Mark Duplass returns as Josef in new horror series
- The Creep Tapes premiered on Shudder on November 15, featuring Mark Duplass reprising his role as the character Josef.
- The series employs a unique found-footage format with each episode presenting selected footage from various videotapes labeled with the names of victims.
- Through this innovation, the series both expands on and diverges from the narrative established in the original Creep movies.
In the United States, Mark Duplass has returned to his chilling role as Josef, the serial killer from the Creep movie franchise, in a new series titled The Creep Tapes, which premiered on Shudder on November 15. This series continues the story that started nearly a decade ago when Duplass first portrayed the unsettling character in the found-footage horror film Creep. Over the years, the character has gained notoriety, and the subsequent sequel released in 2017 expanded on the dark narrative. The new series features a unique anthological format where each episode showcases purported footage from a collection of videotapes labeled with the names of Josef's victims, enhancing the eerie and voyeuristic elements of the source material. The Creep Tapes has been co-created by Mark Duplass and Patrick Brice, who not only directed all six episodes but also co-wrote and starred in the original Creep film. The series diverges from traditional storytelling methods, using a found-footage style that has not been commonly seen in television. Duplass commented on the innovative approach, expressing that their fresh perspective on the genre stemmed from a level of ignorance regarding norms in this style of filmmaking. Despite lacking a clear intention to revolutionize the genre, the team aims to elevate the horror experience while maintaining continuity with the established universe of the Creep franchise. Brice drew inspiration from earlier works, such as Jim McBride’s David Holzman’s Diary and the anthology series Tales From the Darkside, which highlight the evolution of found-footage storytelling. The decision to focus on a depraved VHS library brought greater creative freedom, allowing exploration of the Creep character further without producing a full third film. The exploration of the psychological and unsettling nature of these episodes permits Duplass and Brice to delve into themes of voyeurism and horror in a new light. Overall, The Creep Tapes demonstrates a renewed interest in the character of Josef, reflecting the evolving horror landscape while tapping into the nostalgia of found-footage films. With new episodes releasing every Friday through December, the anticipation among fans of the franchise continues to grow, blending disturbing storytelling with innovative cinematic techniques that challenge conventional storytelling in horror series.