In a year where it seems like each day brings new setbacks and heartbreaks, looking forward to ANYTHING is kind of the only thing we can do. Today, Universal Pictures released a new teaser trailer for their upcoming film “Halloween Kills,” which is the direct sequel to 2018’s “Halloween” reboot (yet continuation???) of the original film starring Jamie Lee Curtis.
The teaser, while great, comes with a bit of sad news, that Universal Pictures and Blumhouse are pushing back the release date of both “Halloween Kills” and “Halloween Ends” to October 15, 2021 and October 14, 2022 respectively.
Check out the teaser below, and then the letter from original “Halloween” director/creator/composer John Carpenter and franchise reboot director David Gordon Green about the delay.
We write this to you heartbroken over the fact that the delay of our film is even a discussion, but if there’s one thing that a career in the film industry has prepared us for, it is the unexpected. Over the past few weeks, our film family has looked at the forecast of theatrical exhibition with obvious concern. We have discussed and struggled with how best to present “Halloween Kills” to the loyal fans around the world, as well as the new audience we hope to invite to this experience.
It was a wild and vibrant production. We lined up a cast of legacy characters like Laurie and Tommy, Lindsey, Lonnie, Marion, Brackett and The Shape, then alongside some new faces, we aggressively made the second chapter of our “Halloween” trilogy. It unfolded into an experience that was a creative playground and we feel confident that our misfit pleasures will be seen as an unexpected entry into this franchise.
If we release it in October of this year as planned, we have to face the reality that the film would be consumed in a compromised theatrical experience. After weighing our options, we have chosen to push the film’s theatrical release by one year.
On top of a traditional release, Universal has agreed to an IMAX presentation of the film in October 2021. We are sound mixing with one of the greatest design teams that can slash, scream and creep their way under your skin. We’re going to have time to complete the film with the quality that fans deserve. And preparation on “Halloween Ends” has begun as well.
It is an honor to be working with these characters and spending time in Haddonfield. We look forward to sharing our next chapters with you.
“Halloween Kills” and “Halloween Ends” will hit theaters on October 15, 2021 and October 14, 2022 respectively.
