First Look: Pedro Pascal Stars in Genre-Bending Anthology 'Freaky Tales'

Step into the neon-soaked streets of 1987 Oakland with Lionsgate's latest offering, "Freaky Tales," a genre-defying anthology that promises to transport viewers back to the golden age of VHS. The studio has just released the first trailer for this highly anticipated film, starring the charismatic Pedro Pascal in a role that adds another impressive chapter to his diverse portfolio.

A Mixtape of Stories in the Heart of Oakland

"Freaky Tales" weaves together four interconnected narratives, each pulsing with its own rhythm while contributing to a larger, more complex symphony. Set against the vibrant backdrop of late 1980s Oakland, California, the film brings together an eclectic cast of characters: an NBA superstar, a corrupt police officer, aspiring rap artists, young punk rockers, neo-Nazi antagonists, and a determined debt collector. Their paths converge in unexpected ways, leading to inevitable confrontations and reckonings.

Pedro Pascal's Criminal Swan Song

Pascal takes on the role of Clint, a professional thief planning one final heist. His target? The home of celebrated basketball player Sleepy Floyd (portrayed by Jay Ellis), which houses a collection of valuable Asian artifacts. However, when Floyd decides to protect his property, Clint's supposedly straightforward mission takes an unexpected turn.

A Star-Studded Ensemble

The film boasts an impressive roster of talent, including:

Ben Mendelsohn

Jay Ellis

Normani

Dominique Thorne

Ji-young Yoo

Jack Champion

Keir Gilchrist

Tom Hanks

The Creative Vision

Behind the camera, the dynamic duo of Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck bring their unique storytelling perspective to "Freaky Tales." Having previously collaborated on critically acclaimed projects like "Half Nelson" and "Captain Marvel," the writer-director team now crafts a narrative that captures the essence of 1980s Oakland through multiple lenses.

A Tribute to Angus Cloud

The film holds special significance as one of the final performances of Angus Cloud, who passed away in 2023. Director Anna Boden shared touching insights about Cloud's contribution to the project: "We felt incredibly fortunate to have him in the film. He brought such dedication to his role and had this unique ability to lighten the mood on set, even during the most intense moments. He transformed what could have been an overlooked character into something truly special."

Critical Reception and Release

"Freaky Tales" made its debut at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, where it garnered positive reviews from critics. The recently released trailer offers viewers their first comprehensive look at the film's action-packed atmosphere and unique narrative structure.

Mark your calendars: "Freaky Tales" is scheduled to hit theaters on April 4, 2025.