Lionsgate’s ‘The Blackening’ will be making its theatrical debut on June 16. The comedy-horror film pokes fun at the unfortunate Black character stereotypes in horror films where they are usually depicted as an expendable sidekick. In other words, they are usually the first ones to die. A few examples include ‘One Missed Call’, ‘Day of the Dead’, and ‘Scream 2’.

Recently, filmmakers like Jordan Peele and others have paved the way for more complex and nuanced portrayals of Black characters in films. The best part of these films is that they have resonated with a wide audience allowing their studios to make more.

Now ‘The Blackening’ gives audiences a light-hearted look at Black culture, where a variety of characters showcase the diversity within. Showing different personalities that although similar can be very different.

ALSO SEE: SIMON PHILLIPS ON SHARING A SCENE WITH ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER IN NETFLIX’S FUBAR | EXCLUSIVE

LRM Online‘s Manny Gomez spoke with Tim Story, the director of ‘The Blackening’. He has directed many popular films in the past including ‘Barbershop’, the ‘Think Like A Man’ films, and others.

During our conversation, Story talked about what attracted him to the film and then how he was able to balance comedy and horror. Story also commented on the diversity of the cast that showcases the different people within a culture. It was a fun conversation that you can check out below!

Here is the synopsis for ‘The Blackening’

THE BLACKENING centers around a group of Black friends who reunite for a Juneteenth weekend getaway only to find themselves trapped in a remote cabin with a twisted killer. Forced to play by his rules, the friends soon realize this ain’t no motherf****** game.

Directed by Tim Story (Ride Along, Think Like a Man, Barbershop) and screenplay and screen story by Tracy Oliver (Girls Trip, Harlem) & Dewayne Perkins (The Amber Ruffin Show, Brooklyn Nine-Nine), THE BLACKENING skewers genre tropes and poses the sardonic question: if the entire cast of a horror movie is Black, who dies first?

‘The Blackening‘ will be in theaters on June 16.