Papa goes to Hollywood – More than half a year later after Ghost’s Re-Imperatour, we finally have the band’s debut concert feature film titled Rite Here Rite Now.
With the band’s last 2023 tour, The Imperatour, lasting from August 2nd to September 12th, fans were curious as to what would come next from Ghost. When fans read on the Imperatour post that the last 2 dates, taking place at the Kia forum in Los Angeles, had a strict device-free policy, fans quickly started making theories as to why this might be. While others were upset over the no-device policy, the most popular theories made were that fans would get a live recording of these shows or that the current frontman, Cardinal Copia, would be killed off during one of the dates.
After the 2 LA dates, Ghost fans who attended did a good job of keeping things that unfolded at the shows under wraps pretty well. All fans had to go off of now was a post from Ghost’s Instagram with some photos from the LA shows with part of the caption reading, “ The past couple of days at the historical Inglewood Forum will not only live internally in our minds, but also on film. That film roll is now in the can.” Which to everyone, was confirmation of a Ghost film.
It wasn’t until early May that the Ghost social media accounts finally posted an official announcement that the film would be getting a theatrical release worldwide. And that the movie will contain recordings from both LA shows and will include some storytelling as well. Screening dates for the movie were June 20, 21, 22, and 23. Fans showed up to their local theatres dressed up in their Ghost gear. Dressing up as certain Papas, Ghouls, nuns, and other prominent characters. The band itself even encouraged dressing up for screenings. Special theatre buckets and cups were also sold, and fans started referring to the movie as the “Ghovie”. Overall, both the band and fans were having fun during the release week.
Immediately after the first few days, fans took to Twitter to talk about theories, scenes, and parts of the live shows. Incoming spoilers. Fans were quick to note some little details throughout the movies. A big moment for fans was when bassist, Rain, had spoken in the film. Asking Copia, “Are we doing an encore?’ which left fans both in theatres and online freaking out at hearing a ghoul speak, as they’re typically silent.
There were also some heartfelt moments between Copia, Nihil, and Sister Imperator. Every few moments in between songs, Copia would step to the back for an outfit change, while occasionally being interrupted by his parents, and asking him things like if Copia was ready for change and if he was ready for the next big step in the band. Fans expected the worst with these conversations and discussed their nervousness for the film and what Copia’s fate would be in the end.
To a big surprise, Copia didn’t meet his end but instead moved up to the title of Frater Imperator, and the film cuts off at a big cliffhanger, with the silhouette of who is presumed to be the new frontman and Papa of the band. At this moment, the screen goes black and the theater lights come on, leaving fans groaning, gasping, or just in shock with such a cliffhanger reveal for what’s next.
This wasn’t the last big surprise – as the credits started rolling, the full names of the ghouls were on screen along with their roles in the band. Fans were freaking out as the band’s identities were now in the open. Many expressed how happy they were now that the band could openly talk about their involvement in the film and the band.
The credits also featured a brand new song, “The Future Is a Foreign Land” and is featured on the band’s Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Vinyl, released on July 26th, followed by DVD and Blu-Ray copies of the film soon-to-come. With the band still on a roll with promoting the movie, what’s in store for Ghost next is still up in the air, but fans can’t wait for the new era.
I am a photographer, musician, and cosplayer, based in Austin! I spend a lot of time traveling around for events, and am constantly creating things, listening to music, playing bass guitar, or finding new hobbies to indulge in. I love being surrounded by music, and you can almost always catch me listening to some emo or pop-punk music.
