A Halloween Reboot SO Crazy It Could Actually Work
HALLOWEEN: Where Does The Franchise Go From Here?
There has been a lot of talk of Halloween 3, or to be more accurate Halloween 3D. The biggest question has been, if it is going to be a follow up to Rob Zombies vision. They had a perfectly good script from what we were told, and after some financial issues placed it on hold. There isn’t a reason the script couldn’t have worked a year later, yet the studio hasn’t greenlit anything. It has also been said, they fear its been too long for a follow up.
I know for many fans, they don’t want to see a follow up to H2 after Rob turned Michael Myers into Jason with all his mommy issues. From a personal perspective, I think the characters have all been taken in a rather annoying direction. Throughout most of the film, I actually wanted Laurie to die. She got on my nerves. Michael had turned into a massive hobo, with visions of his younger self and dead mother. Laurie is mentally connected to her older brother, and crazier than he is. By the end of the movie, you’re left with a damaged and mentally unstable Laurie. A possibly dead Michael, and a dead Loomis. Where exactly can you take it from here?
So the talk of a reboot started circling. A story board version of the opening to a new Halloween popped up, it came with many pictures that were promising. Platinum Dunes was in talk to continue the franchise…however both plans fell through. Many people also felt, it was too soon to release another “remake”. While some really felt it was the only way to go, as Rob had destroyed the franchise for them. Yet here we are, 4 years later…and still no Halloween film.
Many of you have read where I would take the series. I feel that in order to capture what fans of the franchise and horror alike, you had to take the characters back to normal. Deal with the problems Rob created and move forward. After all, time will heal almost anything.
Being a fan, I also want to give my view on a proper remake of the series. I had started writing it actually, but I placed it on the back burner for a little later. I feel the best way to go about remaking Halloween AGAIN, would be to just keep the basics. Michael Myers. We don’t need a Laurie or a Loomis. We don’t need him stalking his family. We sat through this same story line for 2 visions of the franchise, for almost 40 years we have watched this storyline. So I feel it is time for something new. Take it back to the original, and focus solely on the 1978 classic. Who was Laurie to Michael? No one. Why was he killing her friends, and stalking her? No clue. It wasn’t until later in a sequel that we got the family story line. So I feel they need to just keep the basics, and remake Halloween for what it was.
\
Another idea popped into my head recently, and call me crazy…but I feel it could work. Instead of choosing, why not have both? Id be happy with one or the other, don’t get me wrong…but for those who want a follow up of Robs…and for those who want a fresh start…why not mix the two?
I was watching Halloween the other day, and the scene where Brackett is talking to Loomis in his office caught my attention. Dr. Loomis had written a book in the first film, “The Devil’s Eyes”. In the 2009 follow up, another book was written; “The Devil Walks Among Us”. So here is my thought on this.
The events that happened in the 2007 and 2009 films, were just that. Films. Dr. Samuel Loomis had written 3 books on Michael Myers. While the first two were based in non-fiction, most of the events were exaggerated. Michael’s childhood life was one of hardship. Debra Myers was a single parent, with no significant other. Ronnie White was a fictional character, that was meant to bring more conflict into his early years. While Debra did work at The Rabbit in Red Lounge, she was only a bartender. Judith and her boyfriend were both found murdered on Halloween night, by the hands of Michael. When returning home, she found her son and youngest daughter sitting outside. After the events Michael was taken to Smiths Grove, and convicted of murder. Shortly after, Michael stopped talking. For almost six months Debra visited Michael, bringing Angel along. After a short, uneventful visit, Michael attacked a nurse; tearing her eye out with his fork. Scared, she lived. After witnessing these events, and realizing he was no longer her innocent boy; Debra Myers committed suicide.
Angel was adopted by the Strode’s, who renamed her Laurie. Michael, who was always large for his age, grew to be an intimidating six foot five. Not as large as portrayed in the novel/movie. On the night he escaped Smiths Grove, there was a power failure. While multiple bodies were found, it isn’t clear that Michael was the cause. After the uprising of the patients, many members of the staff were wounded and or killed. It wasn’t clear he was missing until the following day.
Halloween came around, and a body was found in the men’s room of a mechanic shop. It was obvious he was stripped of his clothing. It is still unclear where he found the mask he wore, and the idea of it being placed under the floor boards was no more than speculation. There was no evidence to back up this theory, however the mask was very dirty and torn in certain places.
