Hammer Film Productions, the iconic studio that redefined classic gothic horror, is returning to its roots to unleash a chilling new entry in survival horror. The studio has officially announced Ithaqua, continuing its long-standing legacy of bringing deeply atmospheric, folklore-driven horror to modern cinema audiences.
Ithaqua marks Casey Walker’s directorial debut in this subgenre after executive producing the sleeper hit In a Violent Nature. It’s a passion project twelve years in the making.
An Ancient Evil Stalks the Frozen Wilderness
Set against the unforgiving Canadian wilderness, Ithaqua plunges viewers into a terrifying spiral of isolation and psychological collapse. When a remote Indigenous settlement suddenly falls silent, Fort William hires Cole Franklin to investigate.
However, upon arrival, Cole uncovers a scene of unimaginable slaughter. He realizes that an ancient, unnatural force still lingers in the snowbound forest. As fear spreads back to the fort, an unseen, suffocating presence takes hold of the isolated community. Cabin fever, starvation, and paranoia rapidly erode order. Neighbors turn on one another as reason gives way to primordial survival instincts. Cole must lead a desperate band of survivors against a force that defies human comprehension.
A Stellar Ensemble Cast Anchors a Twelve-Year Filmmaking Journey
To bring this haunting vision to life, Walker assembled a powerhouse cast led by Luke Hemsworth (Westworld, Land of Bad) and Kevin Durand (Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, Abigail).
The impressive ensemble also features Craig Lauzon (Trickster), Leenah Robinson (1923), and Michael Pitt (Ghost in the Shell, Day of the Fight).
Peter Scott Vicaire, Pascal Trottier, and Casey Walker wrote the screenplay, based on an original story by Walker. Production was helmed by Casey Walker, Andrew Bronfman, Jason Ross Jallet, Jonathan Bronfman, and Peter Scott Vicaire.
A New Era for a Gothic Horror Powerhouse
Founded in 1934, Hammer Films captivated global audiences with legendary classics such as Dracula, The Curse of Frankenstein, and The Mummy. Acquired by producer John Gore in 2023 and now operating under John Gore Studios, Hammer continues to honor its legacy with award-winning 4K restorations while expanding its reach through Hammer Presents—a curated label championing exceptional horror cinema.
With Ithaqua, Hammer enters an ambitious new era of original film and television productions, carrying its storied history of unforgettable, atmospheric dread to a whole new generation of moviegoers.
The film will next screen at Beyond Fest, and to celebrate, the first intense teaser trailer has arrived. It features a dark, chilling backdrop and a creature rooted in Native American folklore, known as “the wind with teeth.” Watch it below and stay tuned; an official release date should be announced soon.
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