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Gene Simmons, WWE Teaming for Horror Movies

WWE Studios has formed a partnership with Gene Simmons to launch label Erebus Pictures to finance and produce movies.

The alliance is launching with a three-picture co-production deal starting with”Temple,” originally acquired and developed by WWE Studios.

The moniker Erebus is taken from the Greek God “representing the personification of darkness.” It will sell worldwide rights on all titles and use WWE’s TV shows, including “Monday Night Raw” and “SmackDown,” along with digital, social media and the WWE Network, to market its titles.

“The horror genre continues to fascinate me as it proves to be endlessly thrilling and engaging for audiences,” said Simmons, who has been in rock group Kiss for four decades.

“Horror films fall into a genre that thrives on genuine passion, and I believe this partnership truly capitalizes on that sentiment and supports our vision,” said Michael Luisi, president of WWE Studios.

“Temple,” written by Matt Savelloni, follows a team of trained operatives who find themselves trapped inside an isolated military compound after its artificial intelligence is suddenly shut down — and then begin to experience strange and horrific phenomena. A director will be announced shortly, with principal photography expected to start this summer.

Erebus Pictures’ second feature will go into production later this year.

Simmons is repped by legal team KleinbergLopez. Bradley Buchanan negotiated on behalf of WWE Studios.

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