The Dark Knight Writer Tackles ‘Hellraiser’!
Over the years, there has been more false starts to a Hellraiser remake then there are actually Hellraiser films. Even Clive Barker got on the bandwagon, penning remake of his own original classic, twice! And yet the series has only managed to spit out rubbish straight-to-video sequels, thanks to Dimensions Films intemperate attempts of keeping hold of the long running franchise. The last effort, Hellraiser: Judgment, was at one point a failed kickstarter project, and yet it still managed to get made. Could it have been a move to keep hold of the franchise rights, or did Dimension (a film distribution label owned by The Weinstein Company) truly believe in the project? Either way, the film flopped and barley turned profit of its $350,000 budget.
The latest news on Hellraiser franchise, is another attempt at a reboot. With Dimension collapsing alongside its parent company, new owners of the franchise, Spyglass Media Group (owned by Lantern Entertainment), are chucking big bucks at this one, planning to fast track the project as a worldwide theatrically distributed feature. They have hired “The Dark Knight” writer David S. Goyer to write and produce the new film, which will be a “loyal, yet evolved reimagining” of the original.
Variety report that Spyglass owner Gary Barber was very excited to be handling this project saying
“Clive and I go back more than 30 years together. For generations, his brilliantly twisted and imaginative ‘Hellraiser’ haunted the minds of moviegoers with its searing imagery of Pinhead. David is the perfect storyteller to continue Clive’s vision for a new theatrical version of ‘Hellraiser.”
Goyer Added
“I’ve been a fan of Clive’s work since the original Books of Blood paperbacks and ‘The Hellbound Heart’ novella. Having the chance to reimagine Pinhead and the Cenobites for a new audience is a nightmare-come-true. Gary is a true fan as well and we’re committed to making something dark and visceral.”
Well, it’s certainly nice to finally have a company treating the franchise more than just an asset, and the idea of seeing a Hellraiser film in the cinema has tickled me pink. SO let’s hope this one pans out in the right direction. Expect more news real soon.