James Wan and Leigh Whannell are a force to be reckoned with in modern-day horror filmmaking.

Not only are they very good friends, but they’re the minds behind the SAW film franchise, with James having directed the original film and and creating the iconic Billy the Puppet, while Leigh wrote and starred in the 2004 classic.

Together, they Australian duo have gone on to work their magic on all of the Saw sequels including Jigsaw, as well as unleashing The Conjuring and Insidious series of films; with Wan also working on the spin-offs Annabelle and the forthcoming The Nun.

James Wan also directed Furious 7, which marked the final film performance of the late Paul Walker. Wan is currently at the helm of upcoming superhero film Aquaman, due to be released later this year.

Back on 2011 – Monday 11th April to be precise – the movie maestros graced the Forbidden Planet store at its old Priory Queensway location in Birmingham, to meet fans, sign memorabilia for their then latest release Insidious.

It wasn’t a huge turnout but they was as humble and gracious as could be to be meeting fans of their work, including some in cosplay.

Here’s 10 photos from the day James Wan and Leigh Whannell came to Birmingham:

#1

Leigh Whannell (left) and James Wan (right) with horror fan and artist Discord C. Bam BamAdam Yosef
Leigh Whannell (left) and James Wan (right) with horror fan and artist Discord C. Bam Bam

#2

Horror movie maestros James Wan and Leigh Whannell met fans at the Forbidden Planet store in Birmingham's Priory QueenswayAdam Yosef
Horror movie maestros James Wan and Leigh Whannell met fans at the Forbidden Planet store in Birmingham’s Priory Queensway

#3

Leigh Whannell and James Wan sign autographs at the Forbidden Planet store in BirminghamAdam Yosef
Leigh Whannell and James Wan sign autographs at the Forbidden Planet store in Birmingham

#4

Fans waiting to meet James Wan and Leigh Whannell in BirminghamAdam Yosef
Fans waiting to meet James Wan and Leigh Whannell in Birmingham

#5

Leigh Whannell with a young fan dressed up as Billy the Puppet from the SAW film franchiseAdam Yosef
Leigh Whannell with a young fan dressed up as Billy the Puppet from the SAW film franchise

#6

Leigh Whannell pulls a face and poses with a young fan dressed up as Billy the Puppet from the SAW film franchiseAdam Yosef
Leigh Whannell pulls a face and poses with a young fan dressed up as Billy the Puppet from the SAW film franchise

#7

SAW memoribilia on display at the Forbidden Planet store in Birmingham during a visit by James Wan and Leigh WhannellAdam Yosef
SAW memorabilia – the Pig Mask from the film – on display at the Forbidden Planet store in Birmingham during a visit by James Wan and Leigh Whannell

#8

Horror fan and artist Discord C. Bam Bam - also known as Discord Adonis - at the Forbidden Planet store in Birmingham ahead of a visit by James Wan and Leigh WhannellAdam Yosef
Horror fan and artist Discord C. Bam Bam – also known as Discord Adonis – at the Forbidden Planet store in Birmingham ahead of a visit by James Wan and Leigh Whannell

#9

Fans queue at Forbidden Planet in Birmingham to meet James Wan and Leigh WhannellAdam Yosef
Fans queue at Forbidden Planet in Birmingham to meet James Wan and Leigh Whannell

#10

(L-R): Leigh Whannel, Adam Yosef, Discord C. Bam Bam and James WanAdam Yosef
(L-R): Leigh Whannel, Adam Yosef, Discord C. Bam Bam and James Wan

Watch James Wan and Leigh Whannell meet fans in Birmingham back in 2011:

 

Insidious: The Last Key is in UK cinemas now.

(Visited 4,214 times, 1 visits today)