Updates regarding the planned HBO ‘Hellraiser’ television series have been released.
When the information first broke back in April that Pinhead would be coming to HBO, it was announced that the series would be written by Mark Verheiden (Swamp Thing) and Michael Dougherty (Trick ‘r Treat/Krampus), with David Gordon Green (Halloween) set to direct the initial episodes. Missing from the list was the man who created the ‘Hellraiser’ universe, Clive Barker.
This has now changed, as it was announced by Deadline that Barker would be coming onboard the series as an executive producer.
Barker first introduced the world to the Lament Configuration puzzle box in his 1986 novel, The Hellbound Heart. This book would go on to serve as the basis for the first ‘Hellraiser’ film, with Barker himself writing and directing. Barker would only return as executive producer for the next three installments before leaving the franchise all together. This return will mark the first time Barker has been involved in the series since 1996.
Barker released the following statement regarding his joining the HBO series:
“Delighted the ‘Hellraiser’ mythology is seeing a new life. It’s time the stories went back to their roots. I’m eager to bring to a new audience the most powerful and ancient elements of horror: the darkest evil invading our human lives and how we must find in ourselves the power to resist it.”
Barker is not the only returning name to the project, as actor Doug Bradley, who portrayed the titular character, Pinhead, in the first eight installments will also be returning to reprise his role. Bradley walked away from the role after ‘Hellraiser: Hellworld,’ having nothing to do with the next two films in the series.
Fans of the franchise will unfortunately have to continue to wait, as the series is still currently in post-production. In the meantime, I recommend you check out the original source material, The Hellbound Heart, and the lesser known follow up, The Scarlet Gospels, to get your Pinhead fix.
Horrorfacts will continue to keep you posted as new updates become available.
