Wolverhampton, UK, June 21, 2025: Cult director Richard Stanley, famous for Hardware and Color Out of Space, is coming back strong with a new horror flick, Steel Donkeys, set to be shot deep inside the UK’s heavy metal world. The project, produced by Steel Mill Films, will take place against the thunderous backdrop of Bloodstock Open Air, the country’s largest heavy metal festival, and the iconic Steel Mill venue owned by Judas Priest guitarist K.K. Downing.
A Fusion of Metal, Mayhem, and the Supernatural
Steel Donkeys brings together crime, cosmic horror, and heavy metal in a bold way. The script, written by Stanley himself, tells the story of three small-time crooks who have to steal a secret artifact from a shy rock star while a huge music festival goes on. Their plan to steal goes horribly wrong and ends up releasing an old, dangerous force that might take over the festival and much more. The trio, along with a bunch of unexpected heroes, has to face the unleashed evil on a night that turns into pure chaos and mind-bending horror.
After making the hit Color Out of Space with Nicolas Cage, Stanley shared that his next project is “a perfect blend of metal, martial arts, and cosmic horror, meticulously designed to resonate with a new generation of metal enthusiasts.”
He said he’s beyond excited to come home to the UK and connect with his background through a weird, dreamlike tale inspired by something he experienced in his younger days. He added, “I am incredibly thrilled to return to the UK and reconnect with my cultural roots through this supernatural, psychedelic journey, inspired by a real-life escapade from my youth. Given the current circumstances in the country, I truly believe Steel Donkeys is precisely what Britain needs and deserves…”
Bloodstock Open Air: The Ultimate Setting
The outdoor parts of the film will be filmed at Bloodstock Open Air, which runs this year from August 7 to 10 at Catton Park in Derby. Bloodstock, known for its warm family vibe and true heavy metal spirit, is the perfect wild and friendly place for Stanley’s idea.
Festival founder Adam Gregory talked about his excitement and said, “We are excited to collaborate with Steel Mill Films and Richard Stanley on this incredible project that will highlight Bloodstock to a global audience on the big screen.”
With memories of big performances, wild storms, and fans doing hilarious things, Bloodstock has become a festival metal fans can’t get enough of. “It’s not exactly a corporate event, but more like one big family coming together,” Gregory said before, pointing out how the festival welcomes everyone and brings in all sorts of people.
A Long-Awaited Resurrection
If you’re into this genre, Steel Donkeys could ring a bell. This project has its beginnings in the early 1990s. At that time, Stanley wrote a script called the same thing, but it was never turned into a film. He pictured it as a violent, ghostly story happening during Amsterdam’s Queen’s Day festival. This new take shifts the action to the UK’s metal stronghold, while still holding onto the main plot of a botched heist and an unleashed evil spirit.
A Cast Bridging Genres
Cynthia Rothrock, known for her martial arts moves, has joined the cast, and they’re planning to add more rock and metal celebrities soon. This crossover promises to bring a real touch and lots of energy to the film, making the line between cinema and live music fade even more.
A Director’s Redemption
Stanley’s career has seen both loyal fans and plenty of drama, especially when he left the 1996 movie The Island of Dr. Moreau on bad terms. After coming back to feature films with Color Out of Space, which many called a huge success, Steel Donkeys now seems set to show he’s a true genius in genre cinema.
As the big day draws near, everyone’s eyes will focus on Bloodstock, where horror, headbanging music, and films meet for a wild show. Stanley seems to have luck on his side, with a project lined up that’s both daring and sure to stick in people’s minds.
Follow along for news about festival line-ups, casting updates, and trailer launches while the crew prepares a mind-blowing mix of metal music and movies.
