Tim Burton's Dark Shadows

[phantomstranger]

News

Johnny Depp Enters Dark Shadows
Source: Variety
July 26, 2007


Warner Bros. is teaming with Johnny Depp's Infinitum-Nihil and Graham King's GK Films to develop a feature based on the '60s supernatural TV show "Dark Shadows."

According to Variety, Depp has always been obsessed with "Dark Shadows" and had, as a child, wanted to be Barnabas Collins, the vampire patriarch of the series. The role was originated by Jonathan Frid.

Over 1,225 episodes, "Dark Shadows" was a highly atmospheric, spooky soap that featured gothic horror staples like vampires, monsters, witches, werewolves, ghosts and zombies.

[neverending]

I think Depp would do well in the role!

I'm a big fan of the original series, and as a rule think movie remakes of TV shows are a waste of film- but it could be done well.

[Roderick Usher]

I'm quite excited about this one. Love Barnabas.

[swbbangl]

I bet that will be awesome! Johnny Depp is one of my favorites. He seems to play any role well.

[novakru]

No shit:cool:

[illdojo]

Depp rules. I hope it's what he does after he finishes The Rum Diary. ;)

[HollywoodGoth]

I like Johnny Depp and I like Dark Shadows, but I'm not sure I see the potential in re-roasting this particular old chestnut. Barnabas Collins was cool back in his day, but it's forty years later now and we've had Louis, Lestat, Forever Knight, and a bunch of other vampires in the meantime. If they stick to the original it will feel date; if the update it, well...then what's the point - why not just do something new?

On the plus side, Depp is great for period horror roles, judging from SLEEPY HOLLOW, so I will be happy to see my pessimistic prediction go unfulfilled.

READ MORE HERE: http://cinefantastiqueonline.com/2007/08/05/hollywood-gothique-depp-to-cast-dark-shadows-on-the-big-screen/#more-35

[phantomstranger]

News

Burton, August & Depp Reteam on Dark Shadows
Source: IESB.net
June 2, 2008


IESB.net has learned, via an interview with director Peter Segal, that the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and "Corpse Bride" team of Tim Burton, John August and Johnny Depp are reuniting for Dark Shadows.

Burton will reportedly direct the Warner Bros. feature based on the '60s supernatural TV show from a script by August. Johnny Depp's Infinitum-Nihil and GK Films are producing and Depp has had interest in playing Barnabas Collins, the vampire patriarch of the series, but that hasn't been confirmed.

Over 1,225 episodes, "Dark Shadows" was a highly atmospheric, spooky soap that featured gothic horror staples like vampires, monsters, witches, werewolves, ghosts and zombies.

[The_Return]

I've always wanted to check out Dark Shadows - sounds super intriguing.

I'll have to make sure I've seen some of the original stuff before this one comes out...

[James Whale]

HOUSE OF DARK SHADOWS(1970)and NIGHT OF DARK SHADOWS(1971). These movies came out after the series had more than a 1000 episodes. I'm going to buy or rent these two movies. I hope someone airs all 1200 episodes. I can't think of anything cooler. Let's see, what sounds cooler:torture porn or DARK SHADOWS with Burton and DEPP?

[Dark_soul]

This looks like a good idea http://www.frightbytes.net/spookysmiles/msmile144.gif

[Ferox13]

I wish ppl would stop saying 'torture porn' - stupid media pigeon hole..

I liked the films but alot of the appeal was that it was a soap and that what mae it unique.

I think they shot it pretty much live at the time - hard to believe they did so many. I think i have the first 150 or so.

[_____V_____]

December 04, 2008


Hollywood super-producer Richard D. Zanuck has told collider.com that Johnny Depp and Tim Burton's movie update of the cult gothic soap opera Dark Shadows (first announced last year) will be their next collaboration.

He said the pair will get cracking on the project next summer in London, after they've finished working on Alice in Wonderland.

The original Dark Shadows ran in the late '60s and revolved around a governess who arrived to work at a big mansion, only to find it inhabited by vampires, witches, monsters and all manner of other supernatural goings-on.

Johnny Depp was apparently obsessed with the show from a young age and has always been keen to play vampire Barnabus Collins.

[The_Return]

Heard about this awhile ago...sounds interesting.

