You'll probably shed a tear learning that Ron Howard's "Dark Tower" adaptation was slashed by Universal, but news that the long-awaited "Cabin in the Woods" – from "Cloverfield" writer Drew Goddard, who co-wrote the screenplay with "The Avengers" director Joss Whedon – is finally getting a release date should quicken your pulse. Friday the 13th in 2012 is going to be a memorable year for the horror spoof about a group of friends who hit the woods for some R&R, but end up fighting for their lives (snarky style).

Check out this week's best horror news past the break.

"Cabin in the Woods" Finally Gets a Release Date!

Mark this one down as, "Holy #$*!, it's finally happening?!" Lionsgate has finally gifted horror fans with a crucial piece of info surrounding the long-awaited "Cabin in the Woods." It's finally getting a release date. The woefully broke MGM shelved the project, but Lionsgate swooped it up only to tease us with promises of horror spoof goodness a zillion times, while the release date teetered for months. Now, the studio is saying we can expect to see "Avengers" director Joss Whedon and "Cloverfield" writer Drew Goddard's movie on April 13, 2012.

Releasing a cabin in the woods horror flick on Friday the 13th couldn't be more perfect, and the film's fun poster campaign – with taglines that read things like, "If you hear a strange sound outside … have sex” – is just the icing on the cake. We also know a little bit more about the plot, which centers on a young professional ("Thor's" Chris Hemsworth) who heads to the woods with his friends, where all hell breaks loose. Cross your fingers (and toes, and legs, and … ) that this release date sticks! [THR]

Crank Up the Chainsaws: There's a New Leatherface in Town

"Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3D" has been chugging along, with director John Lussenhop and his team currently filming the remake in Shreveport, Louisiana – but until now we weren't sure who would be wielding the iconic chainsaw. Word arrived that Lussenhop not only found his madman, but the rest of his cast too – and we'll be seeing the six-foot-six actor Dan Yeager take on the role of Leatherface for this new installment in the Lone Star series.

This will also be a movie of cameos from Tobe Hooper's original 1974 cast as the one-time Leatherface (Gunnar Hansen), Marilyn Burns (who played final girl Sally Hardesty), John Dugan (otherwise known as Grandpa), and genre icon Bill Moseley (which we previously reported) will be joining Lussenhop for his direct sequel to Hooper's movie. Newbie cast members include rapper Trey Songz who will play the leading lady's boyfriend. "TCM 3D" follows Heather (Alexandra Daddario), who heads to the bowels of Texas to collect her inheritance. Along the way finds out that the man with the mask made from human skin – Leatherface – is her cousin. Eww. [Bloody Disgusting]

Bruce Campbell Has An "Evil Dead" Remake Cameo

Last week we told you that Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell are actually going ahead with the oft-talked about "Evil Dead" remake. Fede Alvarez is directing and "Juno" screenwriter Diablo Cody will be giving the latest script the once over. But the burning question: will Campbell be reprising his role as the amazing Ash?

Alvarez chatted with Spanish website El Pais, and filled fans in on more of Campbell's involvement. "The only recognizable face will be that of Bruce Campbell, and he will be in a cameo toward the end of the film. We are going to change the characters and some story details, while keeping the basic outline of friends who are beleaguered by demons in a cabin alone." There you have it. Stay tuned for more info on the remake as we get it. [Dread Central]

Cue Tears: There Won't Be a "Dark Tower" Adaptation

Fans were pumped for three films and two TV seasons of Stephen King's "Dark Tower," but Universal has decided to pass on Ron Howard's plan for the screen adaptation of the gunslinger opus. It was an ambitious project for Howard – so in many ways it's not too surprising – but hopefully the director will shop the Akiva Goldsman script around. If you're wondering what Ron Howard should do next, we mapped out a plan for the director.

"Dream House" is a Bloody Nightmare

Universal's suspense-thriller "Dream House" has a trailer and badass one sheet. Warning: the trailer does seem to give away some of the movie's twist (possibly all of it), but if you want to groove on some creepy haunted house action, watch away.

James Bond aka Daniel Craig, Rachel Weisz, and Naomi Watts all star in the story about a family who move into a new home where several gory murders happened, finding themselves the killer's next target. The grossly underused Elias Koteas also stars, alongside Marton Csokas and Jane Alexander. "Dream House" moves into theaters on September 30. [Shock Till You Drop]

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