Legendary director, M. Night Shyamalan, has been tapped to resurrect a comedy horror classic. Tales from the Crypt, an anthology show that premiered on HBO in 1989, and concluded in 1996, will return during the fall of this year on TNT.
The reboot will represent a two-hour block of time that is expected to cover a variety of genres, especially horror and comedy, two things that Crypt was known for. Based on a comic book series from EC Comics, it was groundbreaking by being one of the first anthology shows that was free from FCC censorship, due to its broadcasting from HBO. This allowed displays of sexuality, violence, and strong language, which would be edited for syndication.
Shyamalan, earning his reputation directing hit movies, such as The Sixth Sense and Unbreakable, will act as curator and producer for the show. He is expected to direct the first episode, from which guest directors will take over future stories.” To be part of such a beloved brand like Tales From the Crypt, something I grew up watching,” Shyamalan said in a statement, “and to also have the chance to push the boundaries of genre television as a whole, is an inspiring opportunity that I can’t wait to dive into.” The director is currently acting as executive producer for the Fox mystery series Wayward Pines, which has been picked up for a second season.
Stories for the show will not only be new material, but derived from the original 1950’s comics as well.
While the show never won an Emmy, it developed a strong cult following for pushing narrative boundaries, combining humor and horror. Also, actors like Tim Curry and Kirk Douglas were praised for their character portrayals within their respective episodes.
Tales From the Crypt created a lasting legacy over the following decades: several movies were created, such as Demon Knight in 1995, and Bordello of Blood in 1996. A Saturday morning children’s cartoon titled Tales from the Cryptkeeper was also produced, lasting one season from 1993 to 1994.
What’s your take on Shyamalan leading this new take on a classic show? As always, let us know in the comments below.
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