A recently released trailer for Killroy Was Here has been uploaded for public viewing after being initially unveiled by Kevin Smith during this years Comic-Con@Home. The trailer features a few minutes of content that is both goofy and disturbing that lines up well with the Smith's irreverent body of work.
The movie is based on old graffiti art that was particularly popular during WWII, a simple drawing of a cartoon man with a big nose, commonly labeled "Killroy was here." Where the concept originated is a matter of some debate, but the character and phrase found widespread adoption in the 1940's, with the punchline often being the strange and unusual places he appeared, rather than the character himself.
Smith's called on makeup artist Bob Kurtzman to create a monster that was suitably scary, while also paying homage to the original character. When it comes to the design they chose, Smith commented: “It’s fucking horrifying but it’s also like horrifying and goofy at the same time. I mean if you look real close when you see Killroy, it looks like he’s got a giant dick for a nose, it’s supposed to be his features are melted because — well, I don’t want to spoil it.”
After originally beginning the project in 2018, the film's production was put on hold after Kevin Smith suffered a heart attack. Following his recovery, Smith returned to film with the more familiar Jay and Silent Bob Reboot, and has finally turned his sights back onto Killroy. The production of the film has been done with the assistance of students from Ringling College of Art and Design in Florida, whom Smith has spoken fondly of in interviews.
During the panel Kevin Smith talked about putting the finishing touches on the film, declaring his intent to have it release in 2021. Smith also mentioned current talks with Universal about producing a sequel to Mallrats. During quarantine in April, Smith had announced the finalization of a script he called Twilight of the Mallrats, though it's unclear when or if more details about this project will be released. For now, fans can look forward to Killroy Was Here for their regular dose of Kevin Smith flavor when it finally releases in 2021.
Kilroy Was Here is scheduled for a theatrical release in 2021.
Source: IndieWire