Clown Reborn: Jon Watts’ Lost Horror Film Gets 4K Revival and Franchise Dreams

A lost horror film from a future Marvel director is getting a second chance. Jon Watts’ 2014 feature, Clown, has been released in a newly remastered 4K Blu-ray edition. The film, once buried by its U.S. distributor, is now finding its audience a decade later.

This revival has sparked new conversations about the movie’s troubled past. It has also ignited talk of its potential as a horror franchise.

From Fake Trailer to Feature Film

The origin of Clown is a story of cinematic hustle. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Watts and his co-writer Christopher D. Ford created a fake trailer in 2010. They misleadingly presented it as an upcoming Eli Roth project to gain attention.

The gambit worked. Roth, known for his own fake trailer in Grindhouse, was intrigued. He then helped the duo secure international pre-sales. This was before a full script was even written. Dimension Films eventually acquired the U.S. distribution rights.

A Troubled Release and Buried Potential

Despite its international success, the film faced domestic hurdles. It earned a strong $4.3 million overseas against a $1.5 million budget. However, its U.S. release in 2016 was minimal. It played in fewer than 100 theaters for just two weeks.

Watts speculates the Weinsteins’ changing stance on violent films was a factor. A disastrous preview screening for Bob Weinstein also likely sealed its fate. The director recalls Weinstein was “absolutely horrified” and left without a word.

Thought you’d like to know-

What is the movie Clown about?

The film follows a father who puts on a cursed clown costume for his son’s party. He discovers the suit is from a Nordic demon and cannot remove it. His transformation forces him to make a terrible choice to break the curse.

Why was Clown not released widely in the U.S.?

Dimension Films shelved the movie after a negative reaction from executives. This coincided with Harvey Weinstein’s public pivot away from violent content. The film only received a token theatrical run years later.

How did Jon Watts get to direct Spider-Man?

Watts used the same strategy that worked for *Clown*. He created a concept trailer to pitch his tone for *Spider-Man: Homecoming*. This visual proof effectively communicated his high-school-meets-superhero vision to Marvel.

Are there plans for a Clown sequel?

Watts and Ford originally envisioned a seven-movie epic. They have story ideas that span history and even go into space. The director says the franchise potential is still there, waiting for the right moment.

Where can I watch the new 4K version of Clown?

The remastered 4K Blu-ray is currently available from German distributor Turbine. It features new cover art and a high-definition restoration of the film for collectors and new audiences.