SDCC: Tim Burton's Next is Dark Shadows
Source: Blake Wright
July 23, 2009

Tim Burton announced at the San Diego Comic-Con that once he's done with Alice in Wonderland, his next project will be Dark Shadows.

The film will be based on the cult '60s supernatural TV show created by Dan Curtis. Johnny Depp is attached to play Barnabas Collins, the vampire patriarch of the series.

With over 1,225 episodes, "Dark Shadows" was a highly atmospheric, spooky soap-opera that featured gothic horror staples like vampires, monsters, witches, werewolves, ghosts and zombies that ran from 1966 - 1971 and featured actor Jonathan Frid as vampire Barnabas Collins.

http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/news/comicconnews.php?id=11170

Depp, Burton: Dark Shadows in 2010
Source: Sci-Fi Wire
December 7, 2009

After a year of speculation and some chirps from Tim Burton about his involvement in the Johnny Depp-produced Dark Shadows, co-producer Graham King confirmed over the weekend, "We're actually going to shoot that film next September/October with Tim Burton and Johnny."

This has been the first solid word that Burton was slipping into the director's chair, making it his next project after Disney's 3-D Alice in Wonderland. John August is at work on the script, giving it some revisions.


Dark Shadows, based on the '60s television soap involving creatures of the night, will undoubtedly carry Burton's stamp making this something to look forward to. Especially with Depp playing Barnabas Collins!

http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/news/topnews.php?id=13081

It will be interesting to see Tim and Johnny's take on Dark Shadows and Barnabas!

Tim Burton + Dark Shadows = ohno:

I won't judge it until I see it - but the only two in the business I can totally see doing justice to DS are Tim Burton and Johnny Depp.

I won't judge it until I see it - but the only two in the business I can totally see doing justice to DS are Tim Burton and Johnny Depp.

I've liked some of Burton's stuff. I liked "Ed Wood" a lot, and "Edward Scissorhands" was good, too.

But Burton burned me badly on "Batman" and because of that I worry about Barnabas and his clan in his hands. Somehow, Burton always seems to get the "look" of his pieces right, but can get the "heart" wrong, if that makes any sense.

If I were king, I'd choose one of the following for a DS revamp (though I honestly don't think it needs revamping).

1) Chris Carter - He does 'creepy' well, and obviously can write romantic tension. Not sure how comfy he'd be with DS's huge cast, though.

2) Joss Whedon - Excellent at character and dialogue, and I've gotten some darned good scares from "Buffy", too. He'd have to tone down his great sense of humor for this show, though. DS wasn't known for it's laughfests. ;)

3) J.J. Abrams - He does romantic triangles well and has achieved some truly creepy moments in Lost. And he's proven to be successful at revamping classic TV shows for the big screen (the new ST wasn't perfect by a long shot, but it was definitely watchable). The jury might yet be out on his ability to craft a big screen melodrama, though.

Feel free to discuss. ;)

Ooooh, Joss Whedon is a good choice, too. I wouldn't mind seeing him at the helm. Could you imagine Nathan Fillion as Quentin Collins? :D

Yet another reason for me not to go to the movies. ohno:


Hollywood can kiss my ass!!!!

Ooooh, Joss Whedon is a good choice, too. I wouldn't mind seeing him at the helm. Could you imagine Nathan Fillion as Quentin Collins? :D


That would be neat casting. :)

But Burton burned me badly on "Batman" and because of that I worry about Barnabas and his clan in his hands.

What didn't you like about Burton's Batman? Just wondering...

Do you also mean to include Batman Returns or just Batman?


I have seen all of Burton's directed features and the only one that i really did not care for was his remake of Planet of the Apes. Nothing stood out in it at all and it was totally unnecessary.

What didn't you like about Burton's Batman? Just wondering...

Do you also mean to include Batman Returns or just Batman?


I have seen all of Burton's directed features and the only one that i really did not care for was his remake of Planet of the Apes. Nothing stood out in it at all and it was totally unnecessary.