The Strode’s were found murdered in their living room, while Laurie was babysitting that night. Her close friend Annabelle Brackett was found stabbed in the basement of the Myers house, thankfully she survived. Her boyfriend Robert was discovered pinned to the wall by a large knife, with a jack-o-lantern covering his disfigured face. The two kids Laurie was babysitting, Timothy and Lydia Doyle were found murdered and placed back in their beds.
Once local sheriff, Leigh Brackett answered the 9-1-1 call with Loomis who had been searching all day for Michael. At the Myers house, Loomis was knocked unconscious as Michael tossed him down the stairs. His body did however have a stab wound located on his right side. Still Loomis lived. Brackett wasn’t as lucky, and lost a leg due to a vicious stab wound. He was choked unconscious, at which point Laurie got the gun. The following events were speculated, as Laurie was found on the front lawn. The balcony had been damaged, and the gun was shot multiple times. A large amount of Michael’s blood was found next to Laurie’s body, however his whereabouts remain unknown.
The 2009 sequel to the successful film, was based off a follow up interview with Laurie Strode. Who had went to a small amount of therapy to cope with the death of her parents. The revelation that she was in fact her stalkers sister, was one of the small details that were true. The entire incident, was inspired by a murder that happened in the neighboring state of Iowa. A man had murdered his fiancé, along with many of their mutual friends.
Laurie Strode, Annabelle Brackett and her father have since moved to Pennsylvania; Where their lives have been uneventful for over six years. Dr. Loomis, has since made multiple apologies to the families involved. Still he searches for Michael, who hasn’t been found in years.
In my opinion, this would give Robs movies relevance while rebooting the franchise. We don’t need to know where Michael has been, or what he has been doing. Obviously he has been laying low, while searching for his sister. It is mirroring the actual H2 story line…but taking away everything that was wrong with it. NO HOBO MYERS, NO CRAZY LAURIE. It allows this storyline to continue, while bringing something new to it.
To me, this means we get new actors. A new Michael who should be the perfect mixture of Carpenter and Zombie. He doesn’t have to fit a mold that has been made, yet he has familiar qualities. Our lead isn’t a basket case, and we get to see Laurie portrayed by a different actress. She is a little older, has a boyfriend. It could show the characters that we already know, in a different situation. Plus, we don’t have to sit through another Halloween 1. The events happened, everyone knows about them. Lets get to the point. Ya know?
I know its different for a Halloween film, however I think it could work.
Who would you want to play Laurie?
For me, I want a talented actress. Ever since I saw this picture, I really thought she would be great. Hayden Panettiere is a great young actress, and I think could carry a horror film very well. After all, she was the best thing inScream 4 in my opinion.
Who would you like to see as Annie, Loomis and Brackett?
For me, I would love Danielle to play Annie again. I think she is just awesome. However, that cant happen. So for me I like Leighton Meester. I think she is another talented actress.
Loomis…I really cant pinpoint anyone at the moment for Loomis. Its hard to see anyone besides Donald or Malcolm. Who knows, maybe Gary Oldman?
Brackett…Brad was amazing as Brackett, and is another actor is wish could return…but again he cant. I cant think of anyone in my head as of now…
Who would you want introduced into the franchise? New characters? Old Characters? Anyone from the original series that you think NEEDS to be redone?
I think that we would need a strong supporting cast. Who would you like to see in a Halloween film? I for one would love to see
Lily Rabe (American Horror Story)
Taylor Mommsen (Gossip Girl)
Jennifer Lawrence (The Hunger Games/Silver Linings Playbook)(Possibly Laurie)
Andrew Lincoln (Walking Dead)
Sarah Wane Callies (Walking Dead)
Anna Kendrick (Pitch Perfect/Up in the Air)(Possibly Annie)
Sara Paulson (American Horror Story)
What would you do with the franchise? Do you want a entirely new reboot? If you want a reboot, do you think they should do the family story line again? Do you want sequel to H2? Do you like this idea? I cant wait to hear from you guys, see what you all think!
I'm sick of saying this over and over rob only did those through his own vision there not an extension of the franchise so continue after resurrection bring back molly and john tate damn hollywood.
