Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Dec. 15, 2003

Gellar holding a ’Grudge’ against Raimi, Col Pics

Sarah Michelle Gellar

By Josh Spector Sarah Michelle Gellar, most recently seen on the big screen in "Scooby-Doo," will take on a more frightening role in her next starring gig as she is set to topline the horror remake "The Grudge."

The project, being produced by Sam Raimi’s Ghost House Pictures and distributed domestically by Columbia Pictures, is an English-language version of the Japanese thriller "Ju-On."

The film’s title refers to a curse that befalls someone who dies in the grip of a powerful rage. Those who encounter this murderous supernatural curse die, and a new one is born — passed like a virus from victim to victim in an endless, growing chain of horror.

The project is being directed by the original’s writer-director, Takashi Shimizu, from a script by Stephen Susco. Raimi is producing along with his Ghost House partner Rob Tapert and Taka Ichise, who produced the original film. Joe Drake and Nathan Kahane of Senator International will serve as executive producers alongside Roy Lee and Doug Davison, who originally gave GHP a look at the project.

Columbia co-president of production Matt Tolmach and director of production Shannon Gaulding are overseeing for the studio, with a January start date planned. The film will shoot in Tokyo at Toho Studios.

Gellar, best known for her starring role on the long-running television series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," has appeared in such films as "Cruel Intentions" and "Scream 2." She next appears in the upcoming "Scooby-Doo" sequel and also is attached to star in "Romantic Comedy" for MGM.

Gellar is repped by the Firm, ICM and attorney Kevin Yorn

From Comingsoon.net :

Sarah Michelle Gellar to Hold a Grudge Source: Variety Monday, December 15, 2003

Sarah Michelle Gellar will topline The Grudge, the English-language remake of the Japanese horror thriller Ju-On. Columbia Pictures has secured domestic distribution rights for the film, which is being produced by Ghost House Pictures, a genre division of Senator Intl. launched with Sam Raimi.

Shooting will begin at Tokyo’s Toho Studios in late January. Takashi Shimizu, who wrote and directed the original film, will helm the remake.

The Grudge is about a murderous supernatural curse born of a grudge held by someone who dies angry. The curse passes like a virus to its victims.

Gellar recently wrapped Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed for Warner Bros. and is gearing up for Romantic Comedy, a spoof on the cliches of the romantic comedy genre at MGM.