Stan Lee's Lost Horror Project Set to Come Alive After 50 Years in Limbo
While Stan Lee is celebrated worldwide as the mastermind behind Marvel Comics, a lesser-known horror collaboration with Lloyd Kaufman—creator of The Toxic Avenger—is finally getting its chance to reach audiences after spending half a century in development hell.
A Script Five Decades in the Making
In 1969, Lee partnered with Kaufman to craft the initial draft of The Night of the Witch. Though they wrapped up the screenplay in 1971, the project never moved beyond the page—until now. Director Joe Manco and his production company Little Sparks Films are stepping in to finally bring this forgotten gem to the screen.
A Timely Story for Modern Audiences
Set during the 200th anniversary of an infamous witch trial, the film centers on a Mexican-American woman who becomes the target of witchcraft accusations. Industry publication Bloody Disgusting has labeled it a "socially-charged supernatural horror" film, and its themes appear strikingly relevant amid today's social and political climate.
The Team Behind the Revival
Though Lee sadly won't witness his work's realization, Kaufman is joining the project as executive producer and personally announced the news through a special video. Additionally, a documentary is in development to chronicle the screenplay's remarkable 50-year journey from page to production.
Director Joe Manco explains: "This story carries tremendous weight. Once you grasp what Lloyd's communicating through his writing—the underlying message—everything clicks into place. That's my primary focus. Night of the Witch remains just as powerful today as it was in 1970, perhaps even more so. Our goal is to amplify its impact, intensify its brutality, and show audiences that these struggles have persisted for generations."
Kaufman adds: "I've got an eye for talent—my track record speaks for itself—and Joe is exactly the filmmaker this story needs. Just as I passed Toxie's mop to Macon Blair at Comic-Con, I'm entrusting Night of the Witch to Joe Manco. He's completely prepared to take on this responsibility and finally make this film happen."
Funding Status and Timeline
Despite having a poster, Kaufman's support, a completed script, and Manco as director, the project hasn't secured full financing yet. Manco aims to begin shooting next year, with partial funding already in place for pre-production, though additional investors are still needed to complete the budget.
Strong Potential for Success
Nevertheless, the project has several factors working in its favor. Lee's enduring popularity combined with the recent success of Macon Blair's Toxic Avenger reboot—which demonstrated that Kaufman's earlier works still resonate with audiences—suggests that attracting the necessary investment shouldn't prove too challenging now that momentum is building.