I have actually been thinking about this a lot lately, as well as the fate of another franchise I love, the Indiana jones franchise. I was talking to a few guys on another board and we were discussing whether or not the Jones series should continue, and the majority of people would rather see it end than have someone else play Indy, whereas I myself wouldn’t mind if someone else took on the fedora and jacket. I can’t say i feel the same about the Halloween franchise. I have loved Halloween dearly since i was a kid, but honestly after the horrible sequels (5, curse, resurrection) and the IMO godawful reboot, I honestly think it is time to let this Franchise go…Let Michale rest in Peace and just enjoy what we have….A brilliant movie and a couple of good sequels. I think that the disease of sequelitis ad nauseum for the old horror franchises has finally been cured by a lack of creative vision on the part of the filmakers and apathy on the part of film goers. Studios aren’t going to risk bank on remake after remake…..either that or they will wait long enough for the audience to forget the last one.
a reboot with jamie lee curtis as ” sam loomis” samantha …would get a lot of fans amped coz she now gets to battle michael all over again but from a different perspective. jamie lee has history with michael so i think that would be a nice new spin on things…just sayin
Ben Kingsley would be perfect as Dr. Loomis because he is balled.
I think they should forget about Rob Zombie's Halloween and pick up where Halloween Resurrection left off. The original series is so much better. They should bring back who didn't get killed in Halloween, Halloween 2, 6, H20, and Resurrection. I think from Halloween 6 they should bring back Jamie baby, Kara, Tommy, and Danny.
I would like to find Gary to be a well played Loomis.
I loved the first RZ HalloweeN. We got a whole new look of Myers. I really disliked the grunting, but it was something new. Change is good! We’ve seen Michael kill his family and anyone related to his family for too long.
I really dont think it would work anymore, going back to the originals. Michael is what 56 now? Plus, you cant mix the story lines anymore. It wouldnt make much sense to continue with John…i mean he didnt give a shit about him after Laurie died…If they were going to continue that story line Resurrection would have done that. Its either sequel time for Robs, and take away all the crazy and white horse. Like i did in my fan story, or reboot it.
I really like most of your ideas, especially Oldman as Loomis, man THAT would kick soooo much ass! I loved the H1 remake for it's rawness and Mane as this unstoppable beast but H2 sucked endlessly, mostly cuz Laurie's mental escapades simply would't stop, became too much of a family drama, not to mention Michael and this stupid white horse shit….WTF? Going back to the mysterious, eerie feel of the original would be great! "When a stranger calls" remake was actually like that, which is why I thought it to be a killer film, unexpectedly I have to say. What I really, REALLY want to see is the ghost-like, enigmatic, unassuming 5'10 Myers who's without reason and absolutely indestructible, inhumanly strong and nobody knows why, he shouldn't be but he IS! So yeah, no more exploring of new terrortories but going back to what made Halloween one of the greatest films of all time!
I think they need to make a movie that combines all the entries in the series. I would love to see a sequel to Halloween Resurrection in which the storyline of Halloween 1, 2 H20 and Resurrection continues. In this ‘present time’ I think they should focus on the influence of the murders and Michael Myers on popular culture. The Rob Zombie movies could be what they are, just movies. Now you could bring back actors/characters from the Rob Zombie movies. It would be a bit like Scream 3 with movies within a movie. The only thing I am not sure of is the use of Halloweens 4-6… It would be fun if Jamie survived part 6 and had a secret life until her mother died and she knew Michael was alive and she has a brother named John. She could have tried to deal with the past by playing in a supporting role in a movie based on the murder of her mother.
So now you have the making of Halloween 3 from the Rob Zombie storyline in the sequel to Halloween Resurrection. I would call it Halloween: Family Reunion.
The only problem I think is that it’s hard to find actors from the Halloween H20 storyline. Josh Hartnett won’t play in another Halloween movie and other important characters died. Maybe less known actors from parts 4-6 could return trying to save Jamie. But it’s also easier if Josh Hartnett and Michelle Williams are not there. It would be fun if they were just out on a trip or something and their child (could be a well knows actor) was on a camping trip. He likes horror movies and is fascinated by the Halloween movies based on the life of is family. He discovers Jamie is in danger and wants to save her. They both get attacked by Myers and Myers kills everybody who gets in his way.
I think a stand alone/loose sequel would be good. I had this vision of a copy cat Michael Myers type killer stalking Haddonfield and then the real Mike shows up and just wastes him! The copy cat though could be a real tall guy in a hobo Myers costume representing Zombie's version and the real Mike can fight him and just destroy him. So in the film, you could give a nod to the Zombie films but also end them. And I also always loved the scene in the Halloween comic book when Mike kills Loomis in the hospital and finally ends it. Killing Loomis and Zombie's copy cat Myers in the first half hour would be a good way to start a new film.
Editor’s reply: Now that’s an interesting idea… I like it!
