The Witchcraft franchise returns with a new chapter in horror, bringing its North Carolina production to a close at one of the state’s most recognizable cinematic locations.
Another chapter in horror history is taking shape as Witchcraft: The Lanterne of Light prepares to wrap production filming at the historic Henry River Mill Village in North Carolina, the iconic location that served as District 12 in Lionsgate’s blockbuster film The Hunger Games.
The historic property, recognizable to millions of moviegoers around the world, will provide a remarkable backdrop for the latest installment in the long-running Witchcraft horror franchise. The location’s weathered buildings, historic structures, and atmospheric surroundings offer a cinematic setting perfectly suited to a story steeped in darkness, mystery, and the occult.
Originally established in 1905 as a textile mill community, Henry River Mill Village gained international recognition when it was transformed into District 12 for The Hunger Games. The location remains one of North Carolina’s most recognizable film destinations.
A special acknowledgment goes to Daniel Omar Coles, whose efforts helped secure this iconic filming location for the production, making it possible for the filmmakers to bring Witchcraft: The Lanterne of Light to a setting with such a recognizable place in cinematic history.
“Filming at Henry River Mill Village, the iconic location known to audiences around the world as District 12 from The Hunger Games, is incredibly exciting for our production. North Carolina has such an incredible cinematic landscape, and being able to bring Witchcraft: The Lanterne of Light to a location with this kind of history and visual character is something special. We’re proud to be filming here and bringing a new, ambitious chapter to an established horror franchise.”
— Carissa Pierson, Director
A DARKER CHAPTER IN THE WITCHCRAFT LEGACY
Witchcraft: The Lanterne of Light takes the franchise into disturbing new territory with a found-footage approach built around an unsettling investigation into an ancient religious manuscript, a mysterious cult, and the Seven Deadly Sins.
At the center of the story is The Children of the Hollow, a secretive organization whose origins trace back to a 1409 manuscript known as The Lanterne of Light. As the investigation unfolds, the filmmakers explore the disturbing mythology surrounding the cult and the Seven Deadly Sins.
The film combines supernatural horror, psychological tension, and recovered-footage storytelling to create a contemporary chapter in a franchise that has continued to find new audiences across generations.
AN IMPRESSIVE ENSEMBLE
The production has brought together an ensemble of established genre talent, familiar franchise faces, and emerging performers.
The cast includes Eric Roberts, Andrew Pierson, Lisa Wilcox, Sandy Johnson, Vernon Wells, Kansas Bowling, Marc Price, Kato Kaelin, and Ginger Wolfe.
Behind the scenes, the production is led by Deathstalker Productions, with Carissa Pierson and Andrew Pierson among the driving forces behind bringing this latest chapter to the screen.
The project has also attracted notable industry participation, including Executive Producers Vernon Wells, Jay Enskat, Kato Kaelin, Tom Mabe, Daniel Omar Coles, and Chris Evans, adding further experience and genre recognition to the production.
NORTH CAROLINA REMAINS HORROR COUNTRY
The upcoming production wrap at Henry River Mill Village is another milestone for a film that has embraced North Carolina as an important part of its cinematic identity.
From the state’s historic locations to its atmospheric landscapes, North Carolina continues to provide independent filmmakers with distinctive environments capable of delivering big-screen production value.
For horror fans, the significance of filming at a location associated with one of the biggest cinematic franchises of the last decade adds another interesting connection between two very different worlds of genre entertainment.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
As Witchcraft: The Lanterne of Light prepares to complete filming at the iconic District 12 location, attention turns toward the next phase of bringing the film to audiences.
The latest film promises to expand the mythology of the Witchcraft universe while delivering a darker, more immersive experience for longtime franchise followers and new horror audiences alike.
One thing is certain: the darkness has found another home in North Carolina.
WITCHCRAFT: THE LANTERNE OF LIGHT
A Deathstalker Productions film.