Rob Zombie is going back to his roots to bring the Firefly family back for the third installment in their series, 3 From Hell. Zombie’s filmmaking career began in 2003 with House of 1000 Corpses, an exploitation horror film that set the basis (both visually and narratively) for the rest of his work. His second film, The Devil’s Rejects, was a sequel and helped build the story and reputation of the Firefly family: a group of psychopaths that enjoy going on killing sprees.
Zombie left the Fireflies aside for years, focusing instead on other films like his versions of the slasher classics Halloween and Halloween II, the supernatural horror film The Lords of Salem, and the carnival horror fest that was 31. Zombie’s films have been very divisive: some praise his style, heavily influenced by horror films from the 1970s, while others find them narratively weak and not offering anything new to the genre. Criticism hasn’t stopped him from making films (and at this point, it will never be an impediment), and he’s coming back with 3 From Hell.
It feels like this film has been in development for years, although it hasn’t been like that: production wrapped in April 2018, and although post-production was delayed due to Zombie’s musical commitments (never forget he’s also a rockstar), the film was finally completed by April 2019. Here are all the details on Zombie’s 3 From Hell.
3 From Hell is Getting a Limited Release
Very much like 31, 3 From Hell is getting a very limited release. The film will be released on September 16 and will only screen for three nights in 900 select theaters through Fathom Digital Broadcast Network. Although it’s a very short run, each screening will have bonus content: the first one will include an introduction video from Rob Zombie and the first 50 attendees at each theater will get a free collectible poster. The second day, the screening will include a 30-minute behind-the-scenes featurette, and the last one will be a double feature experience with The Devil’s Rejects.
3 From Hell’s New and Returning Cast
3 From Hell brings back the remaining members of the Firefly family and some new faces as well – new to the story, but not to Zombie’s films. Sid Haig, Bill Moseley, and Sheri Moon Zombie are reprising their roles as Captain Spaulding, Otis Driftwood, and Vera-Ellen “Baby” Firefly. Also coming back are Danny Trejo as Rondo and Daniel Roebuck as Morris Green.
The new additions to the cast – and that have taken part in other Zombie films – are Dee Wallace (who played Cynthia Strode in Halloween), Jeff Daniel Phillips (Halloween II, The Lords of Salem, and 31), and Richard Brake (Doom-Head in 31). Other actors joining this blood fest are Bill Oberst Jr, Austin Stoker, Emilio Rivera, Clint Howard, Wade Williams, David Ury, Tom Papa, Dot-Marie Jones, and Richard Edson.
What’s the Story of 3 From Hell?
3 From Hell is a sequel to The Devil’s Rejects, completing the trilogy that began with House of 1000 Corpses. Plot details have been kept under wraps, but the story will follow Captain Spaulding, Otis, and Baby, who somehow survived being shot multiple times at the end of The Devil’s Rejects. The three surviving Firefly family members will spend time in jail, though not much as they will continue with their reign of horror both in prison and outside.
The film will also show all the media attention their shooting and recovery gathered, as well as a cult following, with people campaigning for their release – hence the tag line “Free The Three”.
3 From Hell’s Trailer Is Out
In June 2019, Rob Zombie shared a teaser with clips from House of 1000 Corpses and The Devil’s Rejects, and a couple of shots showing Spaulding, Otis, and Baby’s return. A full trailer for 3 From Hell was released the following month, and it doesn’t show much about the plot but it includes more footage, such as their arrival to the hospital, where their chances of survival were minimal… but evil never dies. It also shows the aforementioned campaign for their release from prison, as well as the mugshots that have been used as promotional posters. Finally, it gives a quick taste at the type of violence and crimes the Fireflies will commit this time, along with Richard Brake’s character Winslow Foxworth “Foxy” Coltrane.
