What Happened To House Of Wax?

Dark Castle Entertainment produced some interesting flicks back in the 2000s. From Ghost Ship to Gothika, they were hoping to bring back the fun of the old William Castle movies. But their biggest success came when they took on a Vincent Price classic and gave it their unique twist. From casting Paris Hilton to actual onset fires, you won't believe what happened to House of Wax.
WATCH OR OWN THE FILM HERE: shorturl.at/l0fiR
Written by: Eric Walkuski
Edited and Narrated by: Tyler Nichols
Produced by: John Fallon and Andrew Hatfield
Executive produced by: Berge Garabedian
SERIES SYNOPSIS: Hollywood has had its fair share of historically troubled productions. Whether it was casting changes, actor deaths, fired directors, in-production rewrites, constant delays, budget cuts or studio edits, these films had every intention to be a blockbuster but were beset with unforeseen disasters. Sometimes huge hits, sometimes box office bombs. Either way, we have to ask: What Happened To This Horror Movie?
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#joblohorror #parishilton #houseofwax

[@TonyThompson1981]

I dont care what anybody says. I think its such a fun rewatchable horror flick. And I think Hilton did a surprisingly good job in it.

[@danmar007]

Most women are pretty good at screaming. :-)

[@tomoko7584]

@@danmar007weirdo

[@Potatopoy]

​You seem disgusting ; ) ​@@danmar007

[@tylermcclain5332]

thought they would make a house of wax 2 missed opportunity

[@tr3asurem3]

Well you gotta strong stomach does hot waxing people alive was a little too much for me. 😭

[@jravage77]

Say what you will about House of Wax, that ending with the melting house was spectacular.

[@alienboy1322]

Honestly, that's the only thing I'll give it credit for.

[@RobbyRockaholic]

Yeah they burned down an entire soundstage like think warehouse .. while filing this go watch the mtv making the movie

[@gemstar7286]

The movie itself wasn't bad either,it actually had a creepy eerie feel. I think when people heard Paris Hilton was in it... maybe that put them off . But it's actually an ok movie.

[@Blast2224]

I don’t care what anyone says, the “Face Peel Off” scene was brutal the first time we all saw it. Even the wax machine looked like something out of SAW. The museum set did a great job of making you feel helplessly trapped with these two maniacs.

[@Jess-Rabbit]

Agree with this! It was claustrophobic and terrifying to think about being trapped like that unable to move while your friend mutilates you unknowingly

[@joseitokatracho]

I still remember that the advertising tagline for this movie was “See Paris Hilton die” LOLOL She actually did an awesome job

[@kikihernandez410]

Haha I was just about to type that! They had shirts with that tag line too

[@wayneberry3453]

Subjective. Lmao. Pathetic character

[@meatballsandwhich2456]

they said this in the video

[@the-berries-and-cream-dude]

That scene where one of the characters gets their fingers cut off still lives in my head. It’s such a 2000s horror teen classic, I love it.

[@richardhoehn9922]

And that decapitation scene! With the eyes that blink afterwards! Mint!

[@Danton1990]

House of Wax was the first time i heard Helena by My Chemical Romance. For that i will always love it

[@angelesquival]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 same here

[@lightbop]

Same here! Iconic end credit song.

[@paulaburrows8660]

Say what you will about Paris but that pole scene definitely GOES DOWN as a great death

[@Simsoflovepleez]

I see what you did there

[@LeeoGoneWild]

Her whole character in this movie was spectacular. It’s so pathetic that people bash her because of her name

[@wayneberry3453]

​@LeeoGoneWild you're speaking for yourself and your opinion. The character was fckn shit 😅 your opinion is shyt

[@urmomvia]

@@LeeoGoneWild ikr shes literallly an icon and legend atp

[@PortalMaster2112]

This film is a guilty pleasure… and anything with Elisha Cuthbert is fine viewing in my book!

[@reverandhale863]

Agreed lol

[@prodigal_rebel_2062]

I remember the entire audience cheering when Paris Hilton’s character was killed off while I was at the cinema.

[@wstine79]

That got a big applause in my crowd.

[@ds5503]

Same in my theater. I was one of them.

[@vuquanghuy3441]

Yeah. Remember when all the world hate on this girl. Disgusting

[@RaiderNation816]

Right? And that was before cheering in the theater was really a thing

[@moshhard616]

Same here, that thought never gets old. Pretty good movie though.

[@dbstewie]

This movie doesn't get enough respect

[@since2133]

This movie is SO GOOD and very well written. I miss when movies did not depend so much on CGI like they do now. Just lazy with no love put into it.

[@ItsaKindOfMagic86]

💯

[@troin3925]

Back when IMDb had forums, it gave an excerpt from an interview for a Fangoria article where it turns out that this film was indeed a Tourist Trap remake but they changed the name to something more recognizable hoping that the movie would be a hit since no one’s really heard of Tourist Trap (or at least it wasn’t mainstream enough), but it backfired on them.

