Another chapter in horror history is unfolding in North Carolina. Witchcraft: The Lanterne of Light has now wrapped production. The crew chose the historic Henry River Mill Village for their final scenes. Moviegoers worldwide recognize this unique location as District 12 from The Hunger Games.
As a result, the historic property provides a remarkable backdrop for this long-running horror franchise. The weathered buildings and atmospheric surroundings offer a perfectly creepy setting. Thus, the visual aesthetic fits a story steeped in darkness and mystery.
Originally, workers established the site in 1905 as a textile mill community. However, the area gained international fame when Hollywood transformed it into a film set. Local advocate Daniel Omar Coles also helped secure this iconic location for the production team.
Director Carissa Pierson expressed immense excitement about filming at this legendary historical location. She noted that North Carolina offers an incredible landscape for independent filmmakers. She also said she’s proud to bring an ambitious new chapter to this established horror franchise.
“Filming at Henry River Mill Village, the iconic location known to audiences around the world as District 12 from The Hunger Games, is incredibly exciting for our production. North Carolina has such an incredible cinematic landscape, and being able to bring Witchcraft: The Lanterne of Light to a location with this kind of history and visual character is something special. We’re proud to be filming here and bringing a new, ambitious chapter to an established horror franchise.”
A Darker Chapter in the Franchise Legacy
This latest entry takes the franchise into disturbing, fresh territory. Specifically, the story utilizes a found-footage approach built around an unsettling investigation—the narrative centers on an ancient religious manuscript, a mysterious cult, and the Seven Deadly Sins.
At the core, the plot examines a secretive organization called “The Children of the Hollow.” Their obscure origins trace directly back to a 1409 manuscript named The Lanterne of Light. As the investigation unfolds, the filmmakers explore the group’s dark mythology.
The project also blends supernatural horror with intense psychological tension. The creators rely heavily on recovered-footage storytelling throughout. As a result, the film offers a contemporary experience for new and longtime fans alike.
An Impressive Ensemble Cast and Crew
The production successfully brought together a truly remarkable ensemble of genre talent. Fans will easily spot veteran actors, franchise favorites, and talented emerging performers.
For instance, the cast features Eric Roberts, Andrew Pierson, Lisa Wilcox, and Sandy Johnson. Furthermore, Vernon Wells, Kansas Bowling, Marc Price, Kato Kaelin, and Ginger Wolfe join the horror action.
Behind the scenes, Deathstalker Productions leads the entire project with great enthusiasm. Carissa Pierson and Andrew Pierson serve as the primary driving forces behind the camera.
Additionally, notable executive producers support the team with extensive industry experience. Vernon Wells, Jay Enskat, Kato Kaelin, and Tom Mabe serve as executive producers. Meanwhile, Daniel Omar Coles and Chris Evans also lend their valuable expertise to the project.
North Carolina Remains Prime Horror Country
This upcoming production wrap marks another major milestone for the independent movie. The filmmakers eagerly embraced North Carolina as an important part of their visual identity. Indeed, the state continues to offer distinctive environments with impressive production value.
For horror fans, filming at a famous blockbuster location adds an extra layer of fun. Movie lovers will certainly appreciate this unique crossover between two vastly different cinematic worlds.
Now, attention turns toward post-production work and bringing the feature to waiting audiences. Ultimately, this upcoming release promises to expand the franchise mythology in exciting, terrifying new ways.
The Horror Legacy of Tar Hill Country
Witchcraft: Lanterne of Light joins the ranks of many other horror films made in North Carolina, a premier horror filming hub that leverages coastal towns, mountain woods, and studio lots for major blockbusters and cult classics. James Wan shot The Conjuring (2013) around Wilmington, while Sam Raimi filmed Evil Dead II (1987) in Wadesboro, building the infamous cabin interior inside a high school gymnasium. Coastal settings framed slasher favorites like I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) in Southport and The Mutilator (1984) in Atlantic Beach.
The state’s forests and historic sites also host creepy indie and franchise entries. Stephen King adaptations flourished here with Cat’s Eye (1985) in Wilmington, Maximum Overdrive (1986) in Leland, and Children of the Corn II (1992) in Liberty. High Point’s woods set the scene for Eli Roth’s Cabin Fever (2002), Charlotte hosted The Taking of Deborah Logan (2014), and the historic Henry River Mill Village served as the found-footage backdrop for Witchcraft: The Lanterne of Light (2026).
