Like the many cinematic slashers and demonic entities, horror franchises are never truly gone. They are simply waiting for the next revival, sequel, or reboot to bring them back to life again. It’s only been eight years since the last Poltergeist reboot on the big screen, and now there will be another attempt that’ll haunt small screens.
Variety reports that Amblin Television is teaming up with Amazon on a new series set in the same world as the 1982 Poltergeist movie. That film about a family haunted by spirits in their new home, was directed by the legendary Tobe Hooper and co-written/produced by some guy named Steven Spielberg.
The original Poltergeist is a horror classic that turned the phrase “They’re here” into a popular quote for genre fans. Two sequels of diminishing quality and box office were produced, ultimately leading to the 2015 reboot attempt that also failed.
Amazon seems like a good spot for Poltergeist to get off the ground. It all depends on the approach, though. I could easily see it as an anthology similar to American Horror Story, and we’ve seen how well that long-lived series has done.