While the prospect of summoning Hellraiser again has gone through various stages of pain mixed with twisted pleasure—each suggestion of a PG-13 remake or a cable TV series another tenterhook in the flesh that keeps it suspended and writhing—today comes the first sign of our release. Clive Barker has announced that he will be the one to write the remake of his own film, having convinced, possibly through delicious torment, Bob Weinstein and Dimension Films with his pitch for “telling the story with a fresh intensity, honoring the structure and the designs from the first incarnation, but hopefully creating an even darker and richer film.”
And while “richer” in modern movie terms often means “throwing more expensive computer effects on it,” Barker promises his new Hellraiser “will not be a film awash in CGI,” as he remains committed to “the power of practical make-up effects.” Even more importantly, he remains committed to the idea that “there could never be a Pinhead without Doug Bradley,” so Bradley will return as the leather daddy of the underworld. Even better, the film will be rated R, rather than having such sights to show you, but also making sure those sights are appropriate for a teenage audience.
Of course, some may wonder at the reasoning behind the exact same creative team remaking its own, perfectly fine movie, besides money. But considering the alternatives, that’s a puzzle box that need not be opened. Today, Jesus no longer wept. Maaaybe Jesus sniffled. [via Shock Till You Drop]