We’ve received another update from Robert Munch, who is working on “Manos: The Search for Valley Lodge,” the Manos sequel, which begins filming in El Paso next week. Take it away, Rupert!

Hi fellow Mysties! Here’s an update for you on the “Manos” universe:

The factually inept Canadian short film “Hotel Torgo” is a film documenting “Manos: The Hands of Fate” (1966). The premise of the film was that Bernie Rosenblum (who played “teenager in car”) was the lone surviving cast member of the “cursed, worst movie ever made,” and that the others met mysterious, untimely (and sometimes grizzly) deaths. Untrue! Simply not the case (sorry my crazy Canuck friends). In fact, besides Bernie, I have found and recruited The Master, himself: Tom Neyman, Jackey Raye Neyman-Jones (Debbie), and now…. wait for it……

Diane Mahree, who played “Maggie”, the beautiful young wife of Michael (Hal Warren). Long thought to have died in a fiery car crash in the ’80s, Diane is alive and well. As if that isn’t cool enough (which it is), it just so happens that her story is nothing short of incredible! Shortly after “Manos,” Diane was discovered by Eileen Ford/Wilhelmina Models and in 1968 launched a 20+ year career as a supermodel (as Diane Rystadt). She worked with all the greatest designers, photographers, and magazines in the world…gracing the covers Vogue and Bazaar, etc. She dined with kings, dated royalty (and rock n’ roller Cat Stevens) and hung out with all the celebrities of the time. She was friends with Bridgette Bardot, Rod Stewart and had infamous encounters with Mick Jagger/Jeri Hall, and even Salvador Dali (who put a curse on her!!!). She would later go on to help organize the roots of what would later become The Telluride Film Festival, and helped design some of the great ski slopes in Aspen, Colo. (yes, she was an avid snow bunny).

It wasn’t until she heard of my sequel (and the fact that I was trying to do something special, and not just a crappy, self-aware goof) that she contacted me via 3rd party. She agreed to read my script. She really loved it, and after much debate “decided to go for one last ride on the merry-go-round” and join our cast. She is a lovely, modern-day renaissance gem of a woman, and we are ecstatic to have her on board. We hope you all dig it too!

In other “Manos: The Search for Valley Lodge” News:

CAST:
Ryan “Big Deal” Jimmo, current MFC Light Heavyweight Champion (winner of 16 consecutive fights) and recently signed to a UFC contract, stars as “Joe Miller.”
Joe Neal Warren (son of Hal Warren) will be playing “Michael”… the role his father played.
Erik Peterson (“TorgosPizza” of Rifftrax) is playing “Carl”.
Bryan Jennings III (son of The Sheriff in the original “Manos” film) is playing “The Sheriff” in our film.

Also, in case you didn’t know, other stars (earlier announced) include: Former WWE Superstar Gene (“it’s not mu fault”) Snisky, Playboy Playmate/WWE Diva Maria Kanellis and of course, from the original film, Tom Neyman, and Jackey Raye Neyman Jones.

CREW:
Tim Martin (Make-Up F/X Wiz) who has worked on the Spiderman, X-Men, Superman, Fantastic Four, AVP, and Hellboy franchises (to name a few), is our creature/make-up designer!
Jay Lee (director/writer/producer of cult film “Zombie Strippers”) is our Director of Photography!

We are very saddened to inform everyone that Bernie Rosenblum recently suffered a stroke and will be unable to star in our film. We offer our deepest sympathies to Bernie and his family, and will pray for his full recovery.

We also wanted to formally announce that Andy Cope and Eric Hueber of Alonestar films, filmmakers of the awesome film: “Rainbow’s End” are making their next film, a documentary on our sequel, tentatively called “Making Manos 2, The Sequel of Fate.” They have been following us and recording our exploits as they happen. Crazy!

And, finally, we want to share with you our newly designed website! The “official” and authoritative source for all things “Manos”. Enjoy!

Cheers!

Rupert Talbot Munch Sr. / Torgo