3 things you didn’t know about The Grudge (2004)

Sam Raimi’s version of The Grudge is coming out this weekend, so we thought we’d take a minute to look back at the popular 2004 film.

Sam Raimi first tackled The Grudge (or Ju-On: The Grudge as it’s known in Japan) back in 2004. It was during the time when Japanese horror film remakes were incredibly popular. Now he’s getting a chance to make the movie yet again, except this time he gets the freedom of an R-rating.

Horror fans have been excitedly looking forward to the updated version of the film for a while now and it’s finally set to release this weekend. We thought we’d look back at some interesting facts about the 2004 version before it hits theaters.

3. The Grudge probably wouldn’t have been made without The Ring.

The Ring was one of the first major Japanese-to-American horror movie remakes. After The Ring premiered to tremendous success in the states, Hollywood jumped on the bandwagon and began churning out several more Japanese horror film remakes including The Grudge and less successful movies like Pulse and One Missed Call. Had The Ring failed, The Grudge remake would probably not have been greenlit.

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2. Producers almost cast Selma Blair as Karen Davis.

According to E! News, Sarah Michelle Gellar’s Cruel Intentions co-star Selma Blair was the first pick for the role of Karen Davis.

It’s strange to look back on now since we all know Gellar excelled at the part, but producer Sam Raimi didn’t know much about the Buffy the Vampire Slayer actress at the time.

1. Takako Fuji can really move like that.

Takako Fuji played the iconic character of Kayako Saeki in almost every Grudge film, both American and Japanese. One of the things that makes the ghastly being so freaky is her unnatural movements. It turns out; Fuji can move like that in real-life.

She once gave an interview with Horror.com, where she spoke about her ballet background and uncanny talent. She even claimed to impress people at parties with her quadruple-jointed movements.

Are you a fan of The Grudge franchise? Are you planning to check out the R-rated film releasing this weekend? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. 

The Grudge (2020) will release on January 3.