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Every fall, the crisp air of autumn and undertone of spookiness elicits Halloween celebrations of all kinds. As such, it’s no surprise the film industry has seen a reemergence in the horror genre over the last few months. However, it seems many new film releases this season are revamping older Halloween classics for a new generation, according to Time Magazine.
On streaming platforms like Paramount+, Max and Hulu, viewers may find that several famous film franchises have extended their storylines with new additions.
Classic titles, like those of director Ulli Lommel’s 1980 “The Boogeyman,” or director Mary Lambert’s 1989 film based on Stephen King’s 1983 novel “Pet Semetary,” have been reworked to adapt to current audiences. The release of director Lindsey Anderson Beer’s 2023 “Pet Semetary: Bloodlines,” and director Rob Savage’s “The Boogeyman” serve to modernize the series’ original movies by rejuvenating their prototype films through contemporary lenses.
The original film poster from the 1989 film “Pet Sematary” (left) lies next to the 2023 poster for “Pet Sematary: Bloodlines” (right). The new film was released over 30 years after Mary Lambert’s “Pet Semetary.” Photos courtesy of Paramount Pictures
Nearly 20 years after the first “Saw” movie, the franchise’s 10th installment, “Saw X” premiered in theaters Sept. 29, according to Variety. Set as a sequel to the original 2004 film and a prequel to “Saw II,” “Saw X” bridges the gap between the series’ first two films.
Featuring original cast members Shawnee Smith reprising her role as Amanda Young and Tobin Bell as the titular character Jigsaw/John Kramer, the film follows Kramer as he travels to Mexico to undergo a risky health procedure and learns that the services disguise an undercover scam operation. Seeking retribution for the fraudulent scheme, Kramer’s Jigsaw killer personality emerges with a thirst for blood in this terrifying new chapter in the series, according to Short List.
Likewise, director Wes Craven’s 1996 film “Scream” added its sixth film to the series earlier this year with “Scream VI.” The film stars emerging actresses Jenna Ortega and Melissa Barrera, who initially made their “Scream” debut in the 2022 release of the series’ fifth film, which promotes a female-focused story concerning intersectionality in the movies’ newest renditions according to Indie Wire.
The first “Scream” film poster (left) stands next to the poster for the most recent edition to the franchise (right). “Scream VI” acted as the sixth chapter to the iconic serial killer series. Photos courtesy of Dimension Films and Paramount Pictures
In more recent months, the famous supernatural series based on director William Friedkin’s 1973 classic “The Exorcist,” premiered its sixth addition to the franchise, “The Exorcist: Believer” Oct. 6. Taking place 50 years after events from the first film, “Believer” offers a modern take on the notion of demonic possession with a diverse cast and imaginative scares for fresh blooded viewers, according to the New York Times.
A purple poster for the 1973 classic “The Exorcist” (left) juxtaposes the 2023 poster for the series’ sixth film, “The Exorcist: Believer” (right). “Believer” was added as the most recent addition to the iconic “Exorcist” franchise Oct 6. Photos courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures and Universal Pictures
The “Insidious” film series first debuted in 2010, but recently added its fifth film, “Insidious: The Red Door” to the iconic horror collection. Starring original cast members Rose Byrne, Ty Simpkins and directed by horror film patron Patrick Wilson, “The Red Door” takes place 10 years after the series’ first film according to the Hollywood Reporter.
In the fifth film, Wilson attempts to reconnect with his estranged college-aged son, played by Simpkins, after divorcing his wife, as portrayed by Byrne. However, spirits remain in the air as Simpkins discovers the horrors of demonic possessions while away at school, and Wilson attempts to put an end to his son’s hauntings in this new addition to the famed horror franchise.
Similarly, director Sam Raimi’s 1981 “The Evil Dead” series premiered its fifth installment, “Evil Dead Rise” earlier in the year at theaters around the nation, according to the Guardian. The story follows a single mother, played by Alyssa Sutherland, who raises her three children in a cramped apartment in present-day Los Angeles.
“Evil Dead Rise” depicts the family’s experience with demons after an ancient curse breaks out, which leads to the possessed mother-of-three soon wreaking havoc on her own household in this perturbing horror-thriller film.
The original “Evil Dead” movie (left) premiered in 1981, and was soon followed up by several films including the most recent 2023 film “Evil Dead Rise” (right). The famed “Evil Dead” series has scared audiences for over four decades. Photos courtesy of New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Pictures
On the family-oriented film front, earlier this summer Disney+ released a rendition of the 2003 classic “The Haunted Mansion” starring Eddie Murphy, only this time, with a star-studded cast including LaKeith Stanfield, Rosario Dawson, Owen Wilson, Danny Devito and Tiffany Haddish, according to the New York Times.
20 years after the original film, this present-day story depicts a mother and son’s move to the haunted house just outside of New Orleans, where they seek help from outsiders to defeat the evil forces that remain inside the mansion according to the New York Times. The theater-released film revamp premiered to the likes of children and family alike, earning an 84% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The original 2003 “Haunted Mansion” starring Eddie Murphy (left) recently added a second chapter to the iconic Disney story in a 2023 rendition (right). The follow-up film premiered July 28. Photos courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures and Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
While horror films inspire terror among viewers, those who celebrate Halloween can prepare for the season with a plethora of films, old and new. As Oct. 31 creeps up on calendars, horror fanatics and film junkies can find comfort in new renditions of older films in theaters throughout 2023.
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Email Emma Ibarra: emma.ibarra@pepperdine.edu
