The world of horror is rife with reboots and remakes. It’s gotten to the point where franchises are rebooted or remade in short order if the first attempt doesn’t succeed. So, it’s not all that surprising the folks behind “Poltergeist” are hoping to get a new reboot going less than a decade after a failed film remake.
According to Variety, Amblin Television is developing a new series with Amazon based on the world of “Poltergeist.” No plot details are known at this time, but the series is set in the same world as the iconic ‘80s horror film. For those who haven’t seen the original film, the story follows a family who moves into a new home only to find it is infested with ghosts. The ghosts then kidnap the young daughter in the family and the parents have to enlist the help of an expert to save her from the otherworldly dangers. What is most notable about the original film is how it is produced and co-written by Steven Spielberg and directed by the legendary Tobe Hooper.
As mentioned, the “Poltergeist” franchise has come and gone in terms of reboots, spinoffs, and remakes over the decades. There were a couple of main sequels followed by an oft-forgotten TV series from the ‘90s. Then, in 2015, there was the most recent attempt to remake the film for a new generation. The remake didn’t do very well at the box office or with critics. So, as with most other horror franchises, if at first (or second or third or fourth) you don’t succeed, try, try, try, try, try, and try again.
READ MORE: ‘Gen V’ Review: Amazon’s Super-Youth Rebellion Stalls Over Franchise Demands
Amazon has really been in the popular IP world in recent years, which makes this series a perfect fit. Other than the much-publicized huge spend on landing the “Lord of the Rings” TV rights, Amazon is the home of projects like “The Boys” (and its spinoffs), “Reacher,” “Jack Ryan,” and “Wheel of Time,” all based on established IP.