I think I like Nick Virga's idea the most. Play Mane off as some psycho pretending to be Michael Myers, flash back to the real one escaping and then follow him from there. If you have a solid story it just might work. But it'll probably piss a lot of people off, seeing as they watched two films of a guy pretending to be Myers, and it kind of copies the 5th Jason movie.
Well I appreciate your agreement. I certainly wasn't thinking of anything like Jason 5 but perhaps it is slightly similar. If my idea were to be used,I wouldn't want to explicitly state that is was Tyler Mane's Myers. It would be just a very tall guy assaulting teenagers and then the real Mike would get to just waste him. It's like a nod to the Zombie films but not necessarily in that same continuity. I hope I'm expressing it properly. I just wanna see the John Carpenter normal sized Myers choke the hell out of that big dumb white trash Tyler Mane Myers!
And like I said,there is that great scene in one of the comic books where Michael kills Loomis once and for all. That would put an end to the Zombie era and the Carpenter era all at once and we could maybe get a new story rather than some lame reboot or sequel. No Jamie,Rachel,Busta Rhymes etc A new story. And no Curse of the Thorn! Terrible!
I like Brian Cox as Loomis.
we need a solid fan driven reboot with some mild differences that answer the why’sss and add strong foundation for a several sequel franchise. As a long time fan, I came up with such a franchise. It brings back evil in a way that would make any old school fan proud but I also answer some questions that the new fans love to ask 200 times during the movie. These answers do not interfer with the original format or screw up the flow in any way. I bring back all original characters but with a little more back story with Dr. Wynn and Dr. Loomis. I also brilliantly brought back characters later down the line, ex. (Sheriff) Lee Brachet and Laura Strode with some interesting future cops in Haddonfield that were kids in the first two installments. I explain Michael’s madness and his motives for killing off family members without completely screwing up his character. I left him creepy, super strong, and yes he still drives.
I like the ideas to some degree. My sole problem with RZ and his redneck vision was that Michael isn’t a product of a broken home or anything else that would act as a precursor to his violence. That is what made the original one work so well. There were no abuses, no depravity, no poverty, and no reason whatsoever that could be looked at and exposed as a psychological indicator used to explain his sudden violent instincts. I also agree with toolwar below, ” What I really, REALLY want to see is the ghost-like, enigmatic, unassuming 5’10 Myers who’s without reason and absolutely indestructible, inhumanly strong and nobody knows why, he shouldn’t be but he IS!” This is the Michael we want. As far as everything else…look at the classic first film. Keep away from the sequels inclusion of a family plot and just make it about him killing. I would maybe add that Halloween seems to act like a massive awakening in him where he becomes the most violent and dangerous during Hallows eve and throughout the night. Sure, he is violent and will kill any other time but Halloween makes him more “evil” for lack of a better word.
ha ha.i got a perfect carry on to rzs horrible mess of h2.it was all a nightmare.and it carries on in the same fashion of the original storyline of the classic h2.with a modern twist.i thought tyler mane was a perfectly brutal micheal.however…..he will not take off the mask.or be represented as a hobo.and he damn sure will not speak!absolutely not!the original plotline of the classic h2 hospital carnage.hell it can even stray from originality to keep it modern.we make a new h2 mask.one that is similar to the original dick warlock 2 mask.new characters for luarie.and dr.loomis.and we have micheal still brutal as hell in his kills.however this time hes as robotic and emotionless as warlock portrayed micheal as in the original h2.see how robotic micheal was in the classic.how he walked.it was like he was some kind of mindless zombie walking around.all this.with no visions of mother.or his young self.just the robotic emotionless slasher that is micheal myers!rzs h2 was just a nightmare no nights in white satin playing.our character luarie wakes up from this nightmare and our story begins.a perfect cover up up the mess h2 became.and the remakes can get back on track to glory.we are all halloween lovers.we love our original micheal myers.and we had open minds for our new hero.im old school on the myers love.however i did like rzs h1.most of it for most part.ha ha.so why not improve this series.hell make sequels to this and then come back to the original.hell make a new original.for a fresh start on that also.just my 2 cents.
I’d go too with a back to the basics Halloween new film without the Strode thing but keeping Loomis. No more family issues for Myers. Just a refreshing take with Myers doing his stuff as in the original film.
I would love too come back as adult Michael myers in a halloween movie I was adult myers for the parts where he was in the mask & I’ve got a halloween 1978 again where we have a new kid actor in the role of Michael myers then get either a old adult Michael myers actor or a completely new adult Michael myers & who would like a rob zombie & Stuart buckle collaboration & I’m messaging again soon