Miramax Secures ‘Halloween’ TV Rights in a Pivotal Deal with Trancas, Envisions a Cinematic Universe!
In a fierce bidding war that captured the industry’s attention, Miramax has emerged victorious, clinching the television rights to the iconic Halloween franchise, under the purview of Trancas International Films, led by the dynamic Malek Akkad.
This landmark agreement sees Miramax Television forging an extensive partnership with Trancas, marking a pivotal moment in their longstanding collaboration on the Halloween saga. The deal not only paves the way for the development and co-production of a Halloween TV series but also includes a first-look arrangement for other television endeavors targeting the global market.
This strategic alliance between Miramax and Trancas heralds a new era for Halloween fans. Trancas, responsible for the successful Halloween film trilogy produced in collaboration with Miramax and Blumhouse, directed by the renowned David Gordon Green, has inked this transformative deal to extend the Halloween franchise into the realm of television.
“We couldn’t be more excited to bring Halloween to television,” expressed Miramax’s elated representative, Marc Helwig. “We are thrilled to expand our long and successful partnership with Trancas and the brilliant Malek Akkad in introducing this iconic franchise to a new form of storytelling and a new generation of fans.”
Jointly acquiring the film and TV rights empowers Miramax and Trancas to craft an interconnected film and television universe, enhancing the Halloween saga’s depth and reach.
“Trancas International Films is extremely enthused to be expanding our long-standing relationship with Miramax, and we look forward to working with Marc Helwig and the entire team in creating this new chapter,” Akkad conveyed, underscoring the mutual excitement surrounding this venture.
Although no official statements have been made by the parties involved, industry insiders have hinted that Miramax, along with other seasoned horror industry players like A24 and Blumhouse, engaged in an intense competition for the coveted Halloween TV rights over the past several weeks.
This fierce contest underscores the rising value placed on established intellectual properties in the midst of a fragmented streaming landscape. Launching new franchises has become increasingly challenging, making established titles like Halloween, rarely available, a prime target for fervent bidding. The recent triumphant revival of the Halloween film series undoubtedly contributed to the fervor surrounding the TV rights.
The Halloween film franchise boasts a rich history, comprising 13 titles that began with the original 1978 classic, co-created and directed by John Carpenter. The series primarily revolves around Michael Myers, who, as a child, was institutionalized for the murder of his sister. Fifteen years later, he escapes to terrorize the fictional town of Haddonfield, Illinois, every Halloween. The central figures in this timeless saga are babysitter Laurie Strode (portrayed by Jamie Lee Curtis) and Dr. Samuel Loomis (Donald Pleasence), who are determined to stop Myers.
Following a nine-year hiatus, a direct sequel to the original Halloween film was launched in 2018, initiating a successful trilogy centered on Laurie Strode (played by Curtis), who awaits the inevitable return of Michael Myers. Subsequently, the sequel, “Halloween Kills,” premiered in 2021, followed by the trilogy’s conclusive installment, “Halloween Ends,” in October 2022. This marked the end of Curtis’s 44-year journey with the franchise, providing a fitting conclusion to the main storyline.
Since Marc Helwig assumed leadership of Miramax Television three years ago, the division has made remarkable strides, culminating in the development of three on-air series, surpassing the company’s previous decade of output. Notable entries in their lineup include Guy Ritchie’s “The Gentlemen” on Netflix, “Project Greenlight” with Issa Rae on Max, and “The Turkish Detective” at Paramount.
Miramax has been proactive in mining its extensive library of intellectual properties, with series adaptations in progress based on Miramax classics like “Confessions of a Dangerous Mind,” “Gangs of New York,” “Chocolat,” “The English Patient,” and “Prêt-à-Porter.” This, in addition to the revival of “Project Greenlight” and the eagerly anticipated series adaptation of “The Gentlemen.”
The acquisition of Halloween’s TV rights aligns seamlessly with this strategic vision, cementing its association with the Miramax brand and opening the door to an exciting new chapter for the celebrated franchise.
Source: Deadline
