The "Poltergeist" television series, currently in the throes of development at Amazon MGM Studios, has taken a leap forward, igniting anticipation among horror enthusiasts. Exclusively revealed by Variety, the project has welcomed Kalinda Vazquez and Robbie Thompson aboard as the dynamic duo behind the pen, showrunners, and executive producers, propelling the series into new heights.
Having been whispered about in the early stages of development since October 2023, the series remains shrouded in mystery, save for its roots deeply embedded in the iconic 1982 horror film that sent shivers down spines worldwide.
Vazquez, a seasoned television veteran with credits spanning "Star Trek: Discovery," "Once Upon a Time," "Fear the Walking Dead," "Prison Break," and "Nikita," brings a wealth of storytelling prowess to the table. Her collaboration with Marvel, notably co-authoring the groundbreaking comic book series "America Chavez: Made in the USA" alongside Carlos Gomez, further underscores her versatility and creativity.
Thompson, a seasoned writer and former co-executive producer on multiple seasons of "Supernatural," adds another layer of expertise to the mix. He not only created but also steered the "Supernatural" prequel series "The Winchesters" at The CW, showcasing his mastery over the supernatural genre. Renowned in the comic book world as well, Thompson has penned tales for Silk, Venom, Doctor Strange, and Spider-Man, solidifying his status as a force to be reckoned with.
Vazquez is represented by a formidable trio of WME, Kaplan/Perrone Entertainment, and Hansen Jacobson, while Thompson boasts a formidable team of WME, Artists First, and Sloane Offer by his side.
Steven Spielberg's Amblin Television, the very studio that birthed the original film with Spielberg's visionary storytelling, screenplay co-writing, and producing prowess, now stands at the helm of this television adaptation. Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey of Amblin TV join as executive producers, ensuring that the spirit of the original film lives on in this thrilling new series.
The original cinematic masterpiece, "Poltergeist," intricately weaves a tale centered around the Freeling family, whose idyllic move into a fresh abode soon unveils a sinister secret: their new home is plagued by a legion of restless spirits. When these eerie entities abduct their beloved young daughter, the Freelings embark on a perilous journey, partnering with a seasoned parapsychologist and a gifted spiritual medium, to rescue their child and unravel the spectral nightmare gripping their lives.
Upon its thrilling debut, "Poltergeist" captured the hearts and minds of audiences worldwide, emerging as a resounding triumph. With a mere $10.7 million invested, it grossed an astonishing $121 million globally, solidifying its place as a box-office sensation. The film's visual mastery, immersive sound design, and haunting score also garnered critical acclaim, earning it three prestigious Academy Award nominations, including Best Visual Effects, Best Sound Editing, and Best Original Score.
The franchise's momentum continued with two gripping sequels in 1986 and 1988, each deepening the mythology and expanding the world of the Freeling family's supernatural struggles. Notably, Zelda Rubinstein, who breathed life into the enigmatic medium Tangina Barrons, and Heather O'Rourke, who portrayed the charming Carol Anne Freeling, stood as the sole constants, their iconic performances threading through all three chapters of this chilling saga.
Fast-forwarding to 2015, the timeless tale of "Poltergeist" was reimagined for a new generation, with a reboot that paid homage to the original while forging its own path, igniting a fresh wave of terror and nostalgia among moviegoers.
