In the year 1752, Joshua and Naomi Collins, with young son Barnabas ([[Thomas McDonell]]), set sail from Liverpool, England to start a new life in America. But even an ocean was not enough to escape the mysterious curse that has plagued their family. Two decades pass and a grown-up Barnabas ([[Johnny Depp]]) has the world at his feet—or at least the town of Collinsport, Maine. The master of Collinwood Manor, Barnabas is rich, powerful and care-free… until he makes the grave mistake (literally) of breaking the heart of Angelique Bouchard ([[Eva Green]]). A witch, in every sense of the word, Angelique uses her powers to cause the death of Barnabas' parents and then, when she learns he has fallen completely in love with the beautirful Josette duPres ([[Bella Heathcote]]), bewitches Josette into falling to her death from Widow's Hill and, when Barnabas leaps after her to join her in death, dooming him to a fate worse than death: turning him into a vampire, turning the entire town against him and then having him locked inside a chained coffin and buried alive.
+
In the year 1752, Joshua and Naomi Collins, with young son Barnabas ([[Thomas McDonell]]), set sail from Liverpool, England to start a new life in America. But even an ocean was not enough to escape the mysterious curse that has plagued their family. Two decades pass and a grown-up Barnabas ([[Johnny Depp]]) has the world at his feet—or at least the town of Collinsport, Maine. The master of Collinwood Manor, Barnabas is rich, powerful and care-free… until he makes the grave mistake (literally) of breaking the heart of Angelique Bouchard ([[Eva Green]]). A witch, in every sense of the word, Angelique uses her powers to cause the death of Barnabas' parents and then, when she learns he has fallen completely in love with the beautirful Josette duPres ([[Bella Heathcote]]), bewitches Josette into falling to her death from Widow's Hill and, when Barnabas leaps after her to join her in death, dooming him to a fate worse than death: turning him into a vampire, turning the entire town against him and then having him locked inside a chained coffin and buried alive.
−
Two centuries later, Barnabas is inadvertently freed from his tomb and emerges into the very changed world of 1972. After hypnotically enslaving the Collins' handyman Willie Loomis ([[Jackie Earle Haley]]), he returns to Collinwood Manor to find that his once-grand estate has fallen into ruin. The dysfunctional remnants of the Collins family have fared little better, each harboring their own dark secrets. Matriarch Elizabeth Collins Stoddard ([[Michelle Pfeiffer]]) has called upon live-in psychiatrist, Dr. Julia Hoffman ([[Helena Bonham Carter]]), to help with her family troubles. Also residing in the manor is Elizabeth's ne'er-do-well brother, Roger Collins ([[Jonny Lee Miller]]); her rebellious teenage daughter Carolyn Stoddard ([[Chloe Moretz]]); and Roger's precocious 10-year-old son, David Collins ([[Gulliver McGrath]]). After Barnabas reveals both his intentions and a cache of hidden treasure to Elizabeth, she agrees to let him stay ... on the condition that none of the others must know about his curse. Barnabas moves back into Collinwood and quickly becomes accepted by the rest of the family, especially by new governess Victoria Winters (also played by Bella Heathcote) and young David.
+
Two centuries later, Barnabas is inadvertently freed from his tomb and emerges into the very changed world of 1972. After hypnotically enslaving the Collins' handyman Willie Loomis ([[Jackie Earle Haley]]), he returns to Collinwood Manor to find that his once-grand estate has fallen into ruin. The dysfunctional remnants of the Collins family have fared little better, each harboring their own dark secrets. Matriarch Elizabeth Collins Stoddard ([[Michelle Pfeiffer]]) has called upon live-in psychiatrist, Dr. Julia Hoffman ([[Helena Bonham Carter]]), to help with her family troubles. Also residing in the manor is Elizabeth's ne'er-do-well brother, Roger Collins ([[Jonny Lee Miller]]); her rebellious teenage daughter Carolyn Stoddard ([[Chloe Moretz]]); and Roger's precocious 10-year-old son, David Collins ([[Gulliver McGrath]]). After Barnabas reveals both his intentions and a cache of hidden treasure to Elizabeth, she agrees to let him stay ... on the condition that none of the others must know about his curse. Barnabas, in thr guise of a cousin from England, moves back into Collinwood and becomes accepted by the rest of the family, especially by new governess Victoria Winters (also played by Heathcote) and young David.
