Tim Burton and Johnny Depp’s Dark Shadows Pushed to April 2011
By Krystal Clark
If any of you are surprised by this latest production news you obviously haven’t been following Johnny Depp’s career over the last 25 years. That man stars in everything and is constantly being courted for projects therefore, we’re not shocked that his big screen adaptation with Tim Burton entitled Dark Shadows has been pushed back.
Back in July, we reported that Dark Shadows had found a screenwriter and was scheduled to begin production in January 2011. Seth Grahame-Smith the acclaimed novelist who’s known for putting “a macabre twist to literary classics and historical figures” will pen the screenplay for the film which is based on the defunct television soap opera of the same name that ran on ABC from 1966 to 1971. Production on the film will now begin in April 2011.
Dark Shadows was a supernatural soap that centered on Barnabas Collins (played by Jonathan Frid) and all of his outer wordly antics. Depp will naturally step into the role, while his supporting cast is still being decided. A few months isn’t that much of a delay and Depp and Burton are both dedicated to bringing this story to the big screen.
The only downside to this is the monkey wrench it throws in another film’s production. Kathryn Bigelow has been courting Depp to star in her drama Sleeping Dogs (formerly Triple Frontier), which begins production in February. This is confusing because if Dark Shadows began filming in January as planned, she still wouldn’t have been able to use him. We’re hearing his runner up for that part is Mark Wahlberg.
What do you think of Dark Shadows being pushed back?
Source: Deadline
Friday, November 5, 2010 7:42AM
I didn't know that Depp was in such demand. The last thing i had seen him in was Public Enemies, a movie I thought was very underrated, and while his performance was not outstanding, it was still solid. Can't wait for Dark Shadows, although the combination of Depp and Burton is hit or miss – look at Burton's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – makes me shudder thinking about it.
Friday, November 5, 2010 2:29PM
Depp as Barnabas Collins?! yyyyyYES! *HAH-CHA!* I remember watching Dark Shadows *ahem* a long time ago, it was novel and GREAT at the time,very different from other "soaps".
Tuesday, November 16, 2010 5:49PM
If they eff this movie up they are in so much trouble! This show was my childhood and they better do it justice or i'll cry and record it and send it to them so they feel horrible!
Thursday, November 25, 2010 1:48PM
As a child, Johnny idolized the character, Barnabas Collins. Given that, I believe he will approach the DS movie with the proper reverence. I do, however, wish he and Tim would get this damn project completed before I am old enough to get the living dead ticket discount.
Friday, December 3, 2010 2:30PM
LOL Sadie , Me Too !!!
Monday, December 27, 2010 4:38PM
I hope they don;t F it up like so many remakes, if they do, may they rot in hell, they need to stay true to the story…..
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 12:40PM
I'm sure that the movie will be good and a solid boxoffice hit given the success of the "Twilight" movies. I hope they use at least a little of Robert Cobert's magnificient score for the original tv show; how could they POSSIBLY overlook that unforgetable opening theme!!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 7:28PM
Very disappointed. I've been waiting for this movie for a long time. I guess I'll have to wait longer!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011 4:42PM
Where`s Quentin Collins ? David Selby ? I hope Johnny includes him. Dark Shadows would have ended a lot sooner without David Selby as Quentin Collins. Either way, I`m sure the movie will be out of this world.
Freebird out of the birdcage.
Sunday, January 9, 2011 3:26PM
This could be really good or REALLY bad… Anyone remember House Of Dark Shadows? So much gore and overacting, The characterof Barnabas really needs to be underplayed as the monster vampire, and more brought out as the tortured man cursed to watch anyone who loves him die…. (Contary to what most people believe, the actual curse was not being a vampire, Angelique just threw that in so that the curse would last forever.)
I've watched every episode of Dark Shadows most of them several times, from episode 1 (no, not when originally broadcast, the DVD releases) and am really looking forward to this interpretion.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011 3:49PM
Jolly Roger, you are so right in saying how to play the character. They can make an epic saga of this if done correctly. I would also be angry if they hurt the brand. It would be a classic touch if they film a scene with the ocasional mishap on a line.
And please follow the story line.
Thursday, January 13, 2011 6:09PM
I wanta know who is gonna play Angelique??? My pick would be Bridget Fonda..
Friday, January 14, 2011 2:22AM
You trash it? We trash YOU! – Tim Burton!
Friday, January 14, 2011 12:15PM
No one can top Jonathan Frid, we'll see how Depp does. I know that they'll probably change a few things, but as long as they keep the central point of the story, along w/the awesome music and occasional mishap (for laughs), it might work. I'm skeptic that Depp can do it, but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt…for now.
Friday, January 14, 2011 4:59PM
PLEASE do not rush through the character development and the storyline! When they tried to resurrect "Dark Shadows" on primetime TV in 1991, they tried to do the 1795 storyline way too soon and it only confused viewers. I understand that Johnny Depp and Tim Burton have time constraints since this will be in theatres (2 to 3 hours long). But give us that classic feel…the creepy music, the suspense, and a little bit of Jason McGuire (the despicable man who blackmailed Elizabeth Collins Stoddard). I very much enjoyed how Barnabas destroyed Jason after what he did to Elizabeth LOL.
