STUDIOS AND STREAMING COMPANIES ARE BIDDING FOR THE TV RIGHTS TO THE "HALLOWEEN" FRANCHISE. FANS OF HADDONFIELD'S FAMOUS BOOGEYMAN MAY FIND THEMSELVES SCREAMING FOR STREAMING WHEN ALL IS SAID AND SLASHED.
Only a year has passed since Michael Myers was last seen on the big screen in the highly divisive, heavily panned "Halloween Ends." We've seen 13 entries in the franchise to date, with sequels, remakes, and reboots weaving a complicated timeline, or timelines, of events to follow. Have we had enough? The fans say no, and producer Malek Akkad is listening. His Trancas International Films co-owns the film rights with Miramax, but is now the sole owner of the television rights. A trip to the small screen could very well be the "fresh" take needed to revive the Shape.
"Halloween" wouldn't be the first franchise to hack into primetime. In 1988, Wes Craven took Freddy Krueger to television with his anthology horror series "Freddy's Nightmares," with Robert Englund reprising the role to introduce each episode. He also featured as the main antagonist in several of them. The violence and sexual situations required heavy editing, but the MTV generation tuned in for it. We're in a different time now, however, with the rise of prestige TV on streaming platforms. Showrunners are no longer pressured to tone down what fans of the slashers crave most.
A24 is currently producing "Crystal Lake" for Peacock. Showrunner Bryan Fuller is tight-lipped about the "Friday the 13th" inspired series, and given the rights are a tangled mess, it's not yet known if we'll see Jason Voorhees, but fans are hoping for the best. Meanwhile, A24 is hoping to give Michael Myers a TV series of his own, and a recent Bloody Disgusting exclusive claims they're the front-runner to do so.
What would "Halloween" look like as a TV series? What would it be about? Mr. Akkad, if you're reading this, allow me to offer a few suggestions.
SMITH'S GROVE
A Boogeyman Meets "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" prequel series.
I have a feeling young Michael was doing more than just staring out the window in a catatonic state. A series focused on the infamous sanitarium that housed him during his formative years could have fun shedding some light on his 15-year stay. Was he being groomed by the nefarious Dr. Wynn, or perhaps a fellow inmate mentored him?
Spend several seasons with Myers at various ages involved in some bad things getting covered up by administrative staff to save face. Include some fun easter eggs, like the original Star Trek television show playing in the background of the common room, so we see Shatner's face (that face). Cast someone to play an early-40s Loomis and end the series with the transfer that ultimately leads to his terrifying escape on Halloween night, 1978.
SEEING SHAPES
A faux documentary series about Haddonfield, its inhabitants, and their shared history with Myers.
Images provided by R. David Burns Photography
This style of storytelling offers a plethora of opportunities to create new stories about Michael Myers, while staying in canon. Interviews with the officers on scene in 1978, the victim's classmates, etc... As the audience, we're treated to various tales about the Boogeyman; some embellished, some fake, some true, and get an idea of what life in Haddonfield is like when you're living in fear and seeing shapes.
NEXT STOP, HADDONFIELD
A limited series that looks at Michael Myers' path of destruction to Haddonfield.
Images provided by R. David Burns Photography
Let's imagine for a moment that Michael wasn't so stealthy on his return to Haddonfield. What if a small farm town fell victim to his murderous machinations? Bloomington is just south of Haddonfield. Sounds like a great place to introduce some new vic... - ahem - characters for Michael to interact with and "sharpen" his skills, before burning the town down and making his escape.
SO HOW REAL ARE THE CHANCES WE'LL SEE MICHAEL MYERS IN A TV SERIES? AT THE MOMENT, VERY REAL. AKKAD IS CURRENTLY TAKING OFFERS, WITH A24 AND MIRAMAX LEADING THE WAY. WE'LL HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE WHAT TAKES SHAPE.
In the meantime, fans of "Halloween" can check out this amazing photo film from A Film By...Podcast's very own David Burns here! Halloween: A Photo Film