−
Barnabas plans to first re-establiush the Collins family cannery as a functiong business, something that may prove difficult as the Angel Bay company that currently controls most of the fishing business along the East Coast has contracts with all of the fishing fleets. Barnabas overcomes this difficulty by using his hypnotic powers to "change" the minds of the fleet captains and his hidden wealth to restore the business. However, the well-respected and well-liked owner of the Angel Bay company is none other than Angelique, who (in different guises over the past centuries) has been responsible for the decline of the Collins family and its fortunes, learns of Barnabas' escape from his prison and confronts him. Barnabas tells Elizabeth the truth about Angelique and she encourages him to keep fighting.
+
Barnabas plans to first re-establiush the Collins family cannery as a functiong business, something that may prove difficult as the Angel Bay company that currently controls most of the fishing business along the East Coast has contracts with all of the fishing fleets. Barnabas overcomes this difficulty by using his hypnotic powers to "change" the minds of the fleet captains and his hidden wealth to restore the business. However, the well-respected and well-liked owner of the Angel Bay company is none other than Angelique, who (in different guises over the past centuries) has been responsible for the decline of the Collins family and its fortunes. When she learns of Barnabas' escape from his prison, she confronts him and mocks him as being too out-of-date to do anything to stop her. Barnabas tells Elizabeth the truth about Angelique and she encourages him to keep fighting.
−
Barnabas' eccentric ways are noticed by Dr. Hoffman, who hypnotizes him and learns the truth about him. she confronts Elizabeth, but is told to keep her mouth shut. Becoming fascinated with and by Barnabas, she begins s series of blood transfusions to try and cure him of his condition.
+
Barnabas' eccentric ways are noticed by Dr. Hoffman, who hypnotizes him and learns the truth about him. she confronts Elizabeth, but is told to keep her mouth shut. Becoming fascinated with and by Barnabas, she begins s series of blood transfusions to try and cure him of his condition. In the meantime, Barnabas is becoming attracted to Victoria and turns to Carolyn for advice on modern-day courtship.
−
Barnabas and Elizabeth's plans are coming along well and the Collins cannery re-opens and is successful, much to Angelique's anger. She attempts to buy Barnabas off first with money and then with herself, which results in a torrid act of supernatural passion between them. Barnabas, however, will not be deterred, and his next step is to have the Collins family host a magnificent party to which all of Collinsport (excepting Angelique) will be invited. The party, with special guest performer Alice Cooper, is a smashing success, but four things are revealed: 1) Barnabas learns that Roger Collins has been stealing from the guests during the party and using his son as an unknowing acomplice; 2) he and Victoria discover that they have strong feelings for each other; 3) Victoria reveals to Barnabas her true identity and tragic past as "Maggie Evans"; and 4) Angelique (who has crashed the party) learns of Barnabas' feelings for Victoria.
+
Barnabas and Elizabeth's plans are coming along well and the Collins cannery re-opens and is successful, much to Angelique's anger. She attempts to buy Barnabas off first with money and then with herself, which results in a torrid act of supernatural passion between them. Barnabas, however, will not be deterred, and his next step is to have the Collins family host a magnificent party to which all of Collinsport (excepting Angelique) will be invited. The party, with special guest performer Alice Cooper, is a smashing success, but four things are revealed: 1) Barnabas learns that Roger Collins has been stealing from the guests during the party and using his son as an unknowing accomplice; 2) he and Victoria discover that they have strong feelings for each other; 3) Victoria reveals to Barnabas her true identity and tragic past as "Maggie Evans"; and 4) Angelique (who has crashed the party) learns of Barnabas' feelings for Victoria.
To make matters worse, Barnabas discovers that Dr. Hoffman, instead of trying to cure him, has been transfusing his blood into herself in order to achieve immortality and eternal youth. Enraged at her betrayal, he drains her body dry of blood and life, and with Willie's help dumps her body out at sea wrapped in chains.
