It’s hard to believe the original FROM DUSK TILL DAWN movie came out almost two decades ago. Written by Quentin Tarantino and directed by Robert Rodriguez, the film became an almost instant classic, incorporating the sensibilities of a crime caper like PULP FICTION while putting a new spin on vampire movies. It spawned a few direct-to-video sequels, and helped kick the film career of George Clooney into high gear. Now, 18 years later, Robert Rodriguez is bringing the story to TV by way of his new El Rey Network. The show stars D.J. Cotrona (G.I. JOE: RETALIATION) and Zane Holtz (THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER) as Richie Gecko and Seth Gecko. The story is essentially the same, following the two criminals hiding from the cops, who decide to kidnap a family and conceal themselves in a strip club… not realizing that club is filled with vampires. Same story as the movie, but the tone looks decidedly more serious here. The 10-episode series expands the storyline considerably, so expect a less hectic version of the events we saw in the movie, and a more fleshed-out character piece. Robert Patrick, Wilmer Valderrama, Jake Busey and Don Johnson also star. Take a look at the trailer below and tell us your thoughts in the comments.
El Rey Network released today the first official trailer from the supernatural crime saga, “From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series,” premiering March 11th at 9pm ET/PT. The network’s first scripted original on Robert Rodriguez’s new genre-busting cable network, the series is based on the thrill-ride film of the same name. The 10-episode serialized drama is centered around bank robber, Seth Gecko and his violent, unpredictable brother, Richard “Richie” Gecko, who are wanted by the FBI and Texas Rangers Earl McGraw and Freddie Gonzalez after a bank heist left several people dead. While on the run to Mexico, Seth and Richie encounter former pastor Jacob Fuller and his family, whom they take hostage. Using the family RV to cross the border, chaos ensues when the group detours to a strip club that is populated by vampires. They are forced to fight until dawn in order to get out alive.
The series features D.J. Cotrona (Dear John, G.I. Joe: Retaliation) who plays Seth Gecko; Zane Holtz (Holes, The Perks of Being a Wallflower) as Richie Gecko; Jesse Garcia (Quinceañera, Sons of Anarchy) who plays Texas Ranger Freddie Gonzalez, a new character created for the series; Don Johnson (Django Unchained, Nash Bridges) who joins in a recurring role as Sheriff Earl McGraw; Robert Patrick (Terminator 2: Judgment Day, The X-Files) as Jacob Fuller; Madison Davenport (Save Me, Shameless) as Kate Fuller; Brandon Soo Hoo (Tropic Thunder, Ender’s Game, Incredible Crew) as Scott Fuller and Eiza González (Lola: Érase Una Vez) as Santánico Pandemonium, and Wilmer Valderrama (That 70’s Show) as Carlos.
“From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series” is an El Rey Network production in association with Rodriguez International Pictures, FactoryMade Ventures and Miramax. Executive producers are Robert Rodriguez, Carlos Coto (who is also showrunner) and FactoryMade Ventures and El Rey Network co-founders John Fogelman and Cristina Patwa. Diego Gutierrez is writer and co-executive producer. Robert Rodriguez will direct the first, second and fourth episodes.
Miramax, producing studio and distributor of the original film, is distributing the series internationally in all territories.
Entertainment One Television (eOne) and El Rey partnered earlier this week on an exclusive worldwide distribution agreement whereby eOne will represent DVD and EST rights in the US and Canada for “From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series” and will handle all media rights, with the exception of broadcast rights, for El Rey Network’s slate of upcoming originals.
Born and raised in Dallas, Mark has been a movie critic since 1994, with reviews featured in print, radio and National TV. In 2001 he started the Entertainment section of the Herorealm website, where he contributed film reviews and celebrity interviews until 2004. After three years of service there, he started Bigfanboy.com, which has become one of the Dallas film community's leading information websites. Bigfanboy hosts several movie screenings in the Texas area, and works closely with film and TV studios and promotional partners to host exciting events and contests. The site also features a variety of rare celebrity and filmmaker interviews, and Bigfanboy.com regularly covers the film festival circuit as well. In addition to Hollywood reporting, Mark has worked for many years as an advertising and sci-fi/comic book artist. Clients have included Lucasfilm Ltd., Topps Trading Cards, The Dallas Mavericks and The Dallas Stars. From 2002 until 2015 he managed the Dallas Comic Con, Sci-Fi Expo and Fan Days events in the DFW area. He currently catalogs rare comic books and movie memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, and runs the Dallas Comic Show conventions, but remains an avid moviegoer and cinema buff. 
