Renowned in the realm of contemporary horror, Mike Flanagan is set to make his return to Netflix with another spine-chilling series within his expanding Flanaverse. “The Fall of the House of Usher” is now confirmed as a Netflix TV series, and fans of the genre couldn’t be more thrilled. This eerie series boasts an impressive ensemble cast, featuring some of the entertainment industry’s most recognizable figures. Edgar Allan Poe, the master of horror literature, serves as the source material for this project. Let’s delve into everything we know about “The Fall of the House of Usher,” including its Netflix release date and more.
“The Fall of the House of Usher”
Release Date:
According to Netflix’s announcement, “The Fall of the House of Usher” is scheduled to premiere in the fall of 2023. Mark your calendars for October 12, when this spine-tingling series will begin its chilling journey. The Halloween season couldn’t be more fitting for a horror adaptation of this caliber.
Trailer:
As of now, a full trailer for the series has not been released. However, a tantalizing teaser for “The Fall of the House of Usher” was unveiled via Twitter on August 12. While the 16-second glimpse doesn’t reveal much about the storyline, it expertly creates a tense atmosphere that leaves viewers eagerly anticipating the show’s arrival.
About the Story:
“The Fall of the House of Usher” originates from a short story by Edgar Allan Poe, first published in 1839. It remains one of Poe’s most iconic works. The narrative unfolds as the protagonist visits the decaying ancestral home of his childhood friend, Roderick Usher. Roderick is gripped by the belief that his own demise is imminent. Inhabiting the house with him is his beautiful twin sister, Madeline, and an eerie, preoccupied, and ailing Roderick.
After the narrator’s initial visit, Roderick reveals that Madeline has passed away and seeks assistance in interring her remains in the family crypt. However, in the days following Madeline’s burial, Roderick’s condition deteriorates rapidly, and he eventually discloses his horrifying suspicion that Madeline is still alive and trapped within the tomb. Witnessing Madeline’s gruesome return and her attack on her brother, the narrator flees for his life, watching the house crumble into two halves and plunge into a lake from afar.
Producers:
“The Fall of the House of Usher” marks the fifth project from Mike Flanagan and Trevor Macy’s Intrepid Pictures to grace Netflix. In addition to the two Haunting anthology series, Intrepid has also produced the critically acclaimed “Midnight Mass” (2021) and the recently canceled “The Midnight Club” (2022). Four out of the eight episodes in the miniseries will be directed by Flanagan and Michael Fimognari.
Executive producers for the project include Fimognari, Emmy Grinwis, and Trevor Macy. A casting change occurred in April 2022 when Frank Langella, originally cast as Roderick Usher, was replaced by Bruce Greenwood, even though most of the characters had been cast by the end of 2021. The series was filmed at Bridge Studios in British Columbia, consistent with many of Flanagan’s earlier productions, and wrapped up production on July 9, 2022.
Cast:
Mike Flanagan has a knack for collaborating with familiar faces, and “The Fall of the House of Usher” is no exception. The cast features seasoned actors from Flanagan’s previous works, including Carla Gugino (“The Haunting of Hill House,” “The Haunting of Bly Manor”), Kate Siegel (“Midnight Mass”), Annabeth Gish (“The Haunting of Hill House,” “Midnight Mass”), Henry Thomas (“Gerald’s Game,” “Doctor Sleep”), and Rahul Kohli (“Midnight Mass,” “The Haunting of Bly Manor”).
Bruce Greenwood, known for his role in “Doctor Sleep,” takes on the character of Roderick Usher. Mark Hamill steps into the shoes of Arthur Pym, the family lawyer, while Mary McDonnell, of “Dances with Wolves” and “Donnie Darko” fame, portrays Madeline Usher. Carl Lumbly embodies C. Auguste Dupin, Poe’s iconic detective. Other notable cast members include Willa Fitzgerald, T’Nia Miller, Sauriyan Sapkota, Zach Gilford, Katie Parker, Michael Trucco, Malcolm Goodwin, Crystal Balint, Kyleigh Curran, Paola Nuez, Aya Furukawa, Matt Biedel, Daniel Jun, Ruth Codd, Robert Longstreet, and Igby Rigney.
Prepare to be enthralled by the dark and enigmatic world of “The Fall of the House of Usher” as it unravels its eerie tale on Netflix in the upcoming fall season of 2023.