Roger attempts to locate the hidden treasure that Barnabas and Elizabeth have been using, planning to steal it for himself. Barnabas catches him in the act and, instead of killing him, forces Roger to make a choice: either stay at Collinwood and be the best possible father to David or leave Collinwoiod forever with enough money to sustain him for the rest of his life. Roger chooses to leave and abandon David, who is heart-broken. Seconds later, Barnabas saves David from being crushed by the falling mirror ball from last night's party, but in doing so his supernatural nature is revealed and both David and Victoria back away from him in horror.
Roger attempts to locate the hidden treasure that Barnabas and Elizabeth have been using, planning to steal it for himself. Barnabas catches him in the act and, instead of killing him, forces Roger to make a choice: either stay at Collinwood and be the best possible father to David or leave Collinwoiod forever with enough money to sustain him for the rest of his life. Roger chooses to leave and abandon David, who is heart-broken. Seconds later, Barnabas saves David from being crushed by a falling mirror ball from last night's party, but in doing so his supernatural nature is revealed and both David and Victoria back away from him in horror.
To make matters worse, Barnabas discovers that Dr. Hoffman, instead of trying to cure him, has been transfusing his blood into herself in order to achieve immortality and eternal youth. Enraged, he drains her body dry of blood anf life, and, with Willie's help, dumps her body out at sea wrapped in chains.
−
Barnabass confront Angelique and demands that she end his curse. She in turn demands that Barnabas become hers for all eternity. When Barnabas refuses, she uses her powers to chain him inside the same coffin she had previously locked him in and has the coffin transported to the Collins family crypt, intending to leave him there while she completes her destruction of the Collins family. Her first act is to magically burn down the Collins cannery and then to publicall;y accuse Barnabas not only of the arson of the carnnery but also of several murders, including Dr. Hoffman. Willie, who has been in the crowd listening, flees to warn the Collinses. Meanwhile, Barnabas is freed from his coffin by David.
+
Barnabass confronts Angelique and demands that she end his curse. She in turn demands that Barnabas become hers for all eternity. When Barnabas refuses, she uses her powers to chain him inside the same coffin she had previously locked him in and has the coffin transported to the Collins family crypt, intending to leave him trapped there while she completes her destruction of the Collins family. Her first act is to magically burn down the Collins cannery and then publicall;y accuse Barnabas not only of the arson of the carnnery but also of several murders, including Dr. Hoffman. Willie, who has been in the crowd listening, flees to warn the Collinses. Meanwhile, Barnabas is freed from his coffin by David.
−
Not knowing that Barnabas has escaped, Angelique leads the police and an angry mob to Collinwood to haver Elizabeth arrested as an accessory to murder. Barnabas appears and deliberately exposes both himself and Angelique as supernatural beings and Angelique as the causeof all. A battle breaks out between the two supernatural creatures and Collinwood is set on fire. Elizabeth and Willie join in the fight on Barnabas' side, but the three are overcome by Angelique's magic. Carolyn, who is revealed to be a werewolf, attacks Angelique but is also defeated. Only David is left to oppose Angelique, who reveals that she not only caused Carolyn to become a werewolf but was also responsible for the death of David's mother moves in for the kill, but the ghost of David's mother appears, attacks and fatally overpowers Angelique. Barnabas orders the family to flee from the burning house and faces the dying Angelique for the last time, telling her that she too was cursed but that her curse was that she could never love.
+
Not knowing that Barnabas has escaped, Angelique leads the police and an angry mob to Collinwood to have Elizabeth arrested as an accessory to murder. Barnabas appears and deliberately exposes both himself and Angelique as supernatural beings and Angelique as the one responsible. A battle breaks out between the two supernatural creatures and Collinwood is set on fire. Elizabeth and Willie join in the fight on Barnabas' side, but the three are overcome by Angelique's magic. Carolyn, who is revealed to be a werewolf, also attacks Angelique but is defeated. Only David is left to oppose Angelique, who reveals that she not only caused Carolyn to become a werewolf but was also responsible for the death of David's mother, moves in for the kill, but the ghost of David's mother appears, attacks and fatally overpowers Angelique. Barnabas orders the family to flee from the burning house and faces the dying Angelique for the last time, telling her that she too was cursed but that her curse was that she could never truly love.