Hopefully it means that the original show will get some half-decent DVD releases - I've never seen it, but I've always wanted to. Looks really cool.

[neverending]

Pretty much every episode that's been released for syndication is available on DVD:

http://www.amazon.com/s/qid=1228776526/ref=sr_pg_1?ie=UTF8&rs=130&keywords=dark%20shadows%20dvd%20collection&rh=n%3A130%2Ck%3Adark%20shadows%20dvd%20collection&page=1

As for the movie- I suppose if i has to be done Burton & Depp are the ones to do it. Depp even looks quite a bit like Frid and would be a good Barnabus.

[The_Return]

Pretty much every episode that's been released for syndication is available on DVD:

http://www.amazon.com/s/qid=1228776526/ref=sr_pg_1?ie=UTF8&rs=130&keywords=dark%20shadows%20dvd%20collection&rh=n%3A130%2Ck%3Adark%20shadows%20dvd%20collection&page=1

As for the movie- I suppose if i has to be done Burton & Depp are the ones to do it. Depp even looks quite a bit like Frid and would be a good Barnabus.

Hence why I said "half-decent" - those sets are super hard to find for those of us that can't shop online. Plus, according to IMDB discussions at least, they're pretty worthless anyway.

[neverending]

You're basing ANYTHING on IMDB discussions? You should know better than that.

The fact that you can't buy online doesn't mean they're not "decent releases." They offer complete seasons, uncut, in the best quality available. This was a cheaply filmed daily soap- and many early episodes have been lost. Some have been recovered from various sources- sometimes home recordings shot from a a TV screen. Nothing's going to change that. The morons that haunt IMDB message boards are legendary for two things- arguing and being clueless.

[Doc Faustus]

Burton Gothic is a little too generic for Dark Shadows. I worry it will be exactly what I expect.

[urgeok2]

If Burton and Depp got in a brawl with Scorcese and Dicaprio, i wonder who'd win ?

[newb]

If Burton and Depp got in a brawl with Scorcese and Dicaprio, i wonder who'd win ?

I'd take Burton/Depp...Scorcese's too old.


I remember my mother watching this show all the time.

I wonder who would play Quentin?

[freddy69]

i would watch it:cool:

[DeVuL]

I'm on it! Never seen the show, but I know its good from word of mouth... guess I'll just have to get my ass in gear and see some episodes!

[Azazel005]

If Burton and Depp got in a brawl with Scorcese and Dicaprio, i wonder who'd win ?

Scorcese and Leo would eventually just go get De Niro to care of matters.

[stenchofdeath]

I love Tim burtons movies, and Johnny depp is a great actor. Bring it on ...

[Kemal]

If Burton and Depp got in a brawl with Scorcese and Dicaprio, i wonder who'd win ?

All of us.

[Ressurrector]

Got burton on it should be cool. Hope he gets Danny Elfman to do the orchestra like on batman.

[Doc Faustus]

If Burton and Depp got in a brawl with Scorcese and Dicaprio, i wonder who'd win ?

Burton, crippled by awkwardness and possibly mesmerized by a swirling striped object in the distance, would take several minutes to realize he was indeed in a fight. Scorcese would use this time to break his knees with a tire iron. Depp would try desperately to find a realistic reaction to his colleague's crippling. He would select crying. DiCaprio, not to be outacted, would cry as well. Scorcese would come to his senses and give the little snot the smackdown. When Di Caprio hits the ground, Depp would start kicking him, realizing that he might have an opportunity to endear himself to a director who might stop casting him as wacky outcasts and allow him to act. Burton would crawl off to write a poem about how Scorcese misunderstood him, possibly personifying himself as a lanky manicdepressive made out of grahamcrackers. Scorcese would tire of Depp' s silly posturing and cripple him as well. A triumphant Scorcese would make a documentary on David Bowie as Burton would begin work on Graham Crackers Mc Gee of Spookytown Hollow. Depp would (literally) come crawling back, believing himself capable of playing the part using method acting to recall his beating at the hands of Scorcese. He wouldn't be, but nonetheless, Burton will get an Oscar nod and make trillions in merchandising from Hot Topic. Scorcese's Bowie documentary will go largely ignored. Winner: Scorcese. Real winner: Tim Burton. Super duper loser: the American moviegoer.

