The Ring Vs. The Grudge Is A Real Movie And Here’s The Trailer To Prove It
Since the early days of horror movies, audiences have always taken great pleasure in watching our most iconic monsters battle it out. In 1943, Frankenstein fought the Wolf Man in the appropriately titledFrankenstein Meets the Wolf Man. The two most famous giant beasts of all time threw down in 1962’sKing Kong vs. Godzilla. The kings of the ’80s slashers turned their bladed weapons on each other in 2003’sFreddy vs. Jason. In 2004, intergalactic supremacy was (kind of, sort of) decided inAlien vs. Predator.
And just when you thought every potential horror match-up had already come and gone,Sadako vs. Kayakoarrives to remind us that cinematic monsters will never stop crossing over into each other’s movies so they can fight each other. If that title doesn’t ring a bell, just know that this film is essentiallyThe Ring vs The Grudge, pitting one evil stringy-haired Japanese ghost against another. This isn’t a joke – there’s a trailer and everything.
If it took you a moment to believe that this movie actually exists, you’re in good company.Sadako vs. Kayakowas originally teased as an April Fool’s joke last year, but the film ultimately turned into a real thing. It has actual actors and employed a real crew and everything.
Although the American remakes ofThe RingandThe Grudgewere both enormous hits, their sequels received justifiably tepid reactions from audiences and critics, killing both franchises in their tracks (a thirdRingmoviehas been delayed countlesstimes now and the thirdGrudgewent straight to video). However, the Japanese originals showcased stronger legs. 1998’sRinginspired two direct sequels and four spin-offs. Meanwhile, theJu-On/The Grudgeseries is now eight films strong. And that’s before you count both series' associated novels and comics and television shows and short films.
In other words, this trailer probably isn’t for you – it’s for the serious Japanese horror fans who have already invested far too much time into these characters. But how could younotwant to watch it?
Although that trailer doesn’t have subtitles, everything seems clear enough – Sadako is once again summoned by that cursed video tape and she crosses paths with the vengeful Kayako. They don’t get along. Cue supernatural fisticuffs. The official synopsis doesn’t offer too much more:
Japanese horror icons and vengeful spirits Sadako and Kayako will fight in the ultimate battle for supremacy.
Sadako vs. Kayakois directed by K?ji Shiraishi and will be released in Japan onJune 18, 2016. A wider release is inevitable – there’s no way horror fans of all stripes won’t be interested in checking this out.
