On the DARK SHADOWS Reboot

I have remained silent on this issue thus far, wanting to wait until I had more information before commenting. Unfortunately we still don’t know a whole lot about the proposed “revamped” series. It is tentatively titled DARK SHADOWS: REINCARNATION. Okay, I dig the title. What else? Here’s the official pitch: “The re-imagined show will be a modern-day continuation of the strange, terrifying, and sexy saga of the Collins family of Collinsport, Maine—a mysterious, influential, publicity-shy group hiding a ghastly secret: For the past 400 years, they’ve lived under a curse that bedevils their blue blood with every imaginable supernatural creature and horror.” Says writer of the pilot episode for the new series Mark B. Perry: “As a first-generation fan, it’s been a dream of mine to give [the show] the Star Trek treatment since way back in the ’80s when Next Generation was announced, so I’m beyond thrilled and humbled to be entrusted with this resurrection. And while I could never hope to fill [original series creator] Dan Curtis’ very large shoes, I do aspire to carry them a little farther into the future. I also want to reassure the fans of the original that this version will treat the show’s mythology with the same reverence given to Star Trek, but will also make the show accessible for audiences who aren’t yet familiar with the macabre world of the Collinses.”

This sounds like the one I’ve been waiting for, hoping for. What I’ve wanted is a *continuation* of the original series, not a remake. And the guy behind it is a real fan of the original series, unlike, say, fake fans like Tim Burton and Johnny Depp. Oh, this is sounding better and better. And Dan Curtis’s daughters are serving as producers! Can this be real?!

I’m not going to get my hopes up. It’s too soon to celebrate, and it’s all going to come down to the casting. What I’d like to see is as many original cast members returning as possible. The key, though, is who they cast as Barnabas. DARK SHADOWS is at its core the Barnabas Collins show. It won’t work without him. Actor Jonathan Frid leaving the role is what ended the original series. There is no DARK SHADOWS without Barnabas Collins, and as we no longer have Mr. Frid here with us, the herculean challenge is now to find a suitable actor to carry on the legacy. If they miscast this role, this new series is toast right out the gate.

By TheCheezman

WAYNE MILLER is the owner and creative director of EVIL CHEEZ PRODUCTIONS, specializing in theatrical performances and haunted attractions. He has written, produced, and directed (and occasionally acted in) over two dozen plays, most of them in the Horror and True Crime genres. He obtained a doctorate in Occult Studies from Miskatonic University and is an active paranormal investigator. Is frequently told he resembles Anton Lavey. And Ming the Merciless. Denn die totden reiten schnell!

1 comment

  1. Spot on analysis of what has to happen. Without a doubt, the casting of Barnabas is the single most important decision. I would add that Angelique’s role is the second most important decision. No Barnabas and no Angelique = no Dark Shadows. Wrong casting for those two parts, and it’s DOA; it won’t matter how good anything else is.

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