Deathstalker (2025) is a Canadian-set sword and sorcery fantasy adventure film. It is written and directed by Steven Kostanski and recalls 1980s B-movie energy.
The cast includes Daniel Bernhardt as Deathstalker, with Patton Oswalt voicing the wizard Doodad, Christina Orjalo, and Nina Bergman.
The plot follows Deathstalker after he steals a cursed amulet and must ally with a thief and an inept wizard to defeat reanimated armies and the returning sorcerer Nekromemnon.
The film is a remake and tribute to the 1983 cult title, leans on practical creature effects, and uses a knowingly adult, irreverent tone. Distribution and release window were announced with festival play and limited release in 2025.
Deathstalker Age Rating
Deathstalker is likely to receive an 18+ / R-equivalent rating due to frequent, graphic violence and intense horror imagery. The movie’s style celebrates over-the-top gore and practical monster effects, which will push most rating boards toward adult classification.
Violence & Peril
Violence is constant, graphic, and often stylized for shock and dark comedy. The film includes decapitations, limb dismemberment, and prolonged blood spurts, presented as gleefully excessive rather than subtle. Many action sequences place characters in lethal peril from reanimated soldiers and grotesque monsters. The recurring body horror and frequent onscreen injuries make the film unsuitable for younger teens.
Language
Strong coarse language appears throughout the film in dialogue and battle taunts. Expect frequent use of the f-word and other profanities in heated scenes. The film’s irreverent tone pairs crude banter with violent action. No language content is used to soften violent imagery.
Mature Themes
The movie contains adult thematic elements tied to revenge, necromancy, and death. Sexual content is minimal compared to the 1983 original, but crude sexual references may appear in jokes. Substance use is not a central theme. The practical creature designs and disgusting close-ups create disturbing imagery that may upset sensitive viewers.
Is Deathstalker Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: No. The film’s graphic gore and terrifying creatures are inappropriate for children. The frequent, explicit violence and shocking practical effects are likely very disturbing.
Ages 13–15: Not recommended. Younger teens will struggle with the film’s intensity and graphic depictions. Scenes of dismemberment and exaggerated blood are common.
Ages 16–17: With guidance. Mature teens interested in horror and 80s-style fantasy may appreciate the homage and practical effects. Parents should pre-screen for tolerance of graphic gore and discuss the film’s stylized, non-realistic approach.
Final recommendation: Rated for adults. We advise parental discretion for viewers under 17 because of persistent graphic violence and disturbing creature imagery.
What Parents Can Do
- Watch first: Preview the film to judge your teen’s tolerance for extreme gore and body horror.
- Discuss context: Explain the film’s homage to 1980s B-movies and its intentional, stylized excess.
- Prepare for imagery: Warn about grotesque practical effects and choose to pause or skip scenes if needed.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: Is Deathstalker appropriate for older teens?
A: Older teens (16–17) may watch with guidance, but only if they can handle graphic gore and disturbing creatures.
Q: Are there scary or gory scenes?
A: Yes. The film repeatedly shows decapitations, dismemberment, and vivid, practical creature effects.
Q: Does the film include strong language or slurs?
A: Yes. Expect frequent strong profanity in battle and comedic exchanges.
Q: Is there sexual content or nudity like the 1983 original?
A: The remake tones down sexual exploitation. There may be crude sexual references, but no prominent explicit nudity reported.
Q: Where can I watch Deathstalker?
A: Release plans indicate festival screenings and a limited 2025 release; check local listings and streaming platforms for final distribution details. Deathstalker | VIFF 2025