Mike Flanagan’s The Haunting Series Missed a Gorgeous Season 3 Opportunity
The plot would be so good that we couldn't be more devastated by the news.
Summary:
- Mike Flanagan confirmed that The Haunting series was originally planned for three seasons.
- The story would have revolved around Richard Matheson's novel Hell House, which would have been the perfect addition to the director's gore series.
- Flanagan's move on to new projects and the end of his contract with Netflix leaves the fate of the series up in the air.
A major force in supernatural television, Mike Flanagan has firmly established himself in the upper league of the horror genre with his acclaimed series The Haunting. Following the overwhelming success of 2018's chilling adaptation, The Haunting of Hill House, inspired by Shirley Jackson's iconic work, Flanagan continued to weave his gripping tale two years later with The Haunting of Bly Manor.
While the mastery of storytelling on display in these series hinted at the possibility of a trilogy, Flanagan took an unexpected route, venturing into projects like Midnight Mass and, most recently, The Fall of the House of Usher. His departure from the Netflix fold fueled speculation, shrouding the fate of The Haunting series in uncertainty and leaving its highly anticipated third season in limbo.
To add a new twist to the story, Suntup Editions grabbed headlines with the announcement of a fine press limited edition of Richard Matheson's 1971 novel Hell House. This exclusive edition is packed with new content and features a foreword by none other than Mike Flanagan.
In this foreword, the acclaimed director drops a bombshell — if a third season of his Netflix series had happened, it would have drawn inspiration from Hell House.
What's the Story About?
Originally published in 1971, Richard Matheson's novel Hell House centers on Belasco House, a notorious Maine mansion surrounded by unspeakable, blasphemous events. With a dark past that has earned it a reputation as a haunted residence, the house becomes the central focus of the novel's supernatural exploration.
The narrative unfolds as four characters — a skeptical physicist with a penchant for the paranormal, his spouse, and two psychic mediums — respond to the summons of a dying millionaire. Their mission: to investigate the Belasco House and find proof of life after death. Motivated by a quest for answers, the terminally ill man identifies the notorious mansion, colloquially known as Hell House, as the quintessential backdrop for his existential quest.
As expected, the story takes a dark turn once the four set foot in the house, unleashing a wave of terrifying and inexplicable events. As we can see, the psychological tension and supernatural elements woven into Hell House would fit seamlessly with Flanagan's established storytelling skills.
However, it wouldn't be the first time that Hell House would make its foray into the cinematic realm, as the story first appeared in the 1973 film adaptation, The Legend of Hell House. While the novel laid the groundwork for an atmospheric exploration of the paranormal, the movie brought Matheson's vision to life, captivating audiences with its eerie atmosphere and chilling storytelling.
Flanagan's planned adaptation for his most famous series promised to transport viewers into a world where the lines between the living and the supernatural are blurred, echoing the thematic essence of Hill House and Bly Manor.
Are There Any Chances For Adaptation?
Yet the haunting question remains: will The Haunting of Hell House ever happen? Flanagan's move on to new projects leaves the fate of the series hanging in the balance. The glimmer of hope lies in Flanagan's hesitation to completely close the door on The Haunting series, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this supernatural saga.
As Flanagan's projects continue to captivate audiences on Netflix, the longing for a possible return to The Haunting universe continues. Whether it's Hell House or an unknown tale, the director's unique blend of horror, mystery, and supernatural intrigue ensures that fans will remain captivated and eager for The Haunting series to return.
Source: Bloody Disgusting