Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters – The new documentary hits this Halloween

Last night’s premiere of Hammer Films’ Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters gave audiences a real treat ahead of the documentary’s highly anticipated debut on Sky Arts this Halloween!

A host of legendary Hammer film stars including Caroline Munro (Captain Kronos Vampire Hunter), Madeline Smith (The Vampire Lovers) and Martine Beswick (One Million Years B.C.) and narrator of the documentary, Charles Dance OBE attended the premiere of Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters at London’s Cineworld Leicester Square, which kicks off celebrations for the iconic British film studio’s 90th birthday.

Guests enjoyed an exclusive look at a host of impressive props collected by Hammer Films expert Wayne Kinsey, Peter Cushing’s Aquascutum coat for his role as vampire killer Van Helsing in 1973’s The Satanic Rites of Dracula, the top hat and spats Cushing also wore for 1969’s Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed, and wooden vampire vanquishing stake specially carved for the 1974 cult classic Captain Kronos Vampire Hunter.

The film was followed by a fun Q&A hosted by broadcaster and super fan Nicholas Briggs who spoke with Munro, Smith, Beswick, director Benjamin Field and John Gore – Chairman and Owner of Hammer Films.

Horror film fans are set for a spooktacular night in this Halloween when Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters is screened on Sky Arts on Thursday 31st October at 9pm.

Produced by Deep Fusion Films in association with Hammer Films and narrated by celebrated actor Charles Dance OBE, the documentary offers exclusive insight into the figures who brought Hammer’s unique vision to life. With contributions from cinematic heavyweights Tim Burton, John Carpenter, Joe Dante and John Logan, alongside Hammer’s own beloved stars and experts, Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters provides an unprecedented look into the world of Hammer.

Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters tracks Hammer Films’ journey from humble beginnings in London’s Regent Street to its iconic status in the horror genre, where its core legacy of gothic horror and psychological tension continues to inspire and entertain to this day.

It explores the influential figures – both on screen and behind the scenes – who formed a unique family within the studio and made Hammer a defining force in cinema, including stars like Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing. Through a series of fateful turns, the film reveals how Hammer’s distinct visual style and storytelling continue to shape modern horror and inspire filmmakers around the world.

The documentary culminates in a powerful and poignant reveal of Hammer royalty, with a special homage to the incomparable Peter Cushing at the very end, ensuring this moment will be an unforgettable highlight for long-time fans and newcomers alike.

The momentous event of Hammer Films’ 90th anniversary on 9th November and Sky’s special commission underscores Hammer’s lasting impact on cinema and its exciting future which also includes the highly anticipated 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray of a brand-new 4K restoration of Captain Kronos Vampire Hunter.

The cult classic has been meticulously restored from the original film negatives and will be released as a limited collector’s edition 5-disc set (2 * UHD discs and 3 * Blu-rays). Its available for pre-order on 31st October.

This release marks the beginning of Hammer’s exciting restoration programme, bringing the studio’s beloved films back to life for modern audiences.