−
However, Angelique's evil is not over; she had placed the same bewitchment on Victoria that she used to cause Josette';s death. Warned by David, Barnabas races to Widow's Hill, where he gets to Victoria in time. However, she sadly tells him that they have no future together, and that she is a being of the day while he is a creature of the night ... unless he makes her like himself. In horror, Barnabas refuses and with a sad smille, Victoria, like Josette before her, falls from the cliff. Again as before, Barnabas throws himself after her and manages to bite her before they both strike the rocks below. He survives, but it seems that Victoria is dead ... until she opens her eyes and tells him "I am Josette." While Victoria Winters is dead, her body has been possessed by the spirit of Josette and is now, like him, a vampire. They embrace, reunited and together at last.
+
However, Angelique's evil is not over; she had placed the same bewitchment on Victoria that she used to cause Josette';s death. Warned by David, Barnabas races to Widow's Hill, where he reaches Victoria in time. However, she sadly tells him that they have no future together, that she is a being of the day while he is a creature of the night ... unless he makes her like himself. In horror, Barnabas refuses, and with a sad smille Victoria, like Josette before her, falls from the cliff. Again as before, Barnabas throws himself after her and manages to bite her before they both strike the rocks below. He survives, but it seems that Victoria is dead ... until she opens her eyes and tells him "I am Josette." While Victoria Winters is dead, her body has been possessed by the spirit of Josette and is now, like him, a vampire. They embrace, reunited and together at last.
Out somewhere at the bottom of the sea, the chained body of Dr. Hoffman suddenly opens its eyes ...
Out somewhere at the bottom of the sea, the chained body of Dr. Hoffman suddenly opens its eyes ...
United States: May 11, 2012 United Kingdom: May 11, 2012 Australia: May 10, 2012
Running time
1 hour, 53 minutes
Budget
$150,000,000
Domestic Gross
$75,326,878 (domestic); $135,000,000 (international); $210,326,878 (worldwide total as of 6/18)
MPAA Rating
PG-13
Preceded by
Followed by
Dark Shadows is a feature film loosely based on the original daytime serial that ran from 1966 to 1971. The primary action takes place in 1972, with opening scenes set in the 18th century in order to provide the film's essential backstory.
In the year 1752, Joshua and Naomi Collins, with young son Barnabas (Thomas McDonell), set sail from Liverpool, England to start a new life in America. But even an ocean was not enough to escape the mysterious curse that has plagued their family. Two decades pass and a grown-up Barnabas (Johnny Depp) has the world at his feet—or at least the town of Collinsport, Maine. The master of Collinwood Manor, Barnabas is rich, powerful and care-free… until he makes the grave mistake (literally) of breaking the heart of Angelique Bouchard (Eva Green). A witch, in every sense of the word, Angelique uses her powers to cause the death of Barnabas' parents and then, when she learns he has fallen completely in love with the beautirful Josette duPres (Bella Heathcote), bewitches Josette into falling to her death from Widow's Hill and, when Barnabas leaps after her to join her in death, dooming him to a fate worse than death: turning him into a vampire, turning the entire town against him and then having him locked inside a chained coffin and buried alive.
Two centuries later, Barnabas is inadvertently freed from his tomb and emerges into the very changed world of 1972. After hypnotically enslaving the Collins' handyman Willie Loomis (Jackie Earle Haley), he returns to Collinwood Manor to find that his once-grand estate has fallen into ruin. The dysfunctional remnants of the Collins family have fared little better, each harboring their own dark secrets. Matriarch Elizabeth Collins Stoddard (Michelle Pfeiffer) has called upon live-in psychiatrist, Dr. Julia Hoffman (Helena Bonham Carter), to help with her family troubles. Also residing in the manor is Elizabeth's ne'er-do-well brother, Roger Collins (Jonny Lee Miller); her rebellious teenage daughter Carolyn Stoddard (Chloe Moretz); and Roger's precocious 10-year-old son, David Collins (Gulliver McGrath). After Barnabas reveals both his intentions and a cache of hidden treasure to Elizabeth, she agrees to let him stay ... on the condition that none of the others must know about his curse. Barnabas, in thr guise of a cousin from England, moves back into Collinwood and becomes accepted by the rest of the family, especially by new governess Victoria Winters (also played by Heathcote) and young David.
