Shogun Films has revealed the first poster for Doctor Plague, a new serial killer horror film starring Martin Kemp in his first leading role in a decade. The film, set for release in April 2025, follows Kemp as Detective John Verney, a weary London investigator on the hunt for a killer who dons the guise of a 17th-century Plague Doctor.

As the body count rises, Verney uncovers ties to secret societies and pagan rituals reminiscent of the Jack the Ripper era. The investigation turns personal when the killer kidnaps Verney’s son, leading to a climactic confrontation in the hidden tunnels beneath London. The film blends elements of folk horror and crime thrillers, with Kemp describing the role as one of his most intense since The Krays.

The cast includes notable British actors such as David Yip (The Chinese Detective), Jeanine Nerissa Sothcott (Helloween), Wendy Glenn (You’re Next), and Peter Woodward, whose father, Edward Woodward, starred in the folk horror classic The Wicker Man.

Produced by Jonathan Sothcott and directed by Ben Fortune, Doctor Plague has been described as a fusion of Seven and The Wicker Man. “The Plague Doctor design is brilliantly simple yet striking, and we’re already exploring merchandise opportunities,” Sothcott shared.

Shogun Films has a growing slate of genre films, including Helloween, Werewolf Hunt, and The Secret of Guy Fawkes, signaling its commitment to delivering high-quality horror and thriller content.

Doctor Plague will be released by Trinity Creative Partnership in April 2025.