Back in January, TNT announced that the iconic horror TV seriesTales From the Cryptwill be rebooted as part of the network’s new horror block curated byM. Night Shyamalan. Back in April, the network revealed that the show isn’t expected to debut until late 2017. But earlier this week, rumors surfaced that this new project may be in trouble, if not completely dead. Shortly after that report, a TNT representative confirmed that the project is still happening, while explaining why there hasn’t been much progress thus far.
Bloody-Disgustingfiled the original report earlier this week, with sources claiming thatTales From the Crypt, along with the other shows in this horror block such asTime of DeathandCreatures, have ceased development due to budget issues. TNT issued a statement to the site, clarifying that the network is still trying to solve rights issues for this highly-anticipated project. Here’s what the network representative had to say below.
“The underlying rights to this classic,vintage propertyare complicated. TNT and others have been pursuing a solution for more than a year, with significant progress being made. We look forward to the potential for further active development of this valuable franchise once the clearance process is fully resolved.”
Shortly after news of this show first surfaced, other reports claimed that this reboot would not feature the classicCrypt Keeper, butM. Night Shyamalanlater clarified on Twitter that the show would feature a new version of this character. Another report claimed that this new Crypt Keeper would be an “old man in a hood, holding a cane.” This character will be seated by a fireplace as he tells these new stories, with this character staying more true to the original EC Comics. The HBO Crypt Keeper, who was voiced byJohn Kassir, was created specifically for that series.
TNT also announced in June that the network will team up with WattPad to findfan-generated storiesfor this new season ofTales From the Crypt. Writers will be invited to bring their story ideas forward through contests and other opportunities that will be announced on the official Turner profile on Wattpad. TNT issued a 10-episode order forTales from the Cryptearlier this year, although no cast members have been announced at this time. TNT presidentKevin Reillyrevealed in August that the horror block will feature “a half-hour anthology and then a one-hour original show with some shorts in between”.
TNT’s new horror block marks the latest incarnation ofTales from the Crypt, which originated as a 1950’s EC Comics series created by William Gaines. In addition toShyamalanandAshwin Rajan,James D. Stern(Looper,Freeheld) is executive-producingTales from the Cryptwith his company Endgame Entertainment. Aloris Entertainment’sJohn Santilli(The English Teacher,Missing William) andDan McKinnon(Missing William) will also executive-produce. The original comics spawned multiple seasons of the cult classic show for HBO and became a worldwide brand. Hopefully we’ll have more on theTales From the Cryptseries very soon.
