A "Halloween" Reboot So Crazy, It Could Actually Work

HALLOWEEN: Where Does The Franchise Go From Here?

There has been all 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 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, youre 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 in Scream 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)

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 actualy have a few other ideas, as to reboot Halloween. Well the first story line, is that he is an escaped mental patient. Once out, he finds a new housing edition…and seeks shelter. With only a few residents in the neighborhood, and many houses still being built, there isnt many people to blow his cover. However, he notices a girl. Becomes infatuated with her, and wants her. To kill? To keep? Not sure. It follows closely to the original, JUST the original.

Second, Michael Myers is a successful college student, a football player and a great young man. A cult, who is trying to find a suitable sacrifice to allow their master (demon) life kidnapps him. One of the qualifications, is that the sacrifice must be faceless; as to match the faceless demon. Upon sacraficing him, they tear off his face and he becomes possessed. In his moments of clarity, Michael finds a mas and NEVER takes it off…ashamed of what he has become. The demon drives him mad, and Michael lives out in the winderness; away from civilization. One night, the demon begins to taunt Michael. And only wanting pain convinces him to take revenge on the cult that sacrificed him. Michael then starts to hunt down each member, and kills their entire family. (It gives a way for mulitple sequels. As well as a supernatural feel to Michael like he had in the original)

Last, Michael is a young boy in his preteens. Taken camping with him family, the day goes great. Once asleep, terrible things happen. The surrounding families, and the Myers are attacked by a drifter. Who murders them all. Waking from the noise, Michael leaves the tent. Seeing the masked man, and his family tied up, he begins to panic. The man rapes him, forces his family to watch…then makes him and his father watch as he rapes his mother. The man then forces Michael to rape his sister, and finally kills the family. He takes Michael and keeps him as his own, abusing and molesting him daily. After many years, Michael finally kills the man…takes his mask and clothes and tries to find his way home. While walking, he sees a girl…and instantly his wants take over him. Knowing only what hell he had lived through the past several years, he intends on capturing the girl and killing anyone who stands in his way. (It gives Michael the sexual motive, an undertone in the original film. It was something they had played with, and even hinted at in the original. Laurie, sings the lyrics “I wish i had you all alone…just the two of us.” It was one of the possible motives they had planned out for him)

I think they all make the story different while keeping the basic character and atmosphere…there will be no Laurie no Loomis just a fesh take. We have seen Michael stalk his family for 9 films now, we have seen Dr. Loomis hunt for him in 7 of those films…i think if the story is to be told once more it needs to be a completely original take on him. No one wants to sit through the same movie AGAIN ya know??

for a true true horror film to work you must not have polished known actors.
it should feel real/raw.
having not too cute unknowns, if everyone is goodlooking it feels like an mtv video.
I say bring in David Lynch – he’ll bring back the creepiness.

And Angelo Badalamenti to score the film…



I disagree with that. Look at Scream, it had well known actors. It was the biggest slaher series in years. Besides, that unknown actor bit hasnt worked since the early 90’s.

Texas Chainsaw - Jessica Biel
Friday the 13th - Jared Padalecki/Danielle Panabaker/Aaron Yoo/Travis Van Winkle
Halloween - Danielle Harris (not the best example because Rob Zombie works with the same 10 people)
The Strangers - Liv Tyler/Scoot Speedman
just to name a few…having well known actors draw people into a movie, especially in horror. Horror is considered a low point in film, so when good actors/actresses sign on it creates buz. (Jessica Chastain in Mama for example)

Not to say that i am not all for unknown actors and actresses. The main reason behind me picking the people i did, was because of their acting abilities. So just to clarify, Halloween needs a good story and GREAT actors.

Sure scream did well it was great but it was silly it was not a scary film by any means.
Halloween was a scary film it was mysterious and creepy. Lets see how scary it would have been if burt reynolds, farah fawcett and paul newman were in it.
The Friday remake was terrible.
I don’t even acknowledge the TCM remakes.

Personally i dont think that would have mattered. Im sure it would have done fine, im also sure if they had a larger budget they might have indeed been in the film

The reason it worked so well was because it was low budget.
none of the polished big studio horror films look or feel good
not counting the shining because that was made by a pure genius.

I must say those were all some good ideas you have. While I have no idea what cast I’d like to see, I would like to see a new take on the original aspect. I’m all for more films! And like you said, not having any known characters besides Michael in the film. This will succeed! But I have no idea if this would work if the movie will be named “Halloween 3D” or now that the film will be made in this new world of ours.

Thank you, glad you liked my ideas. I for one hope they do not use 3D in this film. I just dont think Halloween would work good in 3D. I can see Freddy, i can see Jason…but Michael? I just think that would come off too corny!

That cast would be too good looking for its’ own good, but I like the passion.

Well, my idea may not necessarily an RZH film, but still a re-boot or re-boots.

I’ve had this idea sitting for a while of letting directors from other countries and different directorial backgrounds making stand alone entries based on the basic background of the original film. This from an initial idea of having Kiyoshi Kurosawa direct an entry with Koji Yakusho playing the Loomis role (I’m a big fan of their pairings and Yakusho usually plays a somewhat similar role in many of his films anyway), imagine a Halloween film with the feel of films like Cure, Seance, and Charisma. Aside from that pairing you could get perhaps a surrealist like David Lynch or Andrzej Zulawski, or an Italian director like Michele Soavi or Lamberto Bava (I do not trust Dario at this point), a throwback American director like Ti West or Brad Anderson, or a Spanish director like Nacho Cerda or Paco Plaza or Paco Cabezas, or a British director like Shane Meadows. I think that along with the Halloween anthology idea that birthed Halloween 3 this could do a lot to extend the series once/if they ever do a proper final bow for the original series.