The Motherboard (universe movie franchise)
| The Motherboard Franchise | |
|---|---|
 The first film's theatrical movie poster | |
| Created by | Levi Trevino |
| Original work | Hackintosh (1986) |
| Owners | |
| Years | 1986-present |
| Films and television | |
| Film(s) |
|
| Miscellaneous | |
| Theme park attraction(s) | Universal Horror Nights (2016) |
The Motherboard franchise is a horror franchise centering on computers coming to life and eating their victims. It began in 1983 with the successful independent release of Hackintosh, which spawned four theatrically released films Windows 90-Die, Windows 90-Ate, diePhone and Killer App, and one spin-off direct to streaming movie, ADie.
Films
Hackintosh (1983)
Main Article: Hackintosh
Hackintosh is a 1983 independent horror movie about a serial killer who lures people to an abandoned resort using computers, only to kill them brutally. The serial killer is revealed to be brainwashed and controlled by a computer.
Windows 90-Die (1996)
Main Article: Windows 90-Die
Windows 9-Die is a 1996 horror sequel to Hackintosh. The sole survivor from the end of the first film becomes fixated on the computer that controlled the killer, attempting to dissect it. However, in the process, they become possessed by the computer and embark on a murderous rampage through the city.
Windows 90-Ate (1998)
Main Article: Windows 90-Ate
Workers at an office building begin disappearing after their computers are updated to the newest version. When two workers become suspicious and investigate, they quickly discover the horrible truth about the IT Department and the new man-eating computers that are devouring the office.
diePhone (2012)
Main Article: diePhone
The Motherboard computer, long inactive, is revived by the owner of the world's largest smartphone company just before a major product launch. She infects the phone servers, extending her influence across the globe and turning the phones against their users, ushering in a new era of terror.
Killer App (2016)
Main Article: Killer App
A new social media app quickly gains popularity, leading to widespread distraction and subtly brainwashing users into killing machines. A group of teenagers uncover the truth and team up with the survivor from Windows 90-Ate to prevent the app from taking over entirely, only to discover that The Motherboard is orchestrating everything.
A-Die (2023)
Main Article: A-Die
As AI begins to establish itself, an AI-powered chat service emerges as the next major trend, enabling people to chat, create images, and feel a sense of connection. However, through conversations and generated images, users start to become brainwashed and escalate to violence. One teenager from Killer App returns to combat this new menace and save the world.
Films
| Film | U.S. release date | Directed by | Screenwriter(s) | Story by | Produced by |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hackintosh | May 22, 1983 | Levi Trevino | Levi Trevino, Kerry Collins, & Marco Webster | ||
| Windows 90-Die | June 14, 1996 | Perry Dobson | Levi Trevino & Kerry Collins | ||
| Windows 90-Ate | October 30, 1998 | Garrett Ramos | Michael J. Bayheimer | ||
| diePhone | May 18, 2012 | Harold Keach | Levi Trevino | Michael J. Bayheimer, Levi Trevino & Kerry Collins | |
| Killer App | September 2, 2016 | Harold Keach | Chandler Bingham & Harold Keach | Levi Trevino | Levi Trevino & Kerry Collins |
| A-Die | February 24, 2023 | Sarah Lloyd | Fynn Hester & Lisa Hester | Fynn Hester | Levi Trevino & Kerry Collins |
Overview
Development
Future
Cast
Rip-offs & Remakes
Terr-Appliances
During the making of Windows 90-Die, the assistant director and director had a severe falling out over the film's direction. This disagreement led the assistant director to leave the project, establish his own production company, and create a rip-off film called Terr-Appliances (1996). The film was a box-office failure and remained obscure until the late 2010s, when its cult fan base called for a proper 4K restoration and theatrical re-release. It is regarded as one of the worst yet most beloved rip-offs of an existing franchise.