Review Published 12th April 2026

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A lone warrior emerges from a blood-soaked battlefield carrying a mysterious amulet that will bind him to a destiny far greater than he expects

The kingdom of Abraxion is under siege. The Dreadites hordes are cutting a path of death and destruction throughout the land. Who wields the power to stand against the might of never-ending darkness? After a particularly long and bloody battle, a long-haired warrior emerges from the fog and cuts down the Dreadites as they kill the wounded. One knight is barely alive, and with his final breath, he utters the words “must return” before dying, leaving his rescuer with a strange amulet. The mysterious warrior rides off to Munkar’s Tavern for a large meal and a moment of peace. But as the stranger enters the Tavern, the other patrons begin whispering rumours. Who is he? Some say he was once a knight in the old queen’s army, a surgeon with the sword, or a survivor of a great massacre. One thing is certain: he is now a loner known as Deathstalker (Daniel Bernhardt).

A cursed quest begins as a warrior is drawn into a perilous journey toward a captive wizard and an encroaching darkness

When the amulet leads to an attack from a two-headed troll seeking to claim the treasure, Deathstalker decides to get rid of it. However, when he tries to throw it away, the amulet reappears. After seeking advice and wisdom, Deathstalker learns that there is more to the amulet than expected and that only a wizard can help him. However, reaching the wizard will not be easy, as Deathstalker knows that what lies ahead is filled with danger and evil. To make matters worse, the wizard is currently being held captive.  Nevertheless, with no other choice, Deathstalker takes up his sword and horse and begins a journey into ultimate evil. Will he be able to break the curse of the amulet and defeat the darkness that awaits?

A modern reimagining of a cult sword and sorcery classic from a filmmaker known for embracing bold, retro inspired genre filmmaking

Deathstalker is a fantasy-action film with elements of adventure, swordplay, and B-grade entertainment.  The film was written and directed by Steven Kostanski, whose previous work includes Frankie Freako, Leprechaun Returns, and the fan favourite Psycho Goreman.  For those unaware, this new film is based on the original Deathstalker (1983), which spawned sequels including Deathstalker II: Duel of Titans (1987), Deathstalker III: The Warriors from Hell (1988), and Deathstalker IV: Match of Titans (1991).

A gleefully over the top fantasy remake that thrives on practical effects, bold style, and unapologetically fun energy

Steven Kostanski clearly knows how to make a film that is both fun and unapologetically brainless in the best way. It’s also great to see the writer and director stepping into a new phase of his career by tackling a remake of a classic adventure film.  The film excels in costuming, particularly for the various villains. The same can be said for the practical effects, especially those involving violence. Head explosions and body dismemberments are genuinely impressive; each delivers a satisfying wow factor.  Daniel Bernhardt’s take on the character is also very enjoyable. His look and presence fit the role perfectly, and his performance carries no complaints from me, with various one-liners that are often corny but deliberately playful.  The main rock-themed score of Deathstalker is also catchy and refreshing throughout.

A creatively ambitious but narratively overloaded fantasy adventure that struggles to maintain engagement despite its strong visual imagination

While I’m a huge fan of Steven Kostanski’s film career, this is unfortunately a weaker entry, largely due to the story. Sadly, I didn’t connect with it.  The film is filled with exposition-heavy dialogue, with plenty of talk about the various threats, backstory, and lore, not to mention constant explanations of rules and terms related to the amulet and the ancient evil. Although it remains creative and fun in places, I found it difficult to stay engaged or fully invested in the story.  Even the side character Doodad, played by Laurie Field and voiced by Patton Oswalt, who joins Deathstalker on his journey, was hard to connect with. It also didn’t help that the character’s mouth barely moved when speaking throughout the film.

A boldly styled fantasy homage that impresses with practical effects and atmosphere, even if its dense storytelling holds it back

Overall, if you’ve seen a Steven Kostanski film before, you’ll instantly recognise his signature style here, and in many ways, Deathstalker (2025) delivers exactly what you’d expect. It’s packed with corny one-liners, impressively gruesome practical effects, and standout puppetry work that really enhances the film’s tactile feel.  The explosive body-horror moments are particularly memorable, and the epic rock-infused score by Blitz//Berlin adds real punch to the fantasy atmosphere, which looks fantastic throughout. Daniel Bernhardt also brings a solid presence to the lead role, handling both the action and tone with confidence.  That said, despite being a longtime fan of Kostanski’s work, this one didn’t quite land for me. The main issue lies in the story, which leans heavily into dense fantasy exposition and is filled with endless talk of ancient curses, amulets, and shifting villains. Instead of enhancing the adventure, the dialogue often slows the film down, making it harder to stay fully engaged.

Deathstalker (2025) is Now Available on Shudder!

About the Reviewer

Peter Walkden

Film writer and curator with a deep passion for cinema, genre filmmaking, and physical media. Exploring new releases, cult favourites, and overlooked films, with a strong focus on atmosphere, storytelling, and the theatrical experience.

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