Barnabas plans to first re-establiush the Collins family cannery as a functiong business, something that may prove difficult as the Angel Bay company that currently controls most of the fishing business along the East Coast has contracts with all of the fishing fleets. Barnabas overcomes this difficulty by using his hypnotic powers to "change" the minds of the fleet captains and his hidden wealth to restore the business. However, the well-respected and well-liked owner of the Angel Bay company is none other than Angelique, who (in different guises over the past centuries) has been responsible for the decline of the Collins family and its fortunes. When she learns of Barnabas' escape from his prison, she confronts him and mocks him as being too out-of-date to do anything to stop her. Barnabas tells Elizabeth the truth about Angelique and she encourages him to keep fighting.
Barnabas' eccentric ways are noticed by Dr. Hoffman, who hypnotizes him and learns the truth about him. she confronts Elizabeth, but is told to keep her mouth shut. Becoming fascinated with and by Barnabas, she begins s series of blood transfusions to try and cure him of his condition. In the meantime, Barnabas is becoming attracted to Victoria and turns to Carolyn for advice on modern-day courtship.
Barnabas and Elizabeth's plans are coming along well and the Collins cannery re-opens and is successful, much to Angelique's anger. She attempts to buy Barnabas off first with money and then with herself, which results in a torrid act of supernatural passion between them. Barnabas, however, will not be deterred, and his next step is to have the Collins family host a magnificent party to which all of Collinsport (excepting Angelique) will be invited. The party, with special guest performer Alice Cooper, is a smashing success, but four things are revealed: 1) Barnabas learns that Roger Collins has been stealing from the guests during the party and using his son as an unknowing accomplice; 2) he and Victoria discover that they have strong feelings for each other; 3) Victoria reveals to Barnabas her true identity and tragic past as "Maggie Evans"; and 4) Angelique (who has crashed the party) learns of Barnabas' feelings for Victoria.
To make matters worse, Barnabas discovers that Dr. Hoffman, instead of trying to cure him, has been transfusing his blood into herself in order to achieve immortality and eternal youth. Enraged at her betrayal, he drains her body dry of blood and life, and with Willie's help dumps her body out at sea wrapped in chains.
Roger attempts to locate the hidden treasure that Barnabas and Elizabeth have been using, planning to steal it for himself. Barnabas catches him in the act and, instead of killing him, forces Roger to make a choice: either stay at Collinwood and be the best possible father to David or leave Collinwoiod forever with enough money to sustain him for the rest of his life. Roger chooses to leave and abandon David, who is heart-broken. Seconds later, Barnabas saves David from being crushed by a falling mirror ball from last night's party, but in doing so his supernatural nature is revealed and both David and Victoria back away from him in horror.
Barnabass confronts Angelique and demands that she end his curse. She in turn demands that Barnabas become hers for all eternity. When Barnabas refuses, she uses her powers to chain him inside the same coffin she had previously locked him in and has the coffin transported to the Collins family crypt, intending to leave him trapped there while she completes her destruction of the Collins family. Her first act is to magically burn down the Collins cannery and then publicall;y accuse Barnabas not only of the arson of the carnnery but also of several murders, including Dr. Hoffman. Willie, who has been in the crowd listening, flees to warn the Collinses. Meanwhile, Barnabas is freed from his coffin by David.
Not knowing that Barnabas has escaped, Angelique leads the police and an angry mob to Collinwood to have Elizabeth arrested as an accessory to murder. Barnabas appears and deliberately exposes both himself and Angelique as supernatural beings and Angelique as the one responsible. A battle breaks out between the two supernatural creatures and Collinwood is set on fire. Elizabeth and Willie join in the fight on Barnabas' side, but the three are overcome by Angelique's magic. Carolyn, who is revealed to be a werewolf, also attacks Angelique but is defeated. Only David is left to oppose Angelique, who reveals that she not only caused Carolyn to become a werewolf but was also responsible for the death of David's mother, moves in for the kill, but the ghost of David's mother appears, attacks and fatally overpowers Angelique. Barnabas orders the family to flee from the burning house and faces the dying Angelique for the last time, telling her that she too was cursed but that her curse was that she could never truly love.
