Warner Bros. Animation is bringing Dark Shadows back from the grave. The studio is developing a new adult animated series based on the cult Gothic soap opera.
The Hollywood Reporter has learned that the 1960s television favorite will be reimagined for animation. The new series will revisit the world of tormented vampire Barnabas Collins and his supernaturally dysfunctional family.
A Cult Classic Returns
Dan Curtis created the original Dark Shadows, which aired weekdays on ABC from 1966 to 1971. The series became one of daytime television’s first major hits and built a devoted following.
Over time, Dark Shadows grew into an enduring cult classic. The franchise also inspired several film adaptations, including Tim Burton’s 2012 feature starring Johnny Depp and Michelle Pfeiffer.
The Collins Family Saga Continues
Warner Bros. Animation said the new Dark Shadows series will continue the saga of the Collins family. The official log line reads, “Blending gothic, horror, and supernatural genres, this coming adaptation promises all the dark twists and romantic intrigue that defined the transformational series across its 1200-plus episode run.”
The project keeps the franchise rooted in Gothic horror and supernatural drama. It also aims to preserve the romantic intrigue that helped define the original series.
Lisa Holdsworth Leads the Series
Lisa Holdsworth will executive produce and serve as showrunner. Holdsworth created the Channel 4 series Dreamers and has written for Sky’s Discovery of Witches and the BBC’s Call the Midwife.
Cathy Curtis, Tracy Curtis, Eric Homan, Kevin Kolde and Fred Seibert will also executive produce. The series remains in development, and Warner Bros. Animation has not announced a delivery timeline.
Adult Animation Slate Expands
Warner Bros. Animation announced the project during its studio focus panel at Annecy. Peter Girardi, executive vp alternative programming, and Shaleen Desai, senior vp adult series, previewed the studio’s adult animation slate during the event.
The Dark Shadows reboot adds another legacy title to the studio’s adult animation plans. It also gives the Collins family a new format for its next supernatural chapter.