Friday, January 14, 2011 5:13PM
Tim Burton and Johnny Depp working together again. There's a shocker. I keep hoping every time the production date gets pushed back that they'll finally announce that the whole plan is off, and they won't be making a movie. But alas, they keep almost canceling the film, and then bringing it back around.
Don't get me wrong, Depp is a talented actor, with a broad range of characters and an honest appreciation for the original source material. I'm sure he will do his very best as Barnabas (although, I see him more as a Quentin, myself). But Tim Burton is the absolute definition of a one-trick pony. Every movie he makes is exactly the same film. The same camera angles, the same set design, the same score… even the same actors! I don't want to see Helena Bonham Carter as Angelique, and I don't want Danny Elfman "recreating" Robert Cobert's magnificent score.
I also don't want a bunch of Twilight obsessed tweenagers cooing and squealing over a fandom I've followed for most of my life, without giving propers to the source material… but that's just my grumpy old lady self talking. And, of course, I'm sure I'm in the minority here.
Friday, January 14, 2011 8:33PM
i wonder how many of the original cast will be in the film? I could see kathyrn leigh scott as Mrs Stoddard. John Karlen – Lara Parker – Jerry Lacy – MItchell Ryan – (be nice if Johnathan Frid could play some part as well!)
How about Taylor Swift as Carolyn? or sarah carter (a bit older)… casting is soooooo important in films – hope they get that parft right. As far as casting Depp for Barnabas – well Depp is a great actor – I'm sure he will do Johnathan Frid proud! Frid was and remains one of the most fascinating and popular vampires of all time!
Monday, January 17, 2011 8:30AM
Burton should really shake things up and cast Angelique as a mixed race sorceress from, where was it, Trinidad or Barbados? That is who she should be, it would make the forbidden romance between her and Barnabas far more interesting and her jealousy and hatred all the more palpable.
How about Beyonce as Angelique!? Personally, I'd rather see Guillermo Del Torro direct this film.
Saturday, January 22, 2011 11:53AM
I loved the filmed live format. I remember the first episode the Johnathan had spoken lines in. He blew a couple of good ones, but Louis Edmonds (God love that man!) was right there pulling him out! It's absolutely astounding to me that out of the 1245 (or so) episodes, they have all but one of them.
Saturday, January 22, 2011 11:58AM
Yes, the music that Bob Cobert created was fantastic. I have all 5 of the music CD's, plus the Charles Randolf Greane (?) album, which has the radio hit version of Quentin's theme. CRG actually wrote the words to Q's theme and other stuff on the original album. It was funny when I was watching the Dan Curtis production of The Picture of Dorian Grey" and there was a lot of familiar music in the background!
Saturday, January 22, 2011 12:08PM
I actually could see him more as a Willy Loomis. (remember when Willy was bricking the skeleton of Rev. Trask back up in the basement walls and he was muttering to himself about how bad his life was and and how what he was doing was giving him the "Willies" I thought that I would lose it. He barely kept a straight face himself)
I hadn't even thought about the twilight groupies. I'm currently struggling through the twilight books myself (so that I have a basis of discussion with my 14 year old granddaughter) Give me Barnabas anyday! (Heck, even Tom Jennings, for that matter!) Keep the faith! Jolly
Sunday, January 23, 2011 9:48AM
Well guys, whatever your views – Burton has given us a lot of great movies. Of course it will be another biggie for him and Johnny Depp will be perfect for the role. I also think he should find a girl who looks like Vanessa Paradis to play alongside Johnny Depp. As for Kathryn Bigelow's Triple Frontier she would be wise to stay with Depp or if she can't delay shooting then go for Josh Hartnett. I go to the movies not just for the story but good actors because they make the movie.
Sunday, February 6, 2011 6:33PM
I so cannot wait to see Johnny as Barnabas. He will totally rock. My childhood memories need a refresh before I also reach the living dead discount age!
Thursday, February 10, 2011 1:33PM
Through sight and sound, and faceless terror… Through endless corridors by trial and error… A head of blazing light does burn…. And one door leads to the point of return….. Anybody remember the dream curse?
Monday, February 21, 2011 10:18AM
Angelique was from Martinique.
Monday, March 14, 2011 7:35AM
In the movie House of Dark Shadows, Barnabas was killed in the end, I hope they dont plan to do that in this movie. I would love to see a series given another try.
Sunday, March 20, 2011 7:13PM
eva green is angelique
Sunday, April 10, 2011 3:13PM
Actually, If you watch very closely at the very end, it looks as though a bat flies away, leaving the possibility tht Barnabas wasn't killed.
Thursday, May 26, 2011 5:01PM
Michelle Pfeiffer cast as Elizabeth Stoddard. Can't see that, but she's great at everything she does. Mitchell Ryan is dead, I'm pretty sure. Don't know about the others.
Sunday, June 12, 2011 9:26PM
Can't wait to see this, I was a big fan, never missed a show. One problem– David was Roger's son, not Elizabeth's!