[Halfpastundead]

Burton, crippled by awkwardness and possibly mesmerized by a swirling striped object in the distance, would take several minutes to realize he was indeed in a fight. Scorcese would use this time to break his knees with a tire iron. Depp would try desperately to find a realistic reaction to his colleague's crippling. He would select crying. DiCaprio, not to be outacted, would cry as well. Scorcese would come to his senses and give the little snot the smackdown. When Di Caprio hits the ground, Depp would start kicking him, realizing that he might have an opportunity to endear himself to a director who might stop casting him as wacky outcasts and allow him to act. Burton would crawl off to write a poem about how Scorcese misunderstood him, possibly personifying himself as a lanky manicdepressive made out of grahamcrackers. Scorcese would tire of Depp' s silly posturing and cripple him as well. A triumphant Scorcese would make a documentary on David Bowie as Burton would begin work on Graham Crackers Mc Gee of Spookytown Hollow. Depp would (literally) come crawling back, believing himself capable of playing the part using method acting to recall his beating at the hands of Scorcese. He wouldn't be, but nonetheless, Burton will get an Oscar nod and make trillions in merchandising from Hot Topic. Scorcese's Bowie documentary will go largely ignored. Winner: Scorcese. Real winner: Tim Burton. Super duper loser: the American moviegoer.

Well said, I can picture it all happening. Looking forward to Dark Shadows though.

[_____V_____]

It's one of the cultiest of all cult shows with a loyal (if tiny) following, but we'll excuse you if you've never heard of Dark Shadows.

Running from 1966 to 1971 on US TV, it was a cheesy gothic horror series focusing on vampire Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid) and the spooky goings on in his Maine hometown, which was filled with all manner of supernatural beings.

According to producer Graham King, Tim Burton is on board to direct a movie version from a script by John August, who was also responsible for penning Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The Corpse Bride, while Johnny Depp is in line to play the 175 year-old vampire lead.

"We've been working on the script a lot, even though Tim's working on Alice in Wonderland," King told Sci Fi Wire. "We've been given a script. John August wrote the first screenplay. We're making some changes, but the film's going to be in production September or October of next year."

You might think the last thing the world needs is another vampire movie, but considering Dark Shadows' pedigree (think The Munsters crossed with Upstairs, Downstairs, but played totally straight) and, of course, input from Hollywood's very own gothic two-piece, and this could be a winner.

Don't expect a full adaptation of the show's entire storyline, however - Dark Shadows churned out an astonishing 1,225 episodes.

[phantomstranger]

Dark Shadows Set to Shoot in January
Source: Deadline
July 15, 2010


Tim Burton's Dark Shadows is set to roll in January 2011, reports Deadline.

The film has also received a new writer in the form of Seth Grahame-Smith (author of "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter"), who will rewrite the John August screenplay.

Based on the cult soap opera from the 1960's, the film stars Johnny Depp as Barnabas Collins, a popular vampire character who took over the show's focus after he first appeared one year into the series' original five year run.

[phantomstranger]

Pfeiffer and Bonham Carter Joining Dark Shadows
Source: Deadline
February 15, 2011


Michelle Pfeiffer is in talks to re-team with her Batman Returns director Tim Burton for Dark Shadows, while frequent Burton collaborator and partner Helena Bonham Carter is in line to join as well.

Pfeiffer would play matriarch of the Collins clan at Collinwood, Elizabeth Collins Stoddard, and Bonham Carter is eyeing the role of Dr. Julia Hoffman, a specialist in psychology and rare blood disorders who moves into Collinwood.

Johnny Depp plays the lead role of vampire Barnabas Collins. Previously-announced cast members include Eva Green as the witch Angelique, Jackie Earle Haley as conman Willie Loomis, and Bella Heathcoate as Victoria Winters, the young governess of the Collins estate.

The film is based on Dan Curtis' cult '60s supernatural TV show that ran from 1966 - 1971. "Dark Shadows" was a highly atmospheric, spooky soap-opera that featured gothic horror staples like vampires, monsters, witches, werewolves, ghosts and zombies.

[BookZombie]

I did not know about this, I loved the Dark Shadows the remake series which came out in the early 90's and I have now begun to collect both it, and then the original series on DVD, it would be nice to see a new Dark Shadows film.