However, Angelique's evil is not over; she had placed the same bewitchment on Victoria that she used to cause Josette';s death. Warned by David, Barnabas races to Widow's Hill, where he reaches Victoria in time. However, she sadly tells him that they have no future together, that she is a being of the day while he is a creature of the night ... unless he makes her like himself. In horror, Barnabas refuses, and with a sad smille Victoria, like Josette before her, falls from the cliff. Again as before, Barnabas throws himself after her and manages to bite her before they both strike the rocks below. He survives, but it seems that Victoria is dead ... until she opens her eyes and tells him "I am Josette." While Victoria Winters is dead, her body has been possessed by the spirit of Josette and is now, like him, a vampire. They embrace, reunited and together at last.
Out somewhere at the bottom of the sea, the chained body of Dr. Hoffman suddenly opens its eyes ...
Produced by Johnny Depp, Richard D. Zanuck, David Kennedy, Graham King, and Christi Dembrowski
Development
December 2008 saw the announcement that the film is due to begin shooting in London in summer 2009. Oscar winning producer and longtime Johnny Depp collaborator Richard D. Zanuck confirmed in an interview on Collider.com that he will be producing the project, which would star Depp and be directed by Tim Burton. The trio have previously worked on the gothic-flavored Sweeney Todd, plus the upcoming Alice in Wonderland. As previously reported, Johnny Depp's production company Infinitum-Nihil are producing the film for Warner Bros, with a script by John August, who wrote the recent Charlie and the Chocolate Factory adaptation. David Kennedy and Graham King are also attached to the project as producers.
Tim Burton directs Johnny Depp as Barnabas Collins
The July 5, 2009 edition of Parade noted that Jonathan Frid might make a cameo in the upcoming film.
As press coverage of Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland continues, a few more details about the director's upcoming Dark Shadows feature film have emerged. Speaking to FilmShaft, the project's producer, Richard Zanuck, reveals: "I’m going to be doing Dark Shadows with Johnny [Depp] and Tim later towards the end of the year... But we’re shooting over here [London] even though the movie is set in Portland, Maine (sic). We’ve got the stages at Pinewood lined up." Located in Buckinghamshire, England, Pinewood Studios is probably best known as the home of the James Bond movies; Tim Burton previously filmed Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Sweeney Todd at the studios.
As pre-production on the Dark Shadows feature film continues, Warner Bros have announced that the film will be released in conjunction with Imax. The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that Imax will showcase up to 20 Warner movies in the next three years, including Dark Shadows. Imax is a high definition format, projected on much larger screens than conventional cinema, and can accommodate 3D movies. In recent years, Warners have released 10 3D titles, though it's unconfirmed that Dark Shadows will be a candidate for 3D treatment.
Illfracombe People reports that director Tim Burton paid a visit to the village of Ilfracombe, Devon by helicopter on Tuesday January 18 to look at locations for an upcoming project, believed to be Dark Shadows. Burton has filmed in the south west of England before, shooting sequences for Alice in Wonderland in Cornwall. Though unconfirmed officially, the piece reports that Burton has recently looked at a number of locations in North Devon, including the fishing town of Clovelly. [1]
British tabloid newspaper The Sun claims that Johnny Depp has embarked on a weight loss regime as he prepares for his role as Barnabas. The newspaper reports that the actor is keen to "look as gaunt as possible" and hopes to get his weight down to 10 stone (140 lbs) with a diet of green tea and low fructose fruit before filming begins in April. [2]
Variety reports that casting is underway for Tim Burton's Dark Shadows movie, with Australian actress Bella Heathcote in discussions to play the role of heroine Victoria Winters. Heathcote's previous credits include the films Acolytes and Beneath Hill 60, plus a stint on soap opera Neighbours. Most recently, she has been cast to appear alongside Justin Timberlake in Now. The same article also confirms that Dark Shadows is slated for a 2012 release and that Christi Dembrowski is working on the film as a producer, alongside the previously announced Richard Zanuck and David Kennedy. [3]
On Deadline Hollywood, columnist Mike Fleming says that Jackie Earle Haley is the contender for the role of Barnabas' drifter servant Willie Loomis. Haley is probably best known for playing Freddy Krueger in the recent remake of A Nightmare on Elm Street, along with roles in Shutter Island and the comic book adaptation Watchmen. [4]
Industry website IMDB is reporting a number of crew appointments for Tim Burton's Dark Shadows feature film, as pre-production continues. Derek Frey is now listed as associate producer, having previously worked alongside Tim Burton on several film projects. Katterli Frauenfelder, another frequent Burton collaborator, is the project's first assistant director. On the visual side, Andrew Bennett has joined the project as assistant art director. His previous credits include The Wolfman, Clash of the Titans and the Harry Potter series. Elsewhere, Cheryl Beasley is the film's costume supervisor, with Courtney Hoffman as costume buyer.
