Poltergeist (franchise)

Last updated

Poltergeist
Poltergeist (franchise logo).png
Official franchise logo
Created by Steven Spielberg
Original work Poltergeist
Owner Amazon MGM Studios [a]
Years1982–2015
Films and television
Film(s)
Television series Poltergeist: The Legacy (1996–1999)

Poltergeist is an American horror film franchise distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer during the 1980s. The original trilogy revolves around the members of the Freeling family, who are stalked and terrorized by a group of ghosts, led by a demon known as the Beast, that are attracted to the youngest daughter, Carol Anne. The original film was co-written and produced by Steven Spielberg. The Poltergeist films collected a total of approximately $132 million at the United States box office.

Contents

Fox 2000 Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer released a "revisionist" reboot of the series [1] on May 22, 2015. [2] Heather O'Rourke and Zelda Rubinstein were the only cast members to have appeared in all three films.

Films

Poltergeist (1982)

Poltergeist is the original film in the trilogy, directed by Tobe Hooper, co-written by Steven Spielberg and released on June 4, 1982. The story focuses on the Freeling family, which consists of parents Steve (Craig T. Nelson) and Diane (JoBeth Williams); teenage daughter Dana (Dominique Dunne); eight-year-old Robbie (Oliver Robins); and five-year-old Carol Anne (Heather O'Rourke), who live in Cuesta Verde, a California housing development which comes to be haunted by ghosts. The apparitions, under the control of a demon known as the "Beast", communicate through the family's television set and can only be heard by Carol Anne. Attracted to her life force and believing she will help lead them into the "Light", the specters abduct Carol Anne through her bedroom closet, which acts as a portal to their dimension. Much of the film involves the family's efforts to rescue their daughter, aided by a group of parapsychologists (Beatrice Straight, Martin Casella, Richard Lawson) and spiritual medium Tangina Barrons (Zelda Rubinstein). Carol Anne is eventually rescued from the other side and, following a second attack by the Beast that reveals the ghosts had originated from an improperly relocated cemetery beneath the neighborhood, the Freelings flee Cuesta Verde just before the house implodes and disappears into another dimension. [3]

Poltergeist II: The Other Side (1986)

The first sequel, Poltergeist II: The Other Side , directed by Brian Gibson and released on May 23, 1986, takes place one year after the events in Poltergeist and offers an alternate explanation of the ghosts' origin. The film also develops the identity and backstory of the Beast, who lived during the 19th century as a religious zealot named Reverend Henry Kane (Julian Beck). Kane was the leader of a utopian cult, who in anticipation of the end of the world, sealed themselves in a cavern located directly below what later became the Freeling property. Kane is anxious to possess Carol Anne to continue manipulating his followers after death. The ghosts follow and attack the Freelings at their current household. Aided by an American Indian shaman named Taylor (Will Sampson), the Freelings manage to escape from Kane and his followers a second time. [3] [4]

Poltergeist III (1988)

The final film in the original trilogy, Poltergeist III , directed and co-written by Gary Sherman, was released on June 10, 1988. To protect Carol Anne, the Freelings have sent her to live temporarily in a Chicago skyscraper with skeptical relatives Pat and Bruce Gardner (Nancy Allen and Tom Skerritt) and their daughter Donna (Lara Flynn Boyle). However, during psychiatric sessions, Carol Anne's recollection of her experiences enables Kane and his followers to locate her and make contact through the building's ubiquitous mirrors. [3] [5] The ghosts abduct Carol Anne and then Donna, prompting Pat, Bruce, and Donna's boyfriend Scott (Kipley Wentz) to enlist the help of Tangina, who eventually escorts Kane into the spectral Light, thereby sacrificing herself to save the family.

Poltergeist (2015)

A reboot of the original film, Poltergeist was directed by Gil Kenan and released on May 22, 2015. It centers on a family struggling to make ends meet who relocate to a suburban home. As in the original, the youngest daughter is kidnapped by spirits that inhabit the house. Sam Rockwell and Rosemarie DeWitt star as the married couple, Kennedi Clements plays the daughter, and Jared Harris plays the host of a paranormal-themed TV show who comes to the aid of the family.

Future

In October 2023, Variety reported that a television series is in early development by Amazon MGM Studios. It is set to be executive produced by Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey of Amblin Television. [6]

Television

Poltergeist: The Legacy (1996–1999)

A spin-off television series, Poltergeist: The Legacy , ran from 1996 to 1999, though it does not have any connection to the films other than the title. [7]

Cast and crew

Cast

The following table shows the cast members who played the primary characters in the film series.

