Blumhouse Taunts Latinx Viewers With Poorly Thought-Out April Fools Joke

So this morning I got an email from Blumhouse about a new theatrical release called El Chupacabras. I was excited to see it, since I felt the popular Latino urban myth about a flesh eating, blood-thirsty mutant monster was long over due for a horror film treatment. I clicked on the trailer, not expecting much, and it looked pretty intense, although it seemed to cuddle together a lot of clips that didn’t really mesh, but oh well. Over all it looked cool. Then you get to the end, and (spoiler alert) it reads “April Fools Day!”

“What: First look trailer for Issa Lopez’s (Tigers Are Not Afraid) new Blumhouse film, El Chupacabras. Watch now: https://youtu.be/_OCEuWFgtHc

Who: Mexican director Issa López is best known for the multi-awarded, critics darling Tigers Are Not Afraid: A supernatural tale about children fighting for survival in a harsh real-life environment. The film is Certified Fresh by Rotten Tomatoes with a 97% and gave the director international recognition.

When: Issa López’s exciting secret project for Blumhouse is coming to theaters this summer.

Quotes: “As a Mexican filmmaker, I’m a firm believer there can never be enough movies about El Chupacabras,” said Issa Lopez, “and I’m here to deliver on that promise.”

“Just when you thought there was a movie I wouldn’t make — I present, El Chupacabras,” said Jason Blum.”

Who at Blumhouse thought this would be a good idea? Comment after comment by folks under the Blumhouse social media posts had Latino handles pleading to make this movie. Many who watch the trailer to the end felt incredibly disappointed, even a little insulted. This April fool’s joke is taunting everyone, especially Latino audiences, who were excited to see what actually looked like a hella’ fun horror movie. Instead it’s a joke, one that let’s us know you’d never make such a thing, implying such an idea would suck?

#NotCool. We want #elchupacabras made!

Here is one perfectly stated reply:

I don’t get this… Latinx people are CLAMMORING to make more movies and you set this up and reveal it as a JOKE??? Are you serious? White dudes get their creepy kids/haunted house movie green lit left and right but THIS is a joke? A movie that looks cool and original??? pic.twitter.com/mHspjzIv76

— Isabella “Alien Superstar” Price (@IzzyVonGhoul) April 1, 2021

Peep the faux trailer below: