For horror fans, the term “reboot” is often reviled. Rarely does a modern reboot of a classic franchise actually work. Most recently, you can probably point to 2018’s “Halloween” as the best possible outcome. But yet, franchises are what drive ticket sales and Spyglass Entertainment is ready to see if there’s life left in the “Hellraiser” franchise.
READ MORE: ‘Hellraiser’ Remake In The Works From ‘Dark Knight’ Writer David S. Goyer
According to THR, Spyglass has brought on writer-producer David Goyer (previously announced as part of the possible project) and the writers and director behind the Sundance breakout film, “The Night House,” to reboot “Hellraiser” for a new generation. The new film will be based on a story by Goyer, with a script written by the duo of Ben Collins and Luke Piotrowski. David Bruckner is aboard as the director.
“Hellraiser” is based on the novella, “The Hellbound Heart,” written by Clive Barker. Back in 1987, Barker wrote and directed the feature adaptation of the story, leading to a number of sequels throughout the decades. The story follows those who come in contact with the Puzzle Box, a magical item that opens a portal to a horrific world featuring murderous, disfigured psychopaths, the Cenobites. Spyglass reportedly calls the new reboot “loyal, yet evolved.”
Even though it doesn’t have the cultural impact that horror franchises from that era have, such as “A Nightmare on Elm Street” and “Friday the 13th,” the character of Pinhead, leader of the Cenobites, has become a bit of a horror icon, due to his easily recognizable and disgusting appearance.
As mentioned, Bruckner, Collins, and Piotrowski worked together on the recent film, “The Night House,” which received acclaim when it premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. Previous to that, Bruckner directed “The Signal” and the incredibly underrated “The Ritual.” Most recently, he helmed multiple episodes of the “Creepshow” reboot series. Collins and Piotrowski, on the other hand, worked on films “Super Dark Times” and “Stephanie,” among other projects.
It’s unclear when production is expected to begin on this new reboot. But with the talent involved, perhaps “Hellraiser” has a bright future ahead of itself. You can watch a trailer for the original film below.