Miramax Secures 'Halloween' Franchise Rights in Intense Bidding War

Following the highly successful trilogy by Blumhouse, grossing a staggering $490 million globally, Miramax has emerged as the winner in the fierce competition for the television rights to the beloved "Halloween" franchise.

Malek Akkad's Trancas International Films, the company responsible for holding the rights, opened the bidding to potential buyers, which included A24. The original rights holder, Moustapha al Akkad, tragically passed away in the 2005 Amman bombings. The exciting news about the auction was initially reported by Bloody Disgusting.

In a significant partnership, Miramax Television and Trancas have now signed a deal to collaborate on the development and coproduction of a thrilling "Halloween"-themed television series. The agreement also includes a first-look deal for a range of television projects targeting the global market.

The upcoming television series aims to serve as a catalyst for expanding the "Halloween" franchise into a cinematic universe that transcends both film and television. Marc Helwig, Miramax's head of global TV, will work closely with Akkad to provide creative oversight for the franchise.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Helwig stated, "We couldn't be more excited to bring 'Halloween' to television. 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."

Akkad added, "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."

The trilogy's final installment, "Halloween Ends," directed by David Gordon Green and produced by Blumhouse, is set for release in 2022. Blumhouse's fresh and chilling perspective successfully reinvigorated the iconic horror series. By returning to its roots and bringing back Jamie Lee Curtis in her iconic role as Laurie Strode, the franchise disregarded the complex continuity of previous sequels.

These films, with a strong emphasis on suspense, tension, and an unrelenting sense of dread, effectively captured the essence of John Carpenter's original 1978 masterpiece. Blumhouse also adopted a character-driven narrative, delving into the psychological trauma and resilience of Laurie as she confronts the relentless terror of Michael Myers once again. This modern take on "Halloween" not only thrilled longtime fans but also introduced the iconic slasher to a new generation of horror enthusiasts, solidifying its status as a classic in the contemporary horror film canon.

The Blumhouse "Halloween" trilogy achieved remarkable success, grossing $490 million worldwide at the box office.

The news was first reported by Deadline.

Robert Brooksby