Clive Barker says he has new ideas for the “Hellraiser” franchise and wants to bring them to the screen, nearly 40 years after he wrote and directed the original 1987 film. Barker credited the recently released Hellraiser: Revival video game for reigniting his interest in expanding the horror universe he created, according to Deadline.
“I think what was achieved in the game is a wake-up call to anyone who’s been involved in the making of a franchise like Hellraiser,” Barker told Dread Central. “It says to get your ideas warmed over so you can go back into existing worlds in a brand new way. I have many ideas that I’d like to see realized in the Hellraiser universe, and I’m planning to keep my fingers in that pie.”
What Barker Announced About A New Hellraiser Movie
Barker’s comments came after Saber Interactive released Hellraiser: Revival, a video game set in the world he first introduced in his 1986 novella “The Hellbound Heart.” That novella served as the basis for the original “Hellraiser” film, which Barker both wrote and directed in 1987, introducing audiences to Pinhead (Doug Bradley).
Barker did not announce a specific movie project, timeline or platform, and did not say whether he would direct.
What It Means For Fans Of The Franchise
For longtime fans, Barker’s statement signals that the creator behind Pinhead is personally interested in steering where the franchise goes next, rather than leaving it entirely in other hands. The Hellraiser series has grown into 11 films along with books, comics and other games since the original movie debuted, but Barker’s direct involvement in new material has been limited in recent decades.
That changed in 2020, when Barker reclaimed U.S. rights to the franchise. In 2022, he joined the Hulu reboot directed by David Bruckner as a producer. His latest comments suggest he wants to build on that renewed creative control with fresh film ideas, though nothing has been formally announced beyond his interest.
Background On The Franchise
Barker wrote and directed the original “Hellraiser” in 1987 based on his 1986 novella “The Hellbound Heart.” The franchise has since included 11 films, multiple books, comics and video games. The 2022 Hulu reboot marked Barker’s return as a producer after he reclaimed U.S. rights in 2020.
What’s Next
No studio, release date or project title has been confirmed for any new Hellraiser film. Barker’s comments to Deadline indicate he intends to stay involved in shaping the franchise’s future, but further details depend on what he or a studio partner announces next.
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