Where to begin?

First of all, the casting. If I were making a casting call for the role of Bruce Wayne/Batman, I would have shied away from a hyper, balding, thin, comedic actor. Nothing against Keaton, who I've enjoyed in other things, but I absolutely never believed for one second that he was Batman. His scene with the Joker where he raised the fireplace poker in a fit of anger honestly had me laughing; it was so absurd to consider him a threat.

Nicholson is a favorite, but he completely chewed the scenery as the Joker. He had some good lines and he's always fun to watch, but honestly, he overshadowed the hero and that's never good.

Thirdly, Batman does not kill, as he did wantonly in "Batman".

Changing the origin story (having the Joker kill Batman's parents) is also tantamount to blasphemy for a comics' fan. It's like they decided the REAL origin story just wasn't compelling enough and needed to change it so that casual fans wouldn't be confused by two villains. If it ain't broke, why fix it, and in this case, it certainly wasn't broke.

These last two blunders made me wonder if Burton really understood the character at all. And it didn't make me respect the rest of the film much, either.

The romance angle was also very weak and unbelievable, and seemed to be shoehorned in just for the sake of itself.

For me, the seminal Batman origin movie is "Batman Begins". Much better casting, much closer adherence to the true and effective comics story, and a very faithful portrayal of the character's essence.

Your mileage, may of course, vary. :)

P.S. I honestly did not see "Batman Returns".

If it helps, I did enjoy "Batman Forever" quite a bit more, and thought the casting of Kilmer was particularly good.

Ooooh, Joss Whedon is a good choice, too. I wouldn't mind seeing him at the helm. Could you imagine Nathan Fillion as Quentin Collins? :D

As long as we're talking casting (and since we're dreaming here, we might as well dream big; this isn't an endorsement of the revamp, just wishful thinking), how would you feel about the following?

Barnabas - Gary Oldman
Elizabeth Stoddard Collins - Lynda Carter

:)

As long as we're talking casting (and since we're dreaming here, we might as well dream big; this isn't an endorsement of the revamp, just wishful thinking), how would you feel about the following?

Barnabas - Gary Oldman
Elizabeth Stoddard Collins - Lynda Carter

:)
Interesting - how about Renee Zellweger as Angelique?

Interesting - how about Renee Zellweger as Angelique?

Hmm. I've always seen Zellweger as a bit "softer" than Angelique, but it might actually work. She'd probably welcome something to combat her overly "cutesy" image.

Maybe Terry O'Quinn as Professor Stokes? :)

Or Alyson Hannigan as Maggie Evans/Josette?

Or Alyson Hannigan as Maggie Evans/Josette?

Yeah, I think that might work. I've always liked her, and I was just sitting here trying to think of a modern actress that might fit the role. Good call. :nod:

Christine Rose as Dr. Julia Hoffman? I know she and Oldman would never pass muster with the youth obsessed Hollywood, but like I said, this is dream casting. :)

I could totally see someone like Emmy Rossum or Anne Hathaway as Victoria Winters.

Plus I think Reese Witherspoon would make an interesting Carolyn Stoddard - and Lindsay Lohan as Crazy Jenny Collins!!

Where to begin?

First of all, the casting. If I were making a casting call for the role of Bruce Wayne/Batman, I would have shied away from a hyper, balding, thin, comedic actor. Nothing against Keaton, who I've enjoyed in other things, but I absolutely never believed for one second that he was Batman. His scene with the Joker where he raised the fireplace poker in a fit of anger honestly had me laughing; it was so absurd to consider him a threat.

Nicholson is a favorite, but he completely chewed the scenery as the Joker. He had some good lines and he's always fun to watch, but honestly, he overshadowed the hero and that's never good.

Thirdly, Batman does not kill, as he did wantonly in "Batman".

