In the spooky world of horror franchises, the Halloween series can be as perplexing as Chewbacca’s language for those unfamiliar with its intricate narrative twists. But fear not, for we’re here to dissect the enigma surrounding the 2018 Halloween sequel, starring the iconic Jamie Lee Curtis. Join us on the latest episode of WTF Happened to This Horror Movie? as we journey through the dark alleys of Halloween (2018) and uncover WTF really happened to this chilling horror gem!
The Halloween (2018) episode of WTF Happened to This Horror Movie? takes us on a rollercoaster ride, exploring the creative minds and industry insiders who played a pivotal role in resurrecting this terrifying franchise. The Halloween films have gone through four distinct storylines and a standalone tale over thirteen films, leaving fans bewildered but entertained. Most recently, David Gordon Green’s trilogy of films, which commenced in 2018 on the 40th anniversary of John Carpenter’s classic, revitalized the Halloween legacy. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the abyss of Halloween 2018 (watch it HERE) and uncover the mysteries shrouding this horror extravaganza!
The journey to David Gordon Green’s reboot/sequel to John Carpenter’s Halloween commenced shortly after the release of Rob Zombie’s Halloween 2 in 2009. Rob Zombie’s traumatic experience with the Weinstein-owned Dimension Films resulted in his disinterest in making a Halloween 3 for them. Although Halloween 3D was announced shortly after Halloween 2’s theatrical release, it never saw the light of day. Several potential sequels and recalibrations were in the works, but we recommend reading Dustin McNeill and Travis Mullins’ “Taking Shape 2: The Lost Halloween Sequels” to fill in the intriguing blanks.
In 2015, Dimension Films lost the rights to the Halloween franchise, leading to a dry spell for Halloween enthusiasts. However, in a ghostly twist, Blumhouse Productions and Miramax joined forces with Universal Studios to finance a brand-new film. Jason Blum, Blumhouse’s CEO, expressed his admiration for the original Halloween and Carpenter’s influence on his work. Carpenter, after washing his hands of the series post-Halloween 3: Season of the Witch, surprised fans by joining the project as an executive producer, vowing to make the 10th sequel the scariest of them all.
The seeds of Halloween 2018 started to sprout in February 2017 when David Gordon Green and Danny McBride, best known for their comedic ventures, joined as the creative forces behind the screenplay. Under Carpenter’s guiding hand, Green assumed the directorial responsibilities. Their vision for the new Halloween was to preserve the continuity of the original film and disregard the other movies, while paying homage to them. As McBride puts it, going back to the source seemed cooler than being confined to Halloween 11.
The script underwent numerous revisions, with eight drafts taking shape before the cameras rolled. The writers toyed with various concepts, including reimagining the ending of the original movie. Ultimately, they settled on crafting an intricate tale that erased Laurie Strode’s sister connection to Michael Myers, returning Myers to his role as The Shape—a mysterious force of nature selecting random victims, heightening the terror without any motive.
The biggest revelation came in September 2017 when Jamie Lee Curtis confirmed her return as Laurie Strode. However, this time, the familial connection was severed, adding to the suspense and fear surrounding Michael Myers. Nick Castle, the original Michael Myers, donned the William Shatner mask once more, while James Jude Courtney joined him in portraying the ominous character. The cast featured Andi Matichak as Laurie’s granddaughter Allyson, Dylan Arnold as her boyfriend Cameron, Will Patton as Officer Hawkins, and Haluk Bilgioner as Dr. Sartain, a replacement for Dr. Loomis with his sinister intentions.
Similar to The Force Awakens, Halloween 2018 embodies both a remake and a sequel. It pays homage to the original while introducing a new generation to its haunting narrative and characters. The film’s impeccable storytelling unfolds on October 29, 2018, where Michael Myers remains institutionalized for 40 years following his Halloween killing spree in Haddonfield. True crime podcasters, Aaron and Dana, visit him, but even the infamous mask fails to elicit any reaction from the enigmatic killer.
Laurie Strode’s life has been defined by the trauma of her encounter with The Shape, leaving her a recluse who seldom leaves her fortified house. The strained relationship with her daughter Karen, taken away from her at a young age, adds layers of complexity to the plot. Laurie’s granddaughter Allyson tries to bridge the gap between them, leading to a series of terrifying events. Michael’s escape from custody sets the stage for a horrifying killing spree, ultimately culminating in a final confrontation with his original target, Laurie Strode.
While the film boasts spine-chilling moments, the weakest plot point revolves around Dr. Sartain, Michael’s psychiatrist. His obsession with Michael’s motivations leads to a disastrous turn of events, jeopardizing Laurie, Karen, and Allyson’s lives. Yet, Halloween 2018 proves to be a remarkable follow-up to Carpenter’s classic, offering a nod to the original’s suspenseful Steadicam shot. The portrayal of multigenerational trauma is a standout element, showcasing Jamie Lee Curtis’ finest performance, adding depth and authenticity to the character of Laurie Strode.
With Carpenter’s haunting score and the stellar performances, Halloween 2018 earned $76.2 million during its opening weekend and went on to rake in $159 million in North America and $259 million worldwide, surpassing expectations on a modest budget of approximately $10 million. Blumhouse and Universal quickly greenlit two more films, Halloween Kills and Halloween Ends, but that’s a tale for another time.
Halloween 2018 breathes new life into the franchise while honoring the original, making it a perfect Halloween night double feature with John Carpenter’s masterpiece. So, brace yourself for a night of terror and suspense as we unwrap the chilling secrets of Halloween (2018), only on WTF Happened to This Horror Movie? Join us and subscribe to our JoBlo Horror Originals YouTube channel for more thrilling content!
