Posted in: CW, TV | Tagged: Barnabas Collins, cable, cbs, dark shadows, jonathan frid, soap opera, streaming, Supernatural, television, the cw, tv, vampires, Warner Bros Television

"Dark Shadows: Reincarnation" – CW, WBTV Teaming for Cult Classic Continuation

The CW and Warner Bros. Televsion are hoping that the the fourth time's the charm, with the network and studio teaming up for Dark Shadows: Reincarnation, based on the 1966 cult classic television horror soap opera from Dan Curtis. Written by Mark B. Perry (Revenge, Ghost Whisperer), the hour-long gothic drama is set to be executive produced by Curtis' daughters Tracy Curtis and Cathy Curtis, Bradley Gallo, Tracy Mercer (Madam Secretary), and Amasia Entertainment's Michael Helfant.

"As a first-generation fan, it's been a dream of mine to give Dark Shadows the Star Trek treatment since way back in the '80s when Next Generation was announced, so I'm beyond thrilled and humbled to be entrusted with this resurrection. And while I could never hope to fill Dan Curtis' very large shoes, I do aspire to carry them a little farther into the future. I also want to reassure the fans of the original that this version will treat the show's mythology with the same reverence given to Star Trek, but will also make the show accessible for audiences who aren't yet familiar with the macabre world of the Collinses. My plan is to take as few liberties as possible with the Dark Shadows canon, while bearing in mind a quote from a 1970s episode delivered by the inimitable Oscar-nominee Grayson Hall as Dr. Julia Hoffman: 'The Collins family history is not particularly famous for its accuracy.'"

– Mark B. Perry

The original series catapaulted actor Jonathan Frid to the top of the pop culture landscape during the series' original run for his portrayal of vampire Barnabas Collins – a history the new series intends to build from. The new series will be a modern-day continuation of the strange, terrifying, and sexy saga of the Collins family of Collinsport, Maine — a mysterious, influential, publicity-shy group hiding a ghastly secret: For the past 400 years, they've lived under a curse that bedevils their blue blood with every imaginable supernatural creature and horror.

"I knew Tracy was a die-hard fan of my father's work and would protect his vision by bringing on someone who understood how special this property is. My expectations were surpassed when she introduced us to Mark and I heard his incredible take. I felt my father was watching from above and smiling down on us. Tracy and I couldn't be happier to have Mark take viewers back to Collinwood. Mark has opened up our father's universe with fresh storylines and new characters that will delight original fans even as they thrill younger viewers. Mark's talent, unique take, and absolute fanboy love for Dark Shadows made him our ideal showrunner."

– Tracy Curtis

Original series creator Curtis made several attempts to restart the franchise in the past, including a 1995 series, a 2005 telepic, and a feature film directed by Tim Burton (Ed Wood) in 2012.

"We were thrilled to be in a competitive situation with the pitch for DSR. Gaye Hirsch and her team have a stellar track record with smart genre programming, so The CW makes total sense for this new incarnation of the godfather of horror TV."

– Michael Helfant

Deadline Hollywood

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