Changing the origin story (having the Joker kill Batman's parents) is also tantamount to blasphemy for a comics' fan. It's like they decided the REAL origin story just wasn't compelling enough and needed to change it so that casual fans wouldn't be confused by two villains. If it ain't broke, why fix it, and in this case, it certainly wasn't broke.

These last two blunders made me wonder if Burton really understood the character at all. And it didn't make me respect the rest of the film much, either.

The romance angle was also very weak and unbelievable, and seemed to be shoehorned in just for the sake of itself.

For me, the seminal Batman origin movie is "Batman Begins". Much better casting, much closer adherence to the true and effective comics story, and a very faithful portrayal of the character's essence.

Your mileage, may of course, vary. :)

Well in a way that is good that nobody would think he was Batman because he appeared that he posed zero of a threat; nobody would suspect him at all.

I definitely get what you mean about Keaton but I did like his portrayal, and yes Jack Nicholson completey took the movie over.

I also wasn't crazy about the backstory being changed but, as you said, I guess it was meant to cater to non-comic fans.

I do think that Batman was great for its time and, to me, it's still entertaining. I have the original VHS that I occasionally watch.



P.S. I honestly did not see "Batman Returns".

If it helps, I did enjoy "Batman Forever" quite a bit more, and thought the casting of Kilmer was particularly good.

Batman Returns was good. It was a little darker than Batman and I admit to liking Michelle Pfeiffer in her dominatrix-ish looking Catwoman outfit.

Danny Devito is also hysterical as Penquin.


I haven't seen Batman Forever and Batman & Robin in a long time. I don't think I saw them since their original theatrical run. I need to watch them both to see what they were like; be like watching them for the first time.


On another note, despite how badly received the movie was, I want to check out Halle Berry's Catwoman. I just want to see for myself on how bad this flick is.

^ Halle Berry actually personally accepted the Razzie she "won" for Catwoman. I have to give her props for having such a good sense of humor about it. :lol:

^ Halle Berry actually personally accepted the Razzie she "won" for Catwoman. I have to give her props for having such a good sense of humor about it. :lol:

Yes, I know that. That was funny since she was there with her Oscar for Monster's Ball while accepting the Razzie.


There are two others who accepted at the Razzie awards:
- Paul Verhoeven who directed Showgirls (Worst Director, Picture)
- Tom Green for Freddy Got Fingered (Worst Actor, Director, Picture, Screen Couple, and Screenplay)

Yes, I know that. That was funny since she was there with her Oscar for Monster's Ball while accepting the Razzie.


There are two others who accepted at the Razzie awards:
- Paul Verhoeven who directed Showgirls (Worst Director, Picture)
- Tom Green for Freddy Got Fingered (Worst Actor, Director, Picture, Screen Couple, and Screenplay)
I loved her acceptance speech, which went something like "I hope I never see you people again!" :lol: I have to give props to Paul Verhoeven and Tom Green as well - at least they have a sense of humor and aren't afraid to poke fun at themselves. :cool:

I loved her acceptance speech, which went something like "I hope I never see you people again!" :lol: I have to give props to Paul Verhoeven and Tom Green as well - at least they have a sense of humor and aren't afraid to poke fun at themselves. :cool:

Well, those two seem like "the type" who would do that.

I mean look at the movies they are accepting for. I think also it's to attract more attention to it but it's still cool they did it.

Well, those two seem like "the type" who would do that.

I mean look at the movies they are accepting for. I think also it's to attract more attention to it but it's still cool they did it.
Good points, too. Neither of them have Oscars, unlike Halle (and it is very unlikely they ever will. :lol:). I remember when Tom Green showed up for the ceremony, he had a square of tattered red carpet which he dropped on the ground and walked on to get inside. :rofl:

I could see

Victoria Winters played by Katie Holmes

How about Adrian Pasdar as Reverend Trask?

