Fans may well have pins and needles (appropriately) with how cross-legged many have sat waiting to hear of the future of the Hellraiser series (after the abysmal Hellraiser: Revelations). Well jump up and get your soul ready because the long-developing idea of rebooting the cult 1987 British Horror is back on track. Furthermore fans will be delighted to hear that Barker has insisted on Doug Bradley reprising the role of series icon Pinhead. The 1987 film was a nightmarish vision, with S&M sadism and practical gore moulded with a hellish plot built on suffering. The film developed a lasting legacy and 8 sequels. It was originally based on Barker’s own novel and contrary to what many reboots do nowadays (CG, toned down, etc.), it appears Barker is thinking outside the (puzzle) box.

The writer/director announced the plans on Facebook saying, “A few weeks ago I had a very productive meeting with Bob Weinstein of Dimension Pictures, in the course of which I pitched a remake of the first Hellraiser film, today I have officially been invited to write the script based upon that pitch.” Barker never one to shy away from bloody carnage, looks to have quashed any rumor of a PG-13 incarnation (thankfully). Barker said he wanted the new film to be darker and have a fresher intensity but wrapped chains around the idea of an effects laden picture. He said, “it will not be a film awash with CGI. I remain as passionate about the power of practical make-up effects as I was when I wrote and directed the first Hellraiser.”

However don’t get as excitable as a Chatterer beast at feeding time just yet, because Doug Bradley is not signed up officially. Barker was adamant of his involvement though, stating, “I told the Dimension team that in my opinion there could never be a Pinhead without Doug Bradley, and much to my delight Bob Weinstein agreed.” So if Bradley is up for tearing souls apart once more (which considering his past involvement in the franchise, is more than likely), then plans are firmly afoot for the cenobite’s return to cinema. Fans may still be uncomfortable with the idea but no doubt wounds are soothed by this news. The prospect of Barker and Bradley onboard is surely a sign that this long-discussed return to the labyrinth could be as depraved as you would hope. Indeed after the relatively well received Evil Dead reboot this year, perhaps this is a sign that modern reboots can be done right.

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