“Viewer beware, you’re in for a scare.” The paraphrasing from “reader beware” are the words that greeted kids upon watching episodes of “Goosebumps“ on FOX back in the mid ’90s. Adapted from the book series of the same name by R.L. Stine, the “Goosebumps” franchise doesn’t have quite the same weight that it used to, but Stine is still a beloved horror author whose works are seeing continued adaptations to this day. And this year, Tubi is bringing an adaptation exclusively to their platform!
Spooky season is upon us and as part of that we get to indulge in a variety of horror shows and films, some new, some old classics. This new one for Tubi is “R.L. Stine’s Pumpkinhead,” not to be confused with the Lance Henriksen starring creature classic without Stine’s name in the title. If you know, you know. This movie, crafted for young adults, tells the tale of a teenager named Sam and his family’s move to the town of Redhaven. Once there, his brother Finn suddenly goes missing and his existence is seemingly erased, as no one recalls who he is. Sam must work with his friends to find out what’s going on in this odd town as they approach Halloween.
This version of the story is written and directed by Jem Garrard with a cast made up of faces so fresh, they barely even have an IMDB page to their name.
Stine devotees will note that “Pumpkinhead” also serves as the name of a short story the author wrote for his “Nightmare Hour” anthology collection, and was adapted into an episode of a television show of the similarly named, “The Haunting Hour: The Series” in 2011. A bit edgier of a program than “Goosebumps” but not exactly “Tales From the Crypt” level of horror either.
The original creator has given his stamp of approval to the project. Stine commented, “There’s something rotten inside these pumpkins — and it isn’t pumpkin meat! I’m so happy to see one of my most terrifying Halloween stories brought to chilling life in this new movie.” You’ll be able to see it too in just a few weeks. “R.L. Stine’s Pumpkinhead” debuts on Tubi on October 17th.
