According to reports, Amazon’s streaming platform, Prime Video, is considering developing a Poltergeist reboot. Produced by Steven Spielberg, the original 1982 supernatural thriller is considered an iconic ghost story and has spawned two sequels, a TV series, and a poorly received movie reboot. Now, thanks to Amazon’s acquisition of MGM, the dormant Poltergeist franchise may have a chance at being revived.
Entertainment insider Jeff Sneider recently appeared on the Hot Mic podcast and revealed that Amazon has been reviewing the intellectual property they obtained from the MGM purchase, with Poltergeist reportedly being a priority. However, one potential issue is Spielberg’s involvement, as he may need to be part of the project for Amazon to proceed. While the original Poltergeist was once an iconic film, it has lost some of its luster in the era of modern horror franchises like The Conjuring and Paranormal Activity.
This was particularly evident when the franchise was rebooted in 2015. Despite earning $95 million at the box office, the reboot failed to launch Poltergeist as a new franchise due to criticism that it merely copied the original formula without adding anything new. Additionally, the film faced stiff competition from other supernatural horror movies already in theaters. The fact that Poltergeist is a well-known title with some nostalgia value might be what makes it an attractive property for Amazon to pursue.
While it may not have as much value as other current supernatural franchises, it is a familiar title that people may have fond memories of, making it a good choice for a reboot. However, Amazon will need to carefully consider how to approach a Poltergeist reboot, given the mixed reception to the 2015 film. One possible approach is to bring in fresh talent to give the franchise a new spin, rather than simply repeating the original formula. This could include bringing in a new director, writer, or even cast members to give the reboot a distinct identity.
Another challenge is competing with existing horror franchises that have already established themselves in the market. It will be important for Amazon to find a way to make a Poltergeist reboot stand out from the crowd and offer something new to audiences. Perhaps by incorporating modern technology, social media, or other contemporary themes, the reboot could be updated for a new generation while still paying homage to the original. Overall, it will be interesting to see how Amazon approaches the Poltergeist franchise and whether they are able to successfully revive it. With so much IP at its disposal, it is likely that the company will continue to explore the potential of classic titles, while also finding new ways to innovate in the horror genre.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter for more content.
Also Watch:
