The horror franchiseHostelis making a chilling and totally unexpected return, this time to the small screen, with an exciting update reported exclusively byThe Hollywood Reporter. The outlet has confirmed that the Oscar-winning actorPaul Giamattiis set to star in the upcoming TV adaptation. TheHostelseries, currently in development, is said to be a “modern adaptation” and an “elevated thriller,” reinventing the gruesome story that first shocked audiences in 2006. WithEli Roth,Chris Briggs, andMike Fleissall returning to the project, fans of the original franchise will surely be hoping for morethe same bloodburdling gory horrorthat made the films cult classics.
Giamatti,fresh off his award-winning performance inThe Holdovers, has signed off on a deal to take on a pivotal role in theHostelTV series. While specific details about his character remain under wraps, Giamatti’s involvement adds a significant draw to the project given his career to date. The unexpected collaboration marks a reunion of sorts for Giamatti and Roth, who first crossed paths during the production of the originalHostelandThe Illusionist.
In a 2013 interview, Giamatti recounted his initial meeting with Roth: “Eli was shootingHostelin Prague and I was shootingThe Illusionist, and I met him. We talked about me actually killing somebody in that movie but it never panned out.”
Who’s Making the ‘Hostel’ TV Series?
Giamatti’s casting in theHostelseries follows a successful run in both film and television. His performance inThe Holdoversearned him a Golden Globe and multiple other accolades. On television, Giamatti is best known for his seven-season stint on Showtime’sBillionsand his Emmy-winning role in HBO’sJohn Adams.He is also set to appear in the thirdDownton Abbeyfilm.
Roth, known for his knack for horror, made his directorial debut withCabin Feverin 2002. He has since built a reputation with films likeKnock Knockand the Discovery/Travel Channel franchiseEli Roth Presents. Most recently,Roth directed and produced the slasher filmThanksgiving, which performed well at the box office, and is preparing its sequel.His next project,Borderlands, is due for release this summer.
The originalHostelmovie, which grossed $82 million worldwide and spawned two sequels,followed the harrowing experiences of three backpackers lured into a nightmare in a Slovakian city. The upcoming series aims to put a new spin on the story, offering a new yet just-as-bloody take on the story. Stay tuned to Collider for more.