The MTV Movie Blog reports that casting for Tim Burton's Dark Shadows movie is continuing apace, with two major names currently in discussions for the roles of Elizabeth Collins Stoddard and Dr. Julia Hoffman. Oscar-nominated actress Michelle Pfeiffer is linked with the part of Collinwood matriarch Elizabeth Collins Stoddard, a character originally played by Hollywood legend Joan Bennett. Pfeiffer previously worked with Burton on Batman Returns, giving one of her most memorable performances as Catwoman. Her other roles include The Fabulous Baker Boys, Dangerous Liaisons, Frankie and Johnny, and more recently Stardust.
Tim Burton directs Michelle Pfeiffer and Johnny Lee Miller.
Meanwhile, Tim Burton's partner and frequent collaborator Helena Bonham Carter is set to play Barnabas' ally Dr. Julia Hoffman, first portrayed by Grayson Hall. Carter is currently riding high from her acclaimed role in The King's Speech, which netted her a BAFTA award at the weekend. She has appeared alongside Johnny Depp in Burton's Sweeney Todd and Alice in Wonderland, and features in the Harry Potter films as Bellatrix Lestrange. Her other credits include Fight Club, The Wings of the Dove and Terminator Salvation. [5]
While promoting her new movie Cracks, actress Eva Green has spoken briefly about her role as the witch Angelique in the new Dark Shadows feature film, a part originally played by Lara Parker. In a video interview for website Cinema Blend, the actress revealed "I'm shooting Dark Shadows in a month in London. It's a great piece, an amazing crazy role. I'm looking forward to it." Speaking of her inspirations for playing the character, she cites "Bette Davis and Janis Joplin, mixed together." In a longer interview for MTV's Movie Blog, Eva confirmed recent speculation that the the film will have a retro setting and that Angelique will still be blonde-haired. "I haven't seen the TV series, but from what I've seen... it's very different. My character is very different. She's American, blonde, cool, in the seventies. She is this sexy witch, very powerful in town, she's very cool. She has many faces." When asked about director Tim Burton's vision for the project, she suggested that "It's something that he's never done... It's much more focused on the actors. It could almost be a play. The script is very powerful and funny. [Angelique's] relationship with Barnabas, that Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? relationship, very love-hate – it's very funny." [6]
Online entertainment blog The Playlist reports that Welsh actor Michael Sheen is in talks to join the cast of Tim Burton's Dark Shadows movie. Playlist has "confirmed with sources close to the production" that the actor is "in early discussions for supporting role in the film, though it's not yet clear just who he'll been playing." Michael Sheen is an acclaimed character actor, with a distinguished list of credits including many biographical roles. His work includes Frost/Nixon, The Queen and Alice in Wonderland for Tim Burton, along with recurring roles in the Twilight films and television's 30 Rock. Speculation has begun that his potential role might be that of Roger Collins, originally played by Louis Edmonds. The character was the troubled brother of Collinwood's matriarch, Elizabeth Collins Stoddard, set to be played by Michelle Pfeiffer in the new film; So far, it has not been confirmed if Roger features in the film's storyline. [7]
Johnny Depp's Dark Shadows wardrobe will be archived in his Santa Monica showroom where he stores the costumes from every film he’s ever made, a stipulation that he has in each contract. [8]
This is Jonathan Frid's final film before his passing on April 13th, 2012.
The action for the story takes place in 1972, one year after the original series ended.
