My Pinhead Prediction
By Xander Townsend | Misfit Media Editor
(Spoiler Free & Includes Graphic Content)
A couple of weeks ago a Rick and Morty episode within season 5 clearly inspired by Hellraiser was released on Netflix. It was the first time I'd ever seen the Hellraiser IP used external to the pre-existing franchise of films.
Pinhead was then announced as a playable killer for the game Dead by Daylight and it got me thinking; what is going on with the Hellraiser IP?
Hellraiser, originally released in 1986, is one of the most iconic horror movies to exist to date, also known as a prominent cult classic. It is a supernatural gore horror film involving mystical puzzle boxes and the iconic Cenobites, originally based on Clive Barker's 1986 novella The Hellbound Heart. It is also one of the most interesting franchises in terms of its evolution. The first film is one of the best, most creative horror films of all time, but you can tell the series weakens after every new instalment. The films released after the 4th film equate to indie, low budget, straight to DVD films. Some are even repurposed movies cut together with Pinhead footage to fit conveniently as a Hellraiser instalment. To be completely honest with you, they are downright garbage (but in the best way possible). The films eventually descended into obscurity with the 2018 film practically being non-existent, and for good reason.
The Hellraiser films had to continue releasing content in order to keep the rights to the IP. I am under the impression that Barker is currently attempting to acquire the IP rights for the Hellraiser franchise from the studio, as authors can reclaim their content after a set amount of time. I believe that recently the Hellraiser (and by relation, Pinhead) IP became available for purchase in some capacity and that is what explains the influx of Pinhead related content, as the studio is set to lose the IP in December of this year. Obviously, the constant appearance of Pinhead seems to be a quick cash-grab from the studio to put the franchise to good use before it expires. There's even a rumour that Pinhead makes an appearance in Space Jam 2, so they really seem to be covering their bases (no matter how unnecessary).
It is a shame that the franchise has clearly suffered from a lack of passion and love, but hopefully as the original author reclaims the IP later this year he can once again do Hellraiser justice. Let's see how the HBO show goes.