[@MartyMcFly88]

I miss those good old days of IMDb with the forums

[@emorywarren8311]

Seriously an underrated horror movie. It has the cliches by still being new. And gore is limited but still queezy. Not really any jump scares but the sense of being trapped and no where to go horror makes this movie frightening

[@mikaross4671]

The real glue is insane! I had no idea

[@JYJnKumi]

I remember my first time watching this movie and when Jared Padalecki's character was introduced, I just went, "Sammy, no."

[@RoeVenturesLLC]

11:11 only reason took my gf to see this movie was, Paris Hilton, was in it. Paris did good in the movie actually.

[@JLGRproductions]

This is what I call a horror film masterpiece. One of my top favorites ever

[@congoline1]

House of Wax will forever be one of my top 5 fav horror movies.

[@user-eq3xq4zx1u]

I gotta say, it didn't grab me like the other Dark Castle movies did. But, over the years, I have grown to like it more. Especially the big house of Wax melting scene.

[@charles24852]

I didn't like it the first time I watched it I thought it was wasted potential still do to a point. But after a few more watches I've grown to love it and even be creeped out by it. Just the idea of surviving being waxed alive is terrifying.

[@richardhoehn9922]

Most horror fans remember that whiz bang opening scene in Ghost Ship.

[@Dentures420]

I’m 24 and grew up watching this when it would play on TV and I loved it, it’s more of a guilty pleasure these days though. Also the soundtrack is peak 2000’s rock 🥰

[@darksider9534]

My mum loved horror films and House of Wax was legit one of her favourites. I wish she was still alive to enjoy our pastime with all these amazing horror films she'll never get to watch. ❤

[@JeffreyDahmenator]

While I don’t think it’s a great movie, this is an October staple for me due to its annual airing on AMC’s Fear Fest

[@jeffalexander21]

AMC during Halloween is a must. I remember back in 2009 I was in college. I used to come back from class on a cloudy day. Come back to my apartment flip AMC on and open the windows. Good times.

[@trinaq]

I love how nobody involved in the marketing process bothered to hit that Paris Hilton's character would die, to the point that they referred to her by her real name, and not her character name. Even Paris herself produced t shirts with the caption "See Paris Die."

[@MrHootiedean]

House of Wax has always been a fun time but unfortunately got caught up in the negative horror remake discourse of the early aughts. Happy it's finally getting its flowers

[@lynsey_Ellen]

I used to love this movie when it came out, I was 15. I watched it at the cinema 3 times. I loved the soundtrack and seeing Paris die 😂

[@Jess-Rabbit]

I was around the same age and also thought the song choices were great 👍

[@nexusvideo]

Some of these Dark Castle films were pretty fun.

[@wstine79]

This movie felt more like a remake of Tourist Trap than House of Wax.

[@troin3925]

If IMDb’s defunct forums and the Fangoria excerpt from it are to be believed, it was a Tourist Trap remake, but they changed the name to something more recognizable.

[@joedavis376]

@@troin3925I miss the IMDB messages boards. I believe this 100% too.

[@alejandromolinac]

Ha! I miss those board too! Only place here you could go to a random obscure movie…. Post about something you didn’t understand…. And talk to others about it….

[@trainkills]

For those who never seen either, this film was a fun thrill

[@joycetorreliza6550]

Not even close to tourist trap

[@Tyger20]

Paris was treated very unfairly back then. But as stuck up as she seemed, she was clearly very self aware and able to laugh at herself. The night vision reference to her sex tape being a prime example.

[@RhondaElizabeth]

This movie is my guilty pleasure

[@pvmchrisy]

this film fucked me up as a teenager i totally forgot about it until now thank you for the nostalgia

[@princesscaroline198]

I’m still so surprised that this flopped bc we were so excited to see it! I had to see it twice in theaters(opening weekend & about a month later) & both times the theater was packed so it was weird to me that it bombed. I remember that MTV show about it & was so psyched to catch it opening weekend

[@MaliyahS.]

Hiii!! Can you do Ghost Ship next? I really enjoyed your video!

[@JoBloHorrorOriginals]

Sure thing. It's now On The List!

[@jonsavage212]

The MTV show about the making of this was hilarious.

[@tightropewalkergirl6485]

Oh yeah I remember that!

[@alexrusso6503]

This movie is iconic to my childhood and horror movie love the fact it didnt do well at box office is a shock because i feel like this is a truly talented "orginal" horror movie with all the right stuff. I wish they made more movies like this today! Crazy enough never realized ghost ship and 13 ghosts were also related

[@tommyg9283]

i was surprised at how much paris got into this acting gig she did a good job

[@seangalvin4582]

That movie looks incredible. They really went all out on the production. I'm always impressed when movies do not take the easy road. This movie was a nightmare to execute.