CharacterOriginal seriesRebootTelevision Series
Poltergeist Poltergeist II
The Other Side
Poltergeist III Poltergeist Poltergeist
The Legacy
19821986198820151996–1999
Carol Anne Freeling Heather O'Rourke
Steven "Steve" Freeling Craig T. Nelson Mentioned
Diane Freeling (née Wilson) JoBeth Williams JoBeth Williams
Jaclyn Bernstein Y
Dana Freeling Dominique Dunne Mentioned
Robert "Robbie" Freeling Oliver Robins
Dr. Martha Lesh Beatrice Straight
Ryan Mitchell Richard Lawson
Dr. Marty CaseyMartin Casella
Tangina Barrons Zelda Rubinstein
Reverend Henry Kane / "The Beast" Julian Beck
Noble Craig (Vomit Creature)
Nathan Davis
Corey Burton V
Jessica "Grandma Jess" Wilson Geraldine Fitzgerald
Kelly Jean Peters Y
Taylor Will Sampson
Bruce Gardner Tom Skerritt
Patricia "Pat" Wilson-Gardner
Trish Wilson
Nancy Allen
Donna Gardner Lara Flynn Boyle
ScottKipley Wentz
Dr. SeatonRichard Fire
Madison "Maddy" Bowen Kennedi Clements
Eric Bowen Sam Rockwell
Amy Bowen Rosemarie DeWitt
Griffin "Griff" Bowen Kyle Catlett
Kendra Bowen Saxon Sharbino
Carrigan Burke Jared Harris
Dr. Brooke Powell Jane Adams
Boyd Nicholas Braun
Dr. Derek Rayne Derek de Lint
Nick Boyle Martin Cummins
Alexandra "Alex" Moreau Robbi Morgan
Father Philip CallaghanPatrick Fitzgerald
Dr. Rachel Corrigan Helen Shaver
Katherine "Kat" CorriganAlexandra Purvis
William Sloan Daniel J. Travanti
Kristin Adams Kristin Lehman
Note(s)

1. Henry Kane in his "Vomit Creature" incarnation is portrayed by Noble Craig.

2. Though Henry Kane was portrayed by Nathan Davis, he was voiced by Corey Burton. [8]

Crew

OccupationFilm
PoltergeistPoltergeist II:
The Other Side
Poltergeist IIIPoltergeist
1982198619882015
Director Tobe Hooper Brian Gibson Gary Sherman Gil Kenan
Writer(s) Michael Grais
Steven Spielberg
Mark Victor
Michael Grais
Mark Victor
Gary Sherman
Brian Taggert
David Lindsay-Abaire
Producer(s) Frank Marshall
Steven Spielberg
Michael Grais
Mark Victor
Barry Bernardi Roy Lee
Sam Raimi
Robert Tapert
Composer Jerry Goldsmith Joe Renzetti Marc Streitenfeld
Cinematographer Matthew F. Leonetti Andrew Laszlo Alex Nepomniaschy Javier Aguirresarobe
Editor Michael Kahn Thom Noble
Bud S. Smith
M. Scott Smith
Ross Albert Jeff Betancourt
Bob Murawski
Distributor by MGM/UA Entertainment Co. MGM Entertainment Co. MGM/UA Communications Co. 20th Century Fox
Production company Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
SLM Production Group
Mist Entertainment
Amblin Productions
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Fox 2000 Pictures
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Ghost House Pictures
TSG Entertainment
Vertigo Entertainment
Release dateJune 4, 1982May 23, 1986June 10, 1988May 22, 2015
Runtime114 minutes91 minutes98 minutes93 minutes

Reception

Box office performance

FilmRelease date (US)BudgetBox office revenueReference
United StatesForeignWorldwide
Poltergeist (1982)June 4, 1982$10.7 million$76,606,280$45,099,739$121,706,019 [9]
Poltergeist II: The Other SideMay 23, 1986$19 million$40,996,665$33,929,000$74,925,665 [9] [10]
Poltergeist IIIJune 10, 1988$9.5 million$14,114,488$14,114,488 [9]
Poltergeist (2015)May 22, 2015$35 million$47,425,125$48,210,406$95,635,531 [11]
Total$74.2 million$178,545,003$306,381,703
List indicator(s)
  • A dark grey cell indicates the information is not available for the film.

