If you are a fan of the sword and sorcery genre or have loved any of Steven Kostanski’s previous filmography, then you are in for a real treat here. Why? Because Kostanski’s Deathstalker is like someone’s crazy Dungeons and Dragons campaign brought to life!
Written and directed by Kostanski, it opens exclusively in theaters on October 10, 2025, from Shout! Studios, and is a reimagining of the Roger Corman-produced sword and sorcery film series of the same name. Executive Produced by Guns N’ Roses’ Slash, 2025’s Deathstalker also stars Daniel Bernhardt (known for his roles in several Martial Arts fan-favorite films like 1996’s Bloodsport II: The Next Kumite and 1997’s Bloodsport III) as the titular character.
These factors in mind, the film follows Deathstalker as he is tasked to seek out a chalice, an amulet, and a sword (known as the three powers of creation) lest an evil magician obtain them first and use them for his own purpose. Along the way, he is joined by travellers Doodad (Patton Oswalt: The King of Queens series, Ratatouille 2007) and Brisbayne (Christina Orjalo: 16 Blocks 2006, Older Every Day 2023).
There are some films whose enjoyment comes with a caveat, and this particular film has a huge one. At absolutely no point must you take even one iota of this seriously. If at any point, you do try to take this seriously, then you are in trouble – this is a ridiculous, schlocky, throwback to the trashy Fantasy films/shows of the ’80s/’90s, and it needs to be watched as such.
That is not to say this is not an impressive film, because what stands out throughout is the commitment to practical effects, costumes, and makeup. The monsters/creatures in Deathstalker are reminiscent of something like Doctor Who and early Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and so fans of those shows in particular will love that element. And there is undoubtedly no CGI blood to be found here, only gushings and gushings of ‘real’ blood and gore!
With all that in mind, Deathstalker may not necessarily appeal to everyone. For example, if you prefer your sword and sorcery to err on the side of the more serious, then Deathstalker, in all its silliness and brainless violence, might be a step too far. Similarly, if you like your main character to provide solemn and earnest dialogue, then this is a film that may prove a struggle!
Overall, this is a fun film that will work best for those who are fans of either the original Deathstalker, Kostanski’s previous work, or trashy, gory Fantasy movies! That is why Cryptic Rock gives 2025’s Deathstalker 3.5 out of 5 stars.
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