House of Wax (2005 film)

House of Wax is a 2005 slasher film directed by Jaume Collet-Serra in his feature directorial debut and featuring an ensemble cast consisting of Elisha Cuthbert, Chad Michael Murray, Brian Van Holt in a dual role, Paris Hilton, Jared Padalecki, Jon Abrahams and Robert Ri'chard. It is a remake of the 1953 film of the same name, itself a remake of the 1933 film Mystery of the Wax Museum, based on the story "The Wax Works" by Charles S. Belden. The screenplay, written by Chad Hayes and Carey W. Hayes, follows a group of teenagers who become stranded in a seemingly abandoned town containing an elaborate wax museum. The soundtrack features music by bands including Deftones, My Chemical Romance, Joy Division and Interpol.

House of Wax premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and was released in United States theaters on May 6, 2005, by Warner Bros. Pictures. It grossed $70.1 million worldwide and received generally negative reviews from critics, who criticized its lack of originality, screenplay and characters, but praised the performances and atmosphere. It has gained a cult following in the years since its release.