It was only a matter of time before vampiric soap opera “Dark Shadows” found its way to the movies. The original soap opera ran for five years and gained quite the cult following, with an effort to revitalize a new series in the early nineties. The concept couldn’t gain enough popularity on prime time television, however, and Barnabas Collins fate was left just as up in the air in the nineties as with the original television series.
Now the full story of Barnabas Collins may be told in a movie, with one of the most promising actors to play the lead character since Jonathan Frid originated the role (although I was a big fan of Ben Cross): Johnny Depp. According to Variety, Depp is partnering with Warner Brothers and Graham King’s GK Films to create a “Dark Shadows” feature film, with Depp in line to star.
The article mentions how Depp has discussed a fascination with the show in the past, growing up with a desire to be Barnabas Collins. This truly appears to be a dream-come-true for the eclectic actor. However, Depp’s calendar already appears to be full for a while, between finishing Sweeny Todd, Shantaram, and an untitled project about Alexander Litvineko. So, while Depp may be donning fangs and the wolf-head cane, it still may be a few years before “Dark Shadows” makes its way to the screen.
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well...great for depp, who will be able to fullfill a childhood fantasy- but really sucky for longtime DS fans. He won't be brilliant enough for this. Just because he likes watching it doesnt mean he's even qualified to play Barnabas. I'm afraid that Jonathan Frid will always be Barnabas, and this film will be something that will be publicized so much that it will make true DS fans sick. We have already had to put up with failed attempts to remake Dark Shadows, and even Dan Curtis (the original creator) failed to revive it. Guess Dan had a lot more help from people around him the first time than he wanted to admit himself, because he couldn't do it again. So now, here we go again, now Depp has bought the Old House. He'll never be able to fill it, for anyone who knows who Barnabas is, how complicated he is, and how right the casting was the first time. Dammit, again.
I think it is naive to think that the gothic romantic magic that was Dark Shadows cannot be re-captured - yet again. And I believe it is also somewhat short-sighted to think that another generation and another time cannot appreciate and replicate something as timeless as this series truly was. My feeling has long been that if anyone can pull this kind of project/role off - Mr. Depp certainly can. He is stunning, edgy and has just the right amount of genesequa to bring Barnabas back to us once again.
Though "Barnabas" was definitely the STAR character on DS, the others in the origional cast were exceptional as well. Joan Bennet, Louis Edmonds, Nancy Barrett, Grayson Hall, Lara Parker, David Selby and John Karlen all endeared their charcaters as well. I believe Depp has what it takes to play Barnabas, I'm more concerned that he surrounds himself with equally great talent to play the Collins family, the deliciously evil Angelique, and his true friend- Dr Julia Hoffman...
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It was only a matter of time before vampiric soap opera “Dark Shadows” found its way to the movies. The original soap opera ran for five years and gained quite the cult following, with an effort to revitalize a new series in the early nineties. The concept couldn’t gain enough popularity on prime time television, however, and Barnabas Collins fate was left just as up in the air in the nineties as with the original television series.
July 29th, 2007 at 21:11
I will watch ANYTHING with Johnny Depp in it! He is brilliant.