Tim Burton to Direct Dark Shadows Movie?
It looks like the interweb has a line on Tim Burton’s next project, which may or may not come before the feature-length Frankenweenie movie he’s supposedly working on right now. Would you be surprised if I told you it’s based on a gothic soap opera that features vampires, werewolves, ghosts and zombies? I didn’t think so.
According to IESB, Burton is attached to direct Dark Shadows, an update of the classic TV series that first aired in the 60’s, and was later resurrected in the early 90’s. I have to admit, I’d never heard of it before now… it sounds like a more serious and dramatic version of The Addams Family or The Munsters. Johnny Depp’s production company is involved and word on the street is that he may headline the film as the vampire Barnabas Collins (played by Jonathan Frid in the original series). Although that’s yet to be confirmed, it stands to reason that wherever Burton goes, Depp won’t be far behind. John August (Big Fish, Corpse Bride, Charlie’s Angels) is currently writing the script. Any Dark Shadows fans out there? Does this sounds like a movie worth making?
Comments (14)
I wasn’t born when it was around but do kind of remember it as repeats somewhere. As a kid I thought they were boring and never bothered with them.
But many years later I know there are definitely die hard fans of the show. Wasn’t there a Dark Shadows convention some time back?
Any way this would seem up Burton’s and Depp’s alley. In a way this material kind of suits them.
Posted by 1138 on June 3rd, 2008I’ve never even heard of this property, and it sounds pretty damn stupid, but I’ll pretty much see anything that Burton does. He’s disappointed me a few times in the past, but for the most part I’d consider myself a Burton fan. You can’t deny classics like Beetlejuice, Nightmare Before Christmas, or Edward Scissorhands, and I quite liked Sweeney Todd and Big Fish. I even managed to enjoy his Planet of the Apes remake for the most part, and I absolutely loved Ed Wood. I guess what I’m saying is that I’ll see Dark Shadows, but if it didn’t get made it would make no difference to me.
Posted by Rian on June 3rd, 2008The original and the remake were both really cheesy, but I think the base material is perfect for TIm Burton. If Depp signs on for it I’ll be super excited too. I’m sure he’ll manage to squeeze his fantastic wife in there somewhere as well so as always I’m excited for the next Tim Burton movie.
Posted by Wes on June 4th, 2008The pop group Sparks were interviewed on BBC Radio 5 a week ago. They said that they’d written a film musical, and that at one stage Tim Burton was involved. Apperently he then went off and did other things, but they reckoned there was still a chance (however slim) that it could happen in future, as the dialogue was still going on. Sparks + Tim Burton…now that I’d love to see!
Posted by Liney on June 4th, 2008My mother used to watch it when I was about five or six and I would pretend to sleep during my nap so I could get up when it came on.I never wanted to miss it even at that young age.I like vampire movies so I’ll definitely watch for it to come out and I hope Depp does play Barnabas.
Posted by aishah on June 9th, 2008I am a DIE HARD Dark Shadows fan. I watched it during the original airings on ABC, The Movies based on the show that hit the big screen in 1970, the re-runs that started in 1976 and also the Remake in 1990. All were excellent for their era and although I am NOT a Tim Burton fan, (dislike all his movies), I will be awaiting his version of Dark Shadows. I am just grateful that somebody has an interest. And by the way, there was not only one convention recently, they have been happening since the early 80’s. I attended one in 83, and the second in 84, both held in San Jose Ca. In 1984, I met Jonathan Frid, (Barnabas Collins). They now are held in New York and Los Angeles. YES, this movie is worth the time!!!!!!
Posted by Dan on June 27th, 2008I am looking forward to the movie. I just hope Burton doesn’t make a parody of the old-time favorite.
Posted by lawrence on August 3rd, 2008I remember the “New” Dark Shadows from the early 1990`s however, I have see the Older Eps. I love the series and cant wait!
Posted by WhtZombieBabe4u on August 11th, 2008This was a great classic that only Tim Burton could bring back from the dead. It will be interesting to see what spin he puts on this one. Who wouldn’t want to see Jonny Depp as master Barnabas Collins!
Posted by ryan on October 15th, 2008I just recently got hooked on the 90’s remake of the series and I must say that I would love to see a Tim Burton version. I don’t think I would cast Depp as Barnabas; however, Depp is a fantastic actor who can pull off any role set to him. YAY Dark Shadows!
Posted by jessica on November 6th, 2008ahhhh im so pumped! im young, unlike some of the really die hard fans out there, but im really obsessed with this show. the rival is also extremely addicting. i think tim burton and johnny dep will do WONDERS making it into a movie. no complaints
itll be worth seeing, trust me.
Posted by bree on January 1st, 2009My Mother watched the original Dark Shadows with her Grandmother, so when it came back in 1990 I watched it with her—and LOVED IT!! Of course I may be a little bias I love a good vampire story. True Blood on HBO is my new FAV. I am also an extreme Depp/Burton fan, I think every film they have done together has been AMAZING. This would be a fantastic movie, and I really hope to see it happen.
Posted by Sabrina on January 4th, 2009I love the Dark Shadows series from 1991. I like to watch Tim Burton movies. I also really enjoy all Johnny Depp movies. So to put all these together, without it being nothing special, will be a task. I also have a love for Ben Cross, Barnabas Collins(1991). I’d love to see them put him in somewhere. I’ll be there opening night at the movies either way.
Posted by Amber on April 28th, 2009Sorry Johnny Depp doesn’t work for me as Barnabas Collins. You need an actor that can embody emotion with just a simple look. Not that I don’t like Depp, is good but I would much rather see Anthony Hopkins play Barnabas than Depp. And if Burton is to direct, I just hope he doesn’t turn it into a lollipop movie like he did in the Batman series. I would rather see someone who leans a bit more to drama direct a new Dark Shadows movie. Not sure who….as for other charactors, how about Kathy Bates as Mrs. Johnson and I think Depp would make a good Willie loomis…
Posted by Ben on June 17th, 2009Leave a Reply