction, the concept of Deepest, Darkest is particularly intriguing. The anthology format allows for a diverse range of stories and styles, making it a perfect platform for exploring the depths of human fear and curiosity. The inclusion of a stellar cast and a team of talented writers and directors only adds to the anticipation.
The premise of secrets and the psychological burden they carry is a rich vein for storytelling. It taps into universal human experiences and fears, making it relatable and compelling. The idea of a character who listens to these secrets but cannot remember them adds an intriguing twist, raising questions about memory, identity, and the nature of absolution.
For those interested in exploring more about the cast and their previous works, here are some links to trailers and information pages:
- The Haunting of Bly Manor
- iZombie
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
- The Mandalorian
- Ahsoka
- Ghostbusters
- American Gods
- Futurama
- Samurai Jack
- Quantum Leap
The anticipation for Deepest, Darkest is palpable, and it promises to be a thrilling addition to the horror and sci-fi genres.