Forgotten Sword and Sorcery Franchise Revived with Cheesy, Low-Budget Epic

In October 2025, a new chapter in the forgotten "Deathstalker" sword and sorcery franchise has arrived, courtesy of an unlikely source – Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash. The musician, an avowed fan of the cult classic series, has produced a reboot that aims to capture the cheesy, low-budget charm of the original films.

Directed by Steven Kostanski, known for his imaginative creature designs and practical effects work, the new "Deathstalker" follows the titular anti-hero, played by Daniel Bernhardt, as he embarks on a quest to rid himself of a cursed amulet. Along the way, he encounters a colorful cast of characters, including a mediocre wizard voiced by Patton Oswalt, and a laid-back thief portrayed by Christina Orjalo.

The film is a delightfully gory affair, with Kostanski's penchant for outlandish, cartoon-like violence on full display. Decapitations abound, but the tone remains playful and chuckle-worthy rather than overly serious. The real stars, however, are the film's memorable monsters – from two-headed ogres to teleporting demons with buzzsaws on chains – all brought to life through Kostanski's signature practical effects wizardry.

While the story may be standard "Dungeons & Dragons" fare, "Deathstalker" is elevated by its attention to world-building details and a charming lead performance from Bernhardt. The result is a raucous, imaginative romp that pays homage to the cult classics of the past while offering a fresh, modern take on the sword and sorcery genre.