Critical and public response

Film Rotten Tomatoes Metacritic
Poltergeist (1982)88% (59 reviews) [12] 79 (7 reviews) [13]
Poltergeist II: The Other Side37% (19 reviews) [14] 49 (10 reviews) [15]
Poltergeist III17% (18 reviews) [16] 40 (10 reviews) [17]
Poltergeist (2015)31% (128 reviews) [18] 47 (27 reviews) [19]

Poltergeist curse

The "Poltergeist curse" is a rumored curse attached to the Poltergeist trilogy and its crew, derived from the deaths of two young cast members in the six years between the releases of the first and third films. [3] [20] The rumor and the surrounding deaths were explored in a 2002 episode of E! True Hollywood Story titled "Curse of Poltergeist". [21]

Documentary

The Curse of Poltergeist, a documentary film based on the mystery of the franchise, was set to begin shooting in November 2015, with Adam Ripp as director; financing and production was to be provided by his company Vega Baby, alongside Indonesia-based MD Pictures. The documentary intended to focus on the life and experiences of actor Oliver Robins, who played Robbie Freeling in the first and second installments of the franchise, as a way to explore the tragedies that have befallen those involved with the films. [26] The movie has yet to be produced.

See also

Related Research Articles

<i>Practical Magic</i> 1998 film by Griffin Dunne

Practical Magic is a 1998 American romantic fantasy film based on the 1995 novel Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman. The film was directed by Griffin Dunne and stars Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Dianne Wiest, Stockard Channing, Aidan Quinn, and Goran Višnjić.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dominique Dunne</span> American actress (1959–1982)

Dominique Ellen Dunne was an American actress. Born and raised in Santa Monica, California, she made her on-screen debut with the television film Diary of a Teenage Hitchhiker (1979) and played recurring roles in the drama series Family (1980) and the comedy series Breaking Away (1980–1981). Her breakthrough role was Dana Freeling in the blockbuster horror film Poltergeist (1982). Afterwards, she headlined the Western film The Shadow Riders and the crime series CHiPs.

<i>Scary Movie 2</i> 2001 film by Keenen Ivory Wayans

Scary Movie 2 is a 2001 American supernatural parody film directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans. It is the sequel to Scary Movie and the second film in the Scary Movie film series. The film stars Anna Faris, Regina Hall, Shawn Wayans and Marlon Wayans, as well as Tim Curry, Tori Spelling, Chris Elliott, Chris Masterson, Kathleen Robertson, David Cross and James Woods. The film was the last in the series to feature the involvement of stars Marlon and Shawn Wayans, and director Keenan until the upcoming sixth installment. Marlon would eventually go on to produce a similar horror-themed parody, A Haunted House, and its sequel, both starring himself. In the latter film, Wayans pokes fun at the Scary Movie series' decline in quality after his family's departure.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heather O'Rourke</span> American child actress (1975–1988)

Heather Michele O'Rourke was an American child actress. She had her breakthrough starring as Carol Anne Freeling in the supernatural horror film Poltergeist (1982), which received critical acclaim and established her as an influential figure in the genre. She went on to reprise the role in Poltergeist II: The Other Side (1986) and Poltergeist III (1988), the last of which was released posthumously.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rotten Tomatoes</span> American review aggregator for film and television

Rotten Tomatoes is an American review-aggregation website for film and television. The company was launched in August 1998 by three undergraduate students at the University of California, Berkeley: Senh Duong, Patrick Y. Lee, and Stephen Wang. Although the name "Rotten Tomatoes" connects to the practice of audiences throwing rotten tomatoes in disapproval of a poor stage performance, the direct inspiration for the name from Duong, Lee, and Wang came from an equivalent scene in the 1992 Canadian film Léolo.

Oliver Robins is an American actor, writer and director.

<i>Poltergeist III</i> 1988 film by Gary Sherman

Poltergeist III is a 1988 American supernatural horror film co-written and directed by Gary Sherman, and starring Tom Skerritt, Nancy Allen, Heather O'Rourke and Zelda Rubinstein with the latter two reprising their roles from the previous films. The third and final entry in the original Poltergeist film series, it follows young Carol Anne Freeling, who is terrorized by malicious spirits while staying in her aunt and uncle's apartment at Chicago's John Hancock Center.