Producer Clarifies Dark Shadows Status
Source: Shock Till You Drop, Perri Nemiroff
December 10, 2009

At the start of the week, producer Graham King told the press that Tim Burton and Johnny Depp's Dark Shadows feature film was to begin lensing in the apropos month of October 2010.

Writer Perri Nemiroff spoke with King today for more...



Can you talk a little about Dark Shadows?

King: [Laughs] I said to someone last week in L.A., I said, "You know, I think, you know the script's being rewritten – I know that the studios are hoping to move it next fall," suddenly it's on the internet everywhere I said the movie's going next October.

Waiting for a script. I know Johnny wants to do it and Tim wants to do it and just has to get the script.




How'd you get introduced to the idea in the first place? Will you maintain the show's original tone in the film?

King: Through Johnny's company [Infinitum Nihil]. You know, I have a deal with Johnny's company and Johnny was really interested in it and we have a great great relationship.

I didn't know of Dark Shadows. We didn't have it in the U.K., so I went out and got a bunch of DVDs. I started watching this thing and I said, yeah, I'd love to be involved. I'd love to come in and produce that.

To answer your question, I think we have to wait to see.




There are over 1,200 episodes. Will you include a little of as many as possible or make an origin story?

King: I'll know as soon as I get the script.




So you're not dictating how this will come together?

King: John August is writing it.

Yeah, again, this is me and more notes and I think when Johnny and Tim – I've never made a movie with Johnny and Tim - but when they make a movie, they've got it down pretty much what they want and you don't really get involved in that process.

http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/news/topnews.php?id=13209

Shirley MacLane as Julia Hoffman.

Shirley MacLane as Julia Hoffman.
Oooh, that's a good one. She could totally pull it off.

Oooh, that's a good one. She could totally pull it off.

So far so good......... :thumbsup:

Angelique = Angelina Jolie

Rev. Trask = Jack Nicholson

How about Robert Downey Jr. as Quentin?

How about Robert Downey Jr. as Quentin?

He MIGHT be a little too old at age 45 to play Quentin (though Quentin's age was an issue in the show as well, lol), but overwise I think he's a really good choice. He's not that far physically from David Selby and he has the same kind of intensity.

I wish other people would chime in and give us some ideas on who should play the characters. This is fun.

So folks we need a younger Quentin.

Rev Trask anyone?

Angelique?

Josette? Maggie Evans? (Bella on New Moon could've played Josette but she's already on the Twilight series).

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies Writer on Board Dark Shadows!
Source: Deadline
July 15, 2010


Congrats to writer, and friend of Shock, Seth Grahame-Smith.

The writer has been hired to write the latest draft of Dark Shadows for director Tim Burton and star Johnny Depp.

Grahame-Smith penned Pride and Prejudice and Zombies as well as Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.





According to Deadline, he'll be working on a fresh script.

If you recall, John August was originally hired to pen this feature adaptation of Dan Curtis' supernatural soap opera from the '60s and '70s.



Shooting is expected to begin in January for Warner Bros.

http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/news/topnews.php?id=15830

Depp Offers Status on Dark Shadows
Source: Vanity Fair
December 9, 2010

When you have the schedules that Tim Burton and Johnny Depp, you wouldn't want to tell a reporter any project you're at work on is a "sure thing."

That's why you'll only hear rumors from "insiders" that Dark Shadows will be shooting next year.




Talk to Depp, though, and you get a quote like the one he gave Vanity Fair in their latest issue:

"That's something I want to do. The script is close now, really close, and, you know, it's just a question of myself and Tim and the writer, basically the three of us, getting together and signing off on various scenarios.

But it's really gotten good. In the last three weeks, it's gotten f**kin' good."





He doesn't sound so sure that Shadows will be next.

He's a busy guy.
Burton's busy.
Seth Grahame-Smith, the latest writer on board, is gaining popularity, too.



So, will spring yield a production start on Dark Shadows?
Not sure yet. Fingers crossed.

http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/news/topnews.php?id=17459

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this project doesn't end up on the shelf. :)