[phantomstranger]

Christopher Lee For Dark Shadows Movie?
Another frequent Tim Burton collaborator looks set to appear in the forthcoming Dark Shadows feature film, with news that veteran British actor Christopher Lee has joined the cast. According to a recent posting by the administrator of Lee's official website: "He is working on the movie for sure. As for his role, I do not know."

Christopher Lee's long career includes numerous iconic roles, including Frankenstein and Dracula for the Hammer horror movies, plus appearances in The Lord of the Rings trilogy and George Lucas' Star Wars prequels. In recent years, he has worked on several projects for Tim Burton, including Sleepy Hollow and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Back in February, Burton presented him with British Academy of Film and Television Arts fellowship.

[hammerfan]

Oh. My. God!!!!!! Now I'm REALLY excited for this movie!!!!

[ziesha07]

well that's a favorable news !

[_____V_____]

Bloody Disgusting has reported that at a “Dark Shadows” panel at Comic-Con 2011, it was announced that four original cast members of cult ‘60s show will be making cameos in Tim Burton‘s long-gestating adaptation starring Johnny Depp.

Stars Lara Parker (Angelique), Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie Evans and Josette du Pres), David Selby (Quentin Collins) and the one and only Jonathan Frid (who played Barnabas Collins in the TV show, the role Depp has taken over) spent three days filming at Pinewood Studios.

No word on what their roles will be or how they will fit into the movie.

Starring Depp, Jackie Earle Haley, Eva Green, Bella Heathcote, Michelle Pfeiffer, Helena Bonham Carter, Chloe Moretz and Jonny Lee Miller the film is a big screen adaptation of vampire soap that centers on the playboy Barnabas (Depp) who breaks the heart of the witch Angelique Brouchard (Green) in 1752, and in her fury, she turns him into a vampire and buries him alive. When he reawakens in 1972, he returns to Collinwood Manor to find his estate and family in ruins.

The script was written by Seth Graeme-Smith (”Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter”) and sounds like perfect material for another Burton/Depp collaboration.

We’re still waiting final confirmation regarding a rumored Alice Cooper cameo in the film as well.

In the year 1752, Joshua and Naomi Collins, with young son Barnabas, set sail from Liverpool, England to start a new life in America. But even an ocean was not enough to escape the mysterious curse that has plagued their family. Two decades pass and Barnabas (Johnny Depp) has the world at his feet—or at least the town of Collinsport, Maine. The master of Collinwood Manor, Barnabas is rich, powerful and an inveterate playboy…until he makes the grave mistake of breaking the heart of Angelique Brouchard (Eva Green). A witch, in every sense of the word, Angelique dooms him to a fate worse than death: turning him into a vampire, and then burying him alive.

Two centuries later, Barnabas is inadvertently freed from his tomb and emerges into the very changed world of 1972. He returns to Collinwood Manor to find that his once-grand estate has fallen into ruin. The dysfunctional remnants of the Collins family have fared little better, each harboring their own dark secrets. Matriarch Elizabeth Collins Stoddard (Michelle Pfeiffer) has called upon live-in psychiatrist, Dr. Julia Hoffman (Helena Bonham Carter), to help with her family troubles.

Also residing in the manor is Elizabeth’s ne’er-do-well brother, Roger Collins (Jonny Lee Miller); her rebellious teenage daughter Carolyn Stoddard (Chloe Moretz); and Roger’s precocious 10-year-old son, David Collins (Gulliver McGrath). The mystery extends beyond the family, to caretaker Willie Loomis, played by Jackie Earle Haley, and David’s new nanny, Victoria Winters, played by Bella Heathcote.

Warner Bros. plans to release “Dark Shadows” on May 11, 2012.

[hammerfan]

I am seriously excited about this movie.

[Nini_luv5]

Johnny Depp as a vampire.... juicy ;)

[_____V_____]

Dark Shadows has been in the works for nearly four years, getting the initial push towards the big screen by long-time fan of the series Johnny Depp. Since then, it’s been a slow but steady crawl towards production and now the film has finally started shooting in the U.K. with director Tim Burton, who has been attached to the vampire soap opera adaptation since late 2008.