Freeling may refer to:

<i>Poltergeist</i> (1982 film) 1982 American supernatural horror film directed by Tobe Hooper

Poltergeist is a 1982 American supernatural horror film directed by Tobe Hooper and written by Steven Spielberg, Michael Grais, and Mark Victor from a story by Spielberg. It stars JoBeth Williams, Craig T. Nelson, and Beatrice Straight, and was produced by Spielberg and Frank Marshall. The film focuses on a suburban family whose home is invaded by malevolent ghosts that abduct their youngest daughter.

<i>Poltergeist II: The Other Side</i> 1986 film by Brian Gibson

Poltergeist II: The Other Side is a 1986 American supernatural horror film directed by Brian Gibson. JoBeth Williams, Craig T. Nelson, Oliver Robins, Heather O'Rourke and Zelda Rubinstein reprised their roles from the first film. New cast members include Will Sampson, Julian Beck and Geraldine Fitzgerald. The second entry in the Poltergeist film series and a direct sequel to Poltergeist (1982), it follows the Freeling family who again finds themselves under attack from the supernatural forces led by "the Beast", revealed to be the spirit of an insane preacher who led an apocalyptic cult during the 19th century, attempting to claim their daughter. In their efforts to save their daughter, the family finds help in a Native American shaman.

<i>Terror in the Aisles</i> 1984 film by Andrew J. Kuehn

Terror in the Aisles is a 1984 American documentary film about horror films, including slasher films and crime thrillers. The film is directed by Andrew J. Kuehn, and hosted by Donald Pleasence and Nancy Allen. The original music score is composed by John Beal.

<i>Scary Movie</i> (film series) American horror parody film series

Scary Movie is a series of American parody films, mainly focusing on spoofing horror films. The films have a combined gross of almost $900 million at the worldwide box office. The two recurring actresses are Anna Faris and Regina Hall as Cindy Campbell and Brenda Meeks, respectively, appearing in all installments except the fifth film.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adam Green (filmmaker)</span> American actor and filmmaker (born 1975)

Adam Green is an American actor, filmmaker and musician, best known for his work in horror and comedy films, including the Hatchet franchise, 2010's Frozen, and the television series Holliston. He was also the lead singer for the hard rock and metal band Haddonfield.

<i>Poltergeist</i> (2015 film) 2015 American film by Gil Kenan

Poltergeist is a 2015 American supernatural horror film directed by Gil Kenan, written by David Lindsay-Abaire, and produced by Sam Raimi, Rob Tapert, and Roy Lee. It is a remake of the 1982 film of the same name and is the fourth installment overall in the Poltergeist franchise. The film stars Sam Rockwell, Rosemarie DeWitt, Jared Harris, and Jane Adams, and follows a family who arrive at their new home and begin experiencing paranormal occurrences.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">James Earl Jones on screen and stage</span>

American actor James Earl Jones had an extensive career in various film, television, and theater. He started out in film by appearing in the 1964 political satire film Dr. Strangelove as Lt. Lothar Zogg. He then went on to star in the 1970 film The Great White Hope as Jack Jefferson, a role he first played in the Broadway production of the same name. The film role earned him two Golden Globe nominations, one for Best Actor and winning one for New Star of the Year. He also received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. His other work in the 1970s included playing the title character in Malcolm X (1972), Johnny Williams in The River Niger (1976), Nick Debrett in Swashbuckler (1976), Malcolm X again in The Greatest (1977), and The Bushido Blade with Richard Boone (1979).

The True North trilogy is a series of horror comedy films written and directed by Kevin Smith. It consists of the films Tusk (2014), Yoga Hosers (2016), and the upcoming Moose Jaws.

<i>The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution</i> 2015 American film

The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution is a 2015 American documentary film directed and written by Stanley Nelson Jr. The film combines archival footage and interviews with surviving Panthers and FBI agents to tell the story of the revolutionary black organization the Black Panther Party. It is Nelson Jr.'s eighth film to premiere at Sundance. The film was pitched at Sheffield Doc/Fest's MeetMarket in 2014 and is the first of a three-part series of documentary films about African-American history America Revisited. It will be followed by Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and The Slave Trade: Creating a New World.

<i>Ill See You in My Dreams</i> (2015 film) Film by Brett Haley

I'll See You in My Dreams is a 2015 American comedy-drama film directed, co-written, and co-produced by Brett Haley. It stars Blythe Danner, Martin Starr, Sam Elliott, Malin Åkerman, June Squibb, Rhea Perlman, and Mary Kay Place.

