Update on the Release of WWE Studios Film Leprechaun: Origins

It looked to be an interesting idea when it was announced by WWE earlier this year that Dylan "Hornswoggle" Postl would be taking the lead in upcoming WWE Studios/Lionsgate horror reboot Leprechaun: Origins.

Not only is it the first starring role for Postl, a longtime WWE performer, but it marks WWE's first foray in the remake/reboot genre that is currently all the rage in Hollywood.

On paper, the company is probably better jumping on an popular existing franchise than starting from scratch. The original Leprechaun starring Warwick Davis and a pre-stardom Jennifer Aniston was released in 1993 and went on to become a cult hit with horror fans, likely due its corny charm and crazy, but likable, antagonist.

Interestingly, little has come out about the remake since the announcement.

The movie site IMDB.com notes that the project is currently being "filmed."

Hornswoggle continues to appear on-screen and is currently involved in a lame comedy angle with The Great Khali and Rosa Mendes. He's presumably filming on his days off from television, similar to Randy Orton when he was making the action flick 12 Rounds: Reloaded in September and October.   

The film's (rather bare) official page lists Postl as its star, as well as crediting the little-known Harris Wilkinson as writing the screenplay. Per Deadline, who first reported Wilkinson's involvement with the project back in May, the screenwriter recently sold a script to Paramount and has previously worked with Live Free or Die Hard director Len Wiseman on a project with Fox. 

Other than this, though, details have been hard to come by, with no director even being announced yet. Leprechaun: Origins feels more low-key than other recent WWE movie projects like The Marine 3: Homefront or 12 Rounds: Reloaded, projects which have generally garnered a decent amount of attention (even if it's just from wrestling sites).

However, an update has been given. Over at PWInsider.com, Mike Johnson confirms that the film, rather than hanging in limbo, is currently due to be released early next year on Blu-Ray and DVD during WrestleMania season on Blu-Ray and DVD.

Releasing the horror film around the time of WrestleMania is an astute move on the part of WWE and will surely aid the film's chances of being a financial success. There's a big market for straight-to-DVD horror movies; let's hope with this upcoming film the company can cash in on it, because WWE Studios really needs a hit.