Many were under the impression that filmmaker Kevin Smith was getting ready to hang up his slate and director’s chair, but recently, we’ve heard some new developments from Silent Bob that seemingly lit a whole new fire under him. In the past few months alone, Smith has gone into post-production on horror film ‘Tusk’, developed the crazy apocalyptic tale ‘Helena Handbag’ as a stage production, and is gearing up to film ‘Clerks III’ some time this year. Now, inspired by another podcasting session, the ‘Comic Book Men’ executive producer is looking to add yet another project to the slate that finds him collaborating with more members of his SModCast team.

In a post on his blog Silent Bob Speaks, Smith shared the news of a collaboration between himself and ‘Edumacation’ podcaster Andy McElfresh called ‘Comes The Krampus!’. Based on the Christmas episode of McElfresh’s podcast, this horror anthology is meant to bring a whole new spin on a Christmas movie by forgoing Jolly Old St. Nicholas in favor of embracing the “Scandinavian/German Kid-Eating Christmas creature known as the The Krampus”. The 99-page screenplay features four segments stitched together by a “freaky framing device” and it marks the first time that Smith has co-written a script with someone. The filmmaker then goes on to outline who will be his co-directors on this project:

“And now, to extend the spirit of collaboration even further, I’M GONNA CO-DIRECT THE FLICK WITH THE SMODCO FAMILY! Andy McElfresh will direct the ‘The Krampus vs. The 3rd Grade’ episode (SO fucked up), Jason Mewes (yes – THAT Jason Mewes) will direct the ‘Hitler’s Krampus’ episode (twisted period piece), I will direct the ‘Mask Maker’ episode (the Gothic horror piece), Carol Banker will direct the ‘The Proposal’ episode (which is fucking nuts), and Jennifer Schwalbach will direct ‘The Bad Babysitter’ – which is the framing device that holds the whole mess together. Jordan Monsanto will produce for SModcast Pictures and the twin SModCo cherries on the top of this scary sundae? I’m gonna force my Bro Scotty Mo(sier) to act in it and Babble-Meister RALPH GARMAN will feature in every episode!”

With budget meetings happening to tackle the estimated $2 million budget, the plan right now is to go right into ‘Comes The Krampus!’ right after ‘Clerks II’, which is aiming to begin production on April 7th.

What do you think about Kevin Smith and his SModCo compatriots venturing into much darker territory with ‘Comes The Krampus!’? Are you interested in seeing this twisted holiday horror anthology? Let us know in the comment section.