<i>Ghost Light</i> (2018 film) 2018 American film

Ghost Light is a 2018 American horror comedy film directed by John Stimpson and written by Stimpson and Geoffrey Taylor. Starring Roger Bart, Tom Riley, Shannyn Sossamon, Danielle Campbell, Carol Kane, and Cary Elwes, the film follows a travelling Shakespeare troupe whose production of Macbeth falls victim to the play's superstitious curse. The title of the film refers to the electric light left on stage while a theater is unoccupied.

References

  1. "MGM, Fox 2000 To Co-Finance & Distribute ‘Poltergeist’; Production To Start This Fall". Deadline Hollywood . June 20, 2013.
  2. Hipes, Patrick (August 4, 2015). "Rosemarie DeWitt Chimes In For 'La La Land'". Deadline Hollywood. Penske Business Media, LLC. Retrieved October 23, 2015.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Lee, Joseph (September 4, 2008). "A Bloody Good Time 9.04.08: Poltergeist Franchise Breakdown". 411mania.com. Retrieved February 26, 2011.
  4. Kelhoffrr, Josh (June 23, 2010). "They're Back: The Story of the Inevitable Sequel". Poltergeist Online.
  5. Kelhoffrr, Josh (June 23, 2010). "Spirits in the City: The Third and Final Sequel". Poltergeist Online.
  6. Otterson, Joe (October 30, 2023). "Poltergeist TV Series in Early Development at Amazon MGM Studios (Exclusive)". Variety . Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  7. Mackie, Drew (May 20, 2015). "20 Things You Might Not Know About the Original Poltergeist Trilogy". People . Archived from the original on May 21, 2015. Retrieved May 21, 2015.
  8. "Interview with the Voice of Kane". PoltergeistIII.com. Retrieved February 27, 2011.
  9. 1 2 3 "Box Office History for Poltergeist Movies". The-Numbers. Nash Information Services. Retrieved February 26, 2011.
  10. "UIP's $25M-Plus Club". Variety . September 11, 1995. p. 92.
  11. "Poltergeist (2015)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved May 25, 2015.
  12. "Poltergeist (1982)". Rotten Tomatoes . Flixster . Retrieved May 21, 2015.
  13. "Poltergeist Reviews". Metacritic . CBS Interactive . Retrieved May 22, 2015.
  14. "Poltergeist II: The Other Side (1986)". Rotten Tomatoes . Flixster . Retrieved May 31, 2013.
  15. "Poltergeist II: The Other Side". Metacritic . Retrieved June 18, 2022.
  16. "Poltergeist III (1988)". Rotten Tomatoes . Flixster . Retrieved May 22, 2015.
  17. "Poltergeist III". Metacritic . Retrieved June 18, 2022.
  18. "Poltergeist (2015)". Rotten Tomatoes . Flixster. May 22, 2015. Retrieved May 22, 2015.
  19. "Poltergeist Reviews". Metacritic . CBS Interactive . Retrieved May 26, 2015.
  20. 1 2 Mikkelson, Barbara. "Poltergeist Deaths", Snopes.com, August 17, 2007
  21. "Documentary to Explore 'Poltergeist' Movie Curse". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved August 14, 2017.
  22. "Dominique Dunne, Actress, Dies After Being Choked", The New York Times, November 5, 1982
  23. Baker, Bob (May 26, 1988). "Suit Blames Doctors in Death of Young Actress". Los Angeles Times . Los Angeles, California, US. p. 35. ISSN   0458-3035. OCLC   3638237 . Retrieved August 7, 2008.
  24. "Heather O'Rourke, 12; Starred in 'Poltergeist'". The New York Times . February 3, 1988. Retrieved January 21, 2013.
  25. Folkart, Burt A. (February 2, 1988). "'Poltergeist' Star Heather O'Rourke Dies at Age of 12". Los Angeles Times . Los Angeles, California, US. p. 3. ISSN   0458-3035. OCLC   3638237. Archived from the original on November 5, 2012. Retrieved May 17, 2011.
  26. Mia Galuppo (October 7, 2015). "Documentary to Explore 'Poltergeist' Movie Curse". The Hollywood Reporter . (Prometheus Global Media). Retrieved October 8, 2015.
  1. Excluding the original 1982 film, which is currently owned by Warner Bros. via Turner Entertainment Co. and the 2015 reboot film is owned by 20th Century Studios