[@michaeldiamond2755]

It’s insane some of the things casts and crews endure while making a movie!

[@scottjustin9800]

I saw it in the theater and have rewatched 2-3 times since. Underrated gem.

[@Jaheem200]

It’s an underrated horror movie and it’s always fun to watch even to this day .

[@jayeckberg774]

I enjoyed the film, I enjoyed all of the Dark Castle films mentioned in the video. The writers may not have seen House of Wax, but they definitely saw Tourist Trap.

[@duvall5jd]

This has some of the best camera shots. The characters may be a little lack luster, the story is fun.

[@davidrose647]

Mid level BUDGET$, THOSE WERE THE DAYS🤔🎬

[@shlovazeravan2041]

I remember that i did watch this wonderful movie with my grandma along time ago and until now it’s one of my favorites of all time as a horror movies lover it’s so good from many perspectives 👌🏻❤️‍🔥

[@dandydan10]

I remember when I watched this and thought it was going to be bad but I loved it. And Paris didn’t do a bad job.

[@McPh1741]

I like classic horror but I found the remake pretty good. The story was good, the kills were great, and the effects were was well. Paris Hilton in the movie didn't really put me off wanting to see it. Having Elisha Cuthbert being way hotter than Paris (IMO) kinda cancelled her out. In the end, it was a fun watch. However, as far as wax realated horror movies go, 'Waxwork" is my favorite.

[@TANKTREAD]

Such a great score composed by John Ottman.

[@ECKohns]

The film’s director Jean Collete-Sierra would later go onto direct Liam Neeson thrillers like Non-Stop and Unknown, and Dwayne Johnston blockbusters like Jungle Cruise and Black Adam.

[@user-qj1bq3gq9x]

Yup

[@TheReelMJ]

When Hilton died we was all happy good fn times , it’s literally like Kim K or Sexy Red if they was in a horror film fans would cheer lol

[@SINE382]

It’s my guilty pleasure a must watch every Halloween. It’s so bad it’s great

[@JeffScalzo]

This is probably in my top 5 favorite horror movies

[@denny720]

House of wax is one of my favorite horror movies I never get tired of watching it.

[@espressobliss5685]

I loved the tribute to this movie in that one episode of supernatural since Jared and Paris were both in the movie lol

[@Bruue2011]

new subscriber, your content is so thorough. thank you for this breakdown and the context you provide!

[@user-ye1lq2xk3h]

@JoBloHorrorOringinals It's amazing to me how you mentioned every character but the one black character!!!!!

[@mrrictus]

The artwork for the movie poster is suggestive at lol!

[@lightbop]

I feel like this movie deserves more love! There are so many super effective and memorable scenes. And also Helena by My Chemical Romance for the end credit song! It’s very nostalgic for me and it reminds me of being in middle school just starting to get into horror movies!

[@TheBearAspirin]

The "Happy Endings" - "Supernatural" - "Gilmore Girls" - "The Hottie and the Nottie" mashup no one asked for.

[@wstine79]

Wade would've survived the movie if he had just used the Rock Salt Gun on Vincent like his brother, Dean, told him to do.

[@amesie9384]

Paris Hilton is an ICON

[@lilz]

Every time I see a pair of pliers and wire cutters I think of that one scene and recoil.

[@METALHEADCHIVA]

One of my favorite slashers of all time.

[@AtelierOfWeebs]

9:38 btw the bed and a lot of the props, including the letters on the wall etc. Were made of peanut butter, they said it on the dvd

[@andrewh3264]

I can throw this on today and still enjoy it. 👍

[@billyloomis9468]

I love this movie.

[@Vicksyl]

13 ghosts was good and had a deep lore.

[@Vivicci.x]

I was a child who loved horror movies. This is such a classic fav of mine, holds up sooo well and terrifying. I remember so many scenes part by part including the headless running body !

[@hitmanmonaghan6633]

I’m pretty sure I saw this in the theater. Is Dark Castle still around? That opening was pretty bad ass.

[@LiesaPinkBunny]

One of my favorite movies 💕

[@charmedkitten]

That’s weird it’s saying the rotten tomatoes (which I never listen to) wasn’t received well, considering all of those movies are still loved now

[@Gxrome]

Paris death scene was iconic

[@ln4310]

I personally love those early Dark Castle movies. Yeah they're tacky as hell but they're so much fun to watch!

[@gideonhansen5485]

I still remember watching this in the theater

[@francescoravenda5070]

I just watched this movie I loved it

[@animeknight8958]

I'm not ashamed to admit but this film used to terrify me as a teen. It was so scary. I mean humans as loving wax figures

[@nicknelson1915]

Paris Hilton gets such unwarranted hate for this movie. she was happy to poke fun at herself and in her chase scene she offered to do the scene barefoot and actually ended up with bloody feet. My uncle actually worked on the set and said she was very nice, he was on set the day she was too shy to scream and the whole set screamed with her to break her nerves and she was really thankful and professional according to him.

