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.
