Paul Giamatti to Lead New ‘Hostel’ TV Series Directed by Eli Roth

Hostel is coming to television.

Veteran actor Paul Giamatti has inked a deal to star in an upcoming Hostel TV series. The series brings back franchise luminaries Eli Roth, Chris Briggs, and Mike Fleiss, under the aegis of Fifth Season, known for producing Apple TV+’s much-talked-about Severance.

Modern Adaptation with New Thrills

The new show is billed as both a modern adaptation and an elevated thriller, reimagining the horror franchise that first hit screens in 2006. Roth and Briggs will pen the script, with Roth also directing, promising fresh chills and spine-tingling moments for fans old and new.

A Recurring Nightmare

The original Hostel movie centered around three backpackers traveling through Slovak cities, completely unaware of the horrors that lay ahead. Giamatti’s precise role remains under wraps, but his casting marks his reunion with Roth; they previously met during the filming of The Illusionist. Eli was shooting Hostel in Prague and I was shooting The Illusionist, Giamatti once recalled.

A Stirring Career Blend

Roth, who is celebrated for infusing originality into horror tropes, made his directorial debut with Cabin Fever. His subsequent films, like Knock Knock, have drawn favorable comparisons to the works of Hitchcock and Polanski. Indeed, Quentin Tarantino once lauded him as “the future of horror”.

The Stats Speak for Themselves

The original Hostel, notorious for its depiction of violence, grossed an impressive $82 million globally on a modest $5 million budget. Its sequel brought another $36 million to the franchise’s coffers. The third entry went directly to DVD but continued to attract dedicated viewers.

Evolving the Horror Landscape

If the series gets picked up, it would mark a fascinating chapter in Giamatti’s already illustrious TV career. Known for his compelling performance in Showtime’s Billions as Chuck Rhoades—a federal prosecutor navigating a labyrinth of power dynamics—the actor brings gravitas along with significant expectations among fans and critics alike.

A Robust Body of Work

Giamatti has accumulated a range of noteworthy performances—from his award-winning roles in The Holdovers and HBO’s historical epic John Adams, which earned him an Emmy, to films such as The Illusionist. This engagement is likely to add another memorable character to his repertoire.

A Richly Decorated Partnership

Eli Roth continues proving his adept storytelling through his ventures like Eli Roth Presents, which covers everything from exorcisms to pet possessions. His slasher pic Thanksgiving, came out swinging with nearly $32 million domestic box office earnings. Paul Giamatti joining this expansive universe only heightens anticipation for what is to come next.