[@TheYEAHZOMBIE]

ghost ship and 13 ghost are amazing. And house wax did a great job in my opinion

[@Optimiss93]

This movie is so underrated. I love this movie as a teen. Probably because I loved the majority of the cast.

[@charles24852]

It's funny I was just thinking about this movie earlier today and came up with a perfect prequel idea for it. Instead of having a prequel exploring beau and Vincent's early days of making human candles why not explore trudies past. They could have done a story where trudy was the original killer stalking the streets of ambrose abducting tourists who came to see her works and adding them to her growing collection. It could show how she was obsessed with taking over the town for her ultimately insane wax town idea and how she more or less made it her son's legacy. It would give the first movie better context and it would be a homage to the original material.

[@roadtonowherefilms]

I enjoyed this alot. Entertaining kills and chase scenes, fantastic production design.

[@elle8081]

I am really bummed to hear it didn’t do well in the box office. I enjoy rewatching this film all the time

[@manonthemoon692]

The ending scene were the house of was was melting and the brother and sister leave through the A on wax. Everything melting was peanut butter to give it that melting look without being dangerous to the actors

[@RomneyRanjo]

I remember loving this as a kid (saw it on dvd tho cause i was too young when it came out) and i'm so surprised it didn't do well in the box office. It was so much fun huhuhu. I still rewatch it to this day

[@kyleevans1157]

This movie has a very special place in my heart

[@user-nl3uv5tq4h]

I read one critic's review when this released which referred to Paris Hilton as "a disposable dimwit"! I almost fell out of my chair laughing!!!😅

[@parikathornton7246]

Went to see this as a teen and thought it was damn good. I re-watched it years later n still thought it was good.

[@bobbytrevino2066]

Everyone cheered for Paris when I watched this in the theater 😂and I enjoyed her performance, I thought it was hott.

[@AntLeonardi01]

Such an underrated film. It’s so much fun

[@Food4thought1234]

Sucks because I literally loved all the movies they made. I didn’t even know it was the same team.

[@SheDoesBeauty]

House of Wax and Cabin Fever will always be my guilty pleasures

[@TheLonelySoulja]

Wow didn’t mention Richard from One on One

[@user-qj1bq3gq9x]

Fr. I first saw this. I was like L"Arnaz boy" l

[@iAvrilFan1]

I loved this movie, I watched it on TV when I was a kid lol

[@sidlazzar1002]

This was so camp I loved it and Paris was definitely a good scream qween

[@Lin10uson]

I absolutely love this movie, and I have since I was a child when it debuted. This is one of the scariest mainstream horror films I saw back then because it was so realistic and such a novel (yet not so novel) scary idea. I've been seeing a lot of people make videos about how horrible movies like this, 'Independence Day', 'SharkTale', and so many other epic films we had growing-up as late-stage Millennials, and I'm just made more aware of how these people were brought-up in an era of lackluster (and just bad) films, so this is their response to epic work. 'Ghost Ship' also gets a bad rep., but it was indeed a disturbing thriller. I think the movie deserves criticism, but there are many aspects of it that are salvageable, including the big reveal at the end. 'By the way', 'the Dark ('o5)' is also EPiC from this era and is more on par w/generally accepted 'good' thrillers. Edit: What's more, the back story of 'Gothika' is what turned-'me'-off to Robert Downey, Jr. seeing as he broke Halle Berry's arm on the set of it in that scene when he's restraining her to the ground to keep her in the asylum against her will. The look and scream she gave were both kept in the film because they were very real reactions the director wanted to exploit, akin to what was done to Kerry Washington by Leonardo DiCaprio and the director of 'Django: Unchained', Quentin Tarantino. It should be noted that Downey, Jr. has never respectfully apologized for what he did to her, and their relationship has suffered it.

[@adampellett4917]

Remakes of horror classics could make it cinema gold but unfortunately, House of Wax remake bomb the box office until they cheering for Paris Hilton’s death making the audience laughed and cheered. Paris, you can’t act whatsoever. Period. Great review.

[@essiespooks]

If they ever decide to remake it (we know how Hollywood is) they better not drop the ball on it either. It’s one of my favorite horror films of all time!

[@johnjohnrn8655]

I’m still entertained by this movie

[@shaebubblegum3212]

It was a classic! The end finding out about another brother 😭

[@melanievando2040]

This is one of my favorites!

[@edchanful]

I love this one Still have the dvd 📀💽💿

[@TuckerLeeC]

They must have got a lot of inspiration from ‘Tourist Trap’. Parts of this film are identical to that one. It was good enough and Hilton did a good job