Shanks Joins Cast of "Dead Stop"

Maderfilm sought Michael Shanks for a leading role

Recently revealed in an Eclipse Magazine interview, Michael Shanks has been cast in a leading role for the sci-fi anthology Dead Stop, produced by Maderfilm.

In a news release on their site, Maderfilm proudly announced “Stargate SG-1‘s Michael Shanks Joins Cast of DEAD STOP“: “Producer Julie Caitlin Brown has been working tirelessly to attach talent and shop this anthology film developed by Mr. Mader with partners Marc Scott Zicree & Emmy-Winner Michael Reaves. After landing the incredible JOHN RHYS-DAVIES for a role in Mr. Reaves’ segment, she recently brought the script to MICHAEL SHANKS who agreed to play one of the lead roles, joining Star Trek’s ROBERT PICARDO and ARMIN SHIMERMAN who were already attached. Stay tuned for more news and updates as this exciting project heats up.”

The Maderfilm website contains news and current project information and will be updated as the project takes off. Dead Stop is an “anthology film in the tradition of The Twilight Zone, Tales from the Crypt, and Creepshow…”

Dead Stop is about two brothers who seek out revenge for their kid sister’s assault. The three of them set out, but their car gets stranded near an inn kept by Mr. Chance, who invites them to stay in separate rooms of his vacant, abandoned hotel. According to Eclipse Magazine, the siblings are “suddenly thrust into dramatic stories in which they are entirely different people confronting a host of ghosts and monsters. Within these stories, they must rise to their best within themselves to survive.” Maderfilm’s website states, “…all three must confront their darkest natures and deepest fears.” Shanks will play the role of Garrett, one of the brothers who takes this incredible, life-changing adventure.

Shanks will co-star with three sci-fi veterans. John Rhys-Davies has performed in several well-known works, including the Lord of the Rings and Indiana Jones films. Stargate SG-1 viewers will recognize Robert Picardo as Richard Woolsey (“Heroes”, “Prototype”), as well as his time as the holographic doctor in Star Trek: Voyager. Armin Shimerman might also be recognized by SG-1 fans as Anteaus of the Nox (“The Nox”), even though his time as Quark in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine might be more known.

Maderfilm has also included an additional note about this anthology: it will include “Knife Through the Veil”, a “notorious” Twilight Zone episode that was “yanked by the censors one week before shooting” because it was “too hot for CBS to air!”