Red Hell Movies LLC, in association with Slaughtered Lamb Productions and JFR Productions, has released the first trailer for Johnny Gruesome, written and directed by Gregory Lamberson (Slime City, Killer Rack). The supernatural horror thriller is based on Lamberson’s award-winning 2007 novel, which in turn was based on a screenplay he wrote in 1984, at the age of 19.

Erin Elizabeth Heald is the executive producer of Johnny Gruesome, which Lamberson produced with John Renna and Tamar Lamberson. Anthony De La Torre (“Young Jack Sparrow” in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales) plays the title role, his first starring vehicle, and served as associate producer.

Michael DeLorenzo (New York Undercover, Resurrection Boulevard) co-stars with a diverse young cast that includes Byron Brown II (The Romans), newcomer Aprilann, Chris Modrzynski (Rainbow Bridge Motel) and Madison Amey. Kim Piazza (Dry Bones) and Richard Lounello (A Mother’s Revenge) are featured as well.

Robby Takac from the Goo Goo Dolls performs the theme song, “Dyin’ Tonight,” which he co-wrote with the film’s composers, Armand John Petri and Joe Rozler. Additional songs were performed by Dean Italiano, Giasone Italiano and Aprilann.

Johnny Gruesome tells the story of Johnny Grissom, a rebellious high school student who is murdered while on a drunken joyride. After his friends conspire to make his death appear accidental, Johnny rises from the grave to exact revenge as a supernatural creature. Lamberson shot the film around Buffalo last year and is now seeking distribution.