Warner Bros. Resurrects ‘Dark Shadows’ as Adult Animated Series
The iconic Gothic soap opera Dark Shadows is being reanimated. Literally.
The ’60s TV show with a massive cult following is being brought back to life by Warner Bros. Animation as an adult animated series that will focus on vampire Barnabas Collins and his dysfunctional family. The Hollywood Reporter broke the news on June 26.
The project is still in its early stages, but before Dark Shadows returns from the grave once again, here’s a look at everything we know about the series, as well as a look at the franchise’s many past lives.
When will Dark Shadows premiere?
The series is in early development, and there are no details on when it will premiere. Please check back here for updates.
What is this Dark Shadows about?
According to the publication, the official logline reads, “Blending gothic, horror, and supernatural genres, this coming adaptation promises all the dark twists and romantic intrigue that defined the transformational series across its 1200-plus episode run.”
Who is behind Dark Shadows?
Lisa Holdsworth will executive produce and be the showrunner on the series. Other exec producers include Cathy Curtis, Tracy Curtis, Eric Homan, Kevin Kolde, and Fred Seibert.
What was the original Dark Shadows about?
Created by Dan Curtis, the original Dark Shadows ran from 1966 to 1971. The soap opera originally followed the wealthy, drama-laden Collins family of Collinsport, Maine, before introducing Barnabas Collins (played by Jonathan Frid) in Episode 211, when a greedy caretaker opened his tomb and unleashed the vampire upon the unsuspecting townsfolk — and the Nielsen ratings.
Originally intended as a temporary character to boost ratings, the centuries-old Barnabas quickly became the show’s breakout star. Driven by his search for his lost love, Josette, Barnabas terrorized the town by kidnapping coffee shop waitress Maggie Evans (Kathryn Leigh Scott) in an attempt to make her his bride. Over time, however, he evolved from a monstrous villain into a tragic antihero and ultimately became the series’ protagonist.
What were the other incarnations of Dark Shadows?
In 1970, there was House of Dark Shadows, a theatrical reimagining of Barnabas Collins’ (starring Frid) introduction and his search for a cure. It was followed by a sequel in 1971, Night of Dark Shadows.
In 1991, there was an attempt to bring back Dark Shadows to nab the Twin Peaks audience, with Ben Cross as Barnabas, Joanna Going as Victoria, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt as David Collins. But sadly, it only lasted about a dozen episodes before it met the sun.
In 2012, Tim Burton tried his hand at adapting the property into a movie with his favorite actor of all time, Johnny Depp, in the role of Barnabas Collins. Set in 1972, this Barnabas is a cursed 18th-century vampire who is accidentally unearthed in the ’70s to save his dysfunctional descendants from a vengeful witch. Fans and critics did not care for the remake.
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B
I loved the original, and enjoyed the 1991 version with Ben Cross. Was not a fan of the movie. Even though I do like Johnny Depp. I pretty much think that animation is a mistake. I can't imagine it really appealing to anybody that was a fan.
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S
I agree...I Loved the original and also had a crush on Barnabas...The remake with Ben Cross I Also loved They should not have cancelled it......Johnny Depp is not a favorite actor of mine, I did see the movie but didn't. care for it... Animation???? Yeesh what a disaster that sounds like...yuk
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G
I loved the original Dark Shadows and never missed an episode. I had such a crush on Barnabas. David Selby was kind of a cutie too 😂
Not sure an animated series is the answer
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L
I am a def a huge fan of Jonathan Frid, What he did as an actor cannot be duplicated in animation - unless - and I know this isn’t the case - the animation follows Jonathan Frid closely. His acting is what made DS work. A small look, a chin tilt, his proper Shakespearean style is what made DS work. I wish you the best and hope it does work.
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D
If they use any music other than Robert Cobert themes they might as well put in the hopper right now. His music themes were as much a part of the shows success as was Jonathan Frid.
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D
I watched the original at 4 , 5, and 6 yrs old. I especially remember the scene where Kate Jackson is being tortured by a ghost in the dollhouse, threatening to set it afire. Scared the crap outta me. The vampire scenes weren't that scary. That was when I was introduced to Miss Jackson. Prettiest girl ever!
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M
The original ought to be left alone as is, good grief, what will be thought of next?
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D
Love this idea, I will be looking forward to seeing it.
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P
I was a loyal fan of the original Dark Shadows. The original show had a unique aura due to its writers. Each show had great suspense and Robert Cobert’s music added to it. Barbara’s Collins and Quentin Collins made the show! Don’t think animated series will capture that same feel
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C
Dark Shadows was great to watch... then. It was original and fun. But on watching today, it's stiff, slow and full of errors. It's a good memory of a different time and place. No more reboots, remakes, retellings, or rehashing the past. Leave Barnabas in his coffin and let him rest in peace.
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C
I absolutely love dark shadows original and the Tim Burton version Deep is a amazing actor.
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C
I hope this animated series works. I've been a fan of DS since the original run way back in 1966, when I was 11 years old.
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S
I used to watch the original dark shadows with my mom as a kid barnabus is this my favorite vampire/ hero I hope to see the series reincarnated.
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D
Barnabas was not a Barnabus. lease at least get the spelling correct.
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A
I enjoyed the Gold Key comics version of DS, and the mass market paperback novels back in the Day so I am very much looking forward to this incarnation. I remember HBO's animated "Spawn" and the WB's "Batman: the animated Series" and if this is done with that level of dedication, it should be amazing!
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S
How very disappointing! So many have been waiting for a new Dark Shadows TV series with actual actors. It was bad enough watching Tim Burton's movie, but an animated version? A CARTOON? Please rethink this. Not going to be a success. A HUGE letdown for Dark Shadows fans everywhere! Not into animated anything. I'm sad.
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K
I'll give anything a try. I wouldn't recommend trying to make it a comedy. That's where they messed up with the movie.
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L
Don't think anyone would accept this without the original voices.
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E
I very rarely watched the TV series, but I LOVE the movie. Animation sounds boring.
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