The cast is already packed with talent, but according to THR, three more big names have been added to round out the team.

Johnny Lee Miller, who recently starred as a big bad serial killer in Dexter, or as I like to call him “Crash Override”, has joined up as Roger Collins, who is turned into a vampire by Depp’s Barnabas Collins, his own cousin.

Also signed on is the much older than her years Chloe Grace Moretz (Let Me In, Kick-Ass) who will play Carolyn Stoddard, Roger’s neice.

The final no-duh-addition is Helena Bonham Carter, Burton’s long time collaborator, girlfriend, and mother of his children. Their last outing together was last year’s mildly atrocious Alice in Wonderland that couldn’t even be saved by Burton’s stunning visuals. The pair have been working together for a long time, but Carter has admitted that Burton always makes her audition for her roles.

Dark Shadows’ cast list is star studded to say the least. These three stars join Depp, Jackie Earle Haley, Michelle Pfeiffer, Eva Green, Christopher Lee and many more for this adaptation of the 60s cult classic TV soap opera.

If all goes well, this could easily be the start of a lucrative franchise for everyone involved since the show has, not exaggerating, over 1200 episodes to draw from.

[hammerfan]

They also made two movies: House of Dark Shadows and Night of Dark Shadows. House of Dark Shadows was about Julia trying to make Barnabas human, and Night of Dark Shadows was about Angelique, starring David Selby and Kate Jackson. I've been trying to find both of them on DVD with no luck.

[Rela1024]

Cool I love Johnny Depp and Tim Burton movies wish I was able to watch some of those episodes....are they anywhere online?

[hammerfan]

Cool I love Johnny Depp and Tim Burton movies wish I was able to watch some of those episodes....are they anywhere online?

Netflix. Not sure about Hulu.

[hammerfan]

New article with a picture of Johnny Depp in costume as Barnabas:

http://xfinity.comcast.net/articles/entertainment-eonline/20110914/b263590/

[_____V_____]

Excerpt from Chloe Moretz's interview which she did with Movies.com...


Movies.com: With Dark Shadows, what is your take on Carolyn Stoddard?

CM: Oh, Carolyn, that’s a fun character. That’s a really fun character. She is crazy. She is this teenager, like 15-year-old hippie who is into The Carpenters and Alice Cooper. She’s super music-y and raw, like free love, you know. She’s fun. I can’t say much because he has a really dark secret I can’t tell you.

Movies.com: Something that people obsessed with the old soap opera would know or a new secret?

CM: No, it’s new. It’s new to everything so go see it. May of next year, Dark Shadows!

Movies.com: Is it totally serious or with a wink?

CM: Oh no, no. It’s Tim Burton so it’s like Beetlejuice. I have to say it’s a mixture of Beetlejuice, a teeny bit of Sweeney and the scariness of Sweeney but the fun of Sleepy Hollow with the scariness of Sleepy Hollow. I’d definitely say it’s a lot like Sleepy Hollow because you go from the Ichabod Crane character to the Headless Horseman who’s comedic and yet terrifying. It straddles that fine line of camp and drama so it’s like a drama horromedy thriller.

Movies.com: Did you have hours and hours of old soap opera research?

CM: I did a lot of musical research, so I listened to a lot of music from the era. My character is so different from the soap opera.

Movies.com: But there are hundreds of hours you could have watched if you’d chosen to.

CM: Hundreds. I think they went on for 20 seasons or something. It’s crazy.


Full interview - http://www.movies.com/movie-news/chloe-moretz-interview/4493?wssac=164&wssaffid=news



Johnny Depp as Barnabas -

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g12/ravenavi/Johnny-Depp-On-Set-of-Tim-Burtons-Dark-Shadows-11-580x435.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g12/ravenavi/Johnny-Depp-On-Set-of-Tim-Burtons-Dark-Shadows-10-435x580.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g12/ravenavi/Johnny-Depp-On-Set-of-Tim-Burtons-Dark-Shadows-14-580x435.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g12/ravenavi/Johnny-Depp-On-Set-of-Tim-Burtons-Dark-Shadows-12-435x580.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g12/ravenavi/Johnny-Depp-On-Set-of-Tim-Burtons-Dark-Shadows-16-580x435.jpg


Pics Courtesy - Celebuzz