Kevin Smith's Tusk might have been a divisive box office bomb when it came out, but the horror comedy still needs a sequel. Written and directed by Smith using a story from his SModcast podcast, it follows an intrepid podcaster Wallace (Justin Long) who finds the perfect interview subject, an eccentric old man with an extraordinary past, Howard (Michael Parks), living in the Canadian wilderness, and makes the trek alone to record his stories. After an evening of listening to him recount an incredible tale about a walrus, the American suddenly finds himself taken captive and turned into the subject of an experiment in the bowel of his host's manor.
The movie's notoriety comes from the completely out-of-left-field moment when Wallace realizes that he's being transformed into Frankenstein's walrus, trapped in a flesh prison of other corpses, as the existential dread sinks in knowing no one knows where he is. Smith throws everything but the kitchen sink into the Tusk, including a message about the perils of egoism and even, as Wallace languishes in a pitiable enclosure not unlike the sort found at a zoo, the callous injustice of animal captivity. There are good elements about Tusk, however, that suggest if Smith developed a sequel it could have longevity as part of a franchise.
Tusk 2 Is Perfect For A Streaming Audience
In 2014, selling Tusk as a theatrical release was a risk, but it's the perfect sort of movie for streaming. Unlike a solemn theater experience, fans can engage in Mystery Science Theater 3000-style riffing of Smith's unique horror comedy in the comfort of their own home. While curious viewers might not be willing to pay a price at a theater to see Tusk 2, they'd be willing to take a chance knowing they have the option to opt-out, though finding out what happens to Long's character as a walrus-man might be too compelling to turn it off.
Shudder, a streaming platform launched in 2015 by AMC, has been able to survive entirely on horror movies and over-the-top thrillers. Tusk is the sort of movie that would do well on Shudder, where the concept of an old man's desire to awaken a human's killer instincts by turning them into a wild animal wouldn't be the strangest thing available to stream. Streaming is a medium that allows for a lot more experimental films than those dependent on box office numbers to ensure they get made in the first place.
Tusk Has Developed Cult Status (Despite Being A Failure)
Even though it was considered a failure at the time of its release due to poor pacing and a wildly inconsistent tone, Tusk has developed a cult following for a variety of reasons. For one thing, it has a surprisingly large ensemble cast for being primarily a two-hander, including Johnny Depp, Genesis Rodriguez, Haley Joel Osment, Harley Quinn Smith, and Lily-Rose Depp. For another, its bizarre premise concerning a man turning someone into the walrus that saved his life found just the right niche for lovers of body horror films, evoking Human Centipede and every David Cronenberg movie.
Justin Long horror movies have developed cult status on their own, particularly for their deft blend of terror and comedy, such as Jeepers Creepers and in Smith's other horror movie Yoga Hosers. Horror movies like Barbarian and House of Darkness make use of Long's ability to convey both charm and sleaziness, ensuring audiences will watch until the end just to see his character get their comeuppance. Tusk highlights all of Long's inherent appeal as an everyman while also hinting at a darkness just beneath the surface, something which his host exploits (and he is punished for) by being turned into a wild animal.
Tusk Fits The 2020s Comedy Horror Trend
Movies like Violent Night, Cocaine Bear, and M3GAN, prove that Tusk 2 would be popular in the current climate where mid-budget horror comedies are having a moment. As long as they have an interesting story, a quirky cast, and solid visual effects, fans will explore the weirder offerings of the horror genre. Even those who criticized Tusk for its execution could deny that it had some pretty impressive practical effects, which have become used effectively with CGI to give horror movies a sense of realism (even if they happen to be about a walrus-man).
Universal's seen a revival of one of its most beloved horror icons with the recent release of Renfield, which follows Count Dracula's titular henchman trying to free himself of his bloodsucking boss's demanding lifestyle, indicating that the future of horror lies in experimental comedies. Tusk 2 stands a real chance of being successful if it takes Tusk's shortcomings and improves upon the overall story and brings back of the original cast. Recent updates from both Smith and Long have implied that, so fans can expect even more innovative horror as Tusk gets the franchise treatment.
