Picture this: The iconic Halloween reboot trilogy, which wrapped up with 'Halloween Ends,' nearly concluded on a wildly different, far more unsettling note – one that could have reshaped how we view the entire saga. If you're a fan of these slasher films, you might find yourself reeling at the what-ifs, but let's dive into the behind-the-scenes revelations that are still surfacing years later.
It's been almost three years since 'Halloween Ends' hit theaters, bringing a dramatic close to the fresh take on Michael Myers and Laurie Strode's eternal battle. Yet, as fans, we're always hungry for more details, and a new book has unearthed some fascinating twists that were left on the cutting room floor. According to the site Bloody Disgusting, the book 'Horror’s New Wave: 15 Years of Blumhouse' by David Schilling spills the beans on alternative endings that were considered for the film's finale. In the version that made it to screens, Laurie Strode, played by the legendary Jamie Lee Curtis, triumphs over Michael Myers in her own home, and with the help of her granddaughter Allison and the townsfolk of Haddonfield, they dispose of his lifeless body in a massive industrial shredder. It's a cathartic conclusion, symbolizing the community's fight back against evil. But here's where it gets controversial: There were other visions for that climactic showdown that would have plunged the reboots into even darker, more introspective territory.
Delving into the book, Curtis herself opens up about an ending that was actually filmed, where Laurie effectively transforms into Michael after defeating him. This 'transference' – think of it as a psychological shift where the killer's essence bleeds into the survivor, like an emotional or spiritual inheritance – would have left her retreating into isolation once more, mirroring her life before the events of the 2018 'Halloween' film. For beginners in horror lore, this concept explores how confronting pure evil might corrupt the hero, blurring the lines between victim and villain. Curtis admitted it felt 'too dark and too profound' to cap off a 40-year journey of scares, potentially leaving audiences unsatisfied with such a bleak payoff. Instead, she championed a brighter path for Laurie, one where she finds companionship with Frank and embraces a happier future. It's a choice that sparks debate: Does wrapping up a horror series with hope undermine the genre's gritty roots, or is it a necessary evolution to give characters like Laurie a well-deserved peace?
And this is the part most people miss – there's even more to the story. Curtis also reminisces about the very first ending concept, back when the movie was titled 'Halloween Dies.' In this version, Laurie and Michael clash in a mask factory, the very place where his iconic Halloween mask is crafted for the spooky season. The idea was to deliver a profound message: 'We’re all monsters if we put on the mask. It’s not just Michael, it’s all of us, if we wear the mask.' Imagine it as a metaphor for how societal facades or hidden dark sides can turn ordinary people into something monstrous – a deep dive into human nature that might resonate with real-world discussions about masks we wear in daily life, like pretending to be someone we're not. Ultimately, this setting was deemed 'too intellectual for this finale,' but Curtis believes the theatrical ending, with Michael's mask appearing ominously in Laurie's home, achieves a similar eerie effect, hinting at lingering evil without spelling it out.
As Bloody Disgusting points out, director David Gordon Green shared in a 2023 interview that he penned yet another ending set in a factory owned by Silver Shamrock, a novelty company that plays a big role in the classic 'Halloween III: Season of the Witch.' He loved the film and felt tempted to pay homage, but decided against it to avoid it feeling like mere fan service for a niche group who get the reference. Still, it leaves us wondering: Could future entries in the Halloween universe nod back to that standalone chapter? With talks of more Michael Myers stories on the horizon, perhaps we'll see echoes of that macabre holiday vibe cropping up again.
For those craving more geeky updates, keep an eye on io9 for the latest buzz around upcoming Marvel releases, Star Wars adventures, Star Trek explorations, DC Universe projects, and everything brewing in the Doctor Who universe. But back to the Halloween twists – what do you think? Should directors stick to darker endings to stay true to horror's soul, or is a happier resolution like the one we got a bold way to subvert expectations? Do you see Curtis's 'transference' idea as a missed opportunity for depth, or would it have been too much for fans who just want the killer stopped? Share your hot takes in the comments – I'm dying to hear if you're team 'dark twist' or team 'happy ever after'!
