Halloween Kills, which is set for theatrical release on October 16, 2020, is the middle film in a trilogy that many are referring to as “the saga of Michael Myers and Laurie Strode” and will lead Halloween into the next decade.
Many thought that Halloween (2018) would be the end of Michael and Laurie’s story, but Blumhouse Productions and director David Gordon Green decided to further the tale for two more movies, promising a strong finish that will, hopefully, leave long-standing fans of the franchise satisfied with how everything comes to an end. Already spanning an incredible five decades, as there have been Halloween movies made in the 70s, 80s, 90s, 00s, and 2010s, the fact that the saga will continue into the 20s is nothing short of remarkable for a horror franchise. This is a testament to its legacy and commitment to scaring audiences for, quite literally, generations.
Other franchises have come close to this level of longevity, with Friday the 13th being a prospective runner-up that likely could keep pace, if not for the legal troubles holding up its continuation. A Nightmare on Elm Street is another strong contender, having made movies in the 80s, 90s, 00s, and a remake in 2010, but ultimately, none stand up to Halloween.
Halloween Kills: What Do We Know?
Halloween (2018) was intended to be a direct follow-up to John Carpenter’s original 1978 film of the same name, retconning everything that came after in the original canon and flashing forward 40 years to where Laurie Strode (reprised by Jamie Lee Curtis) still lives in Haddonfield and waits for Michael Myers to come home again. Because of this, it stands to reason that the films that follow, Halloween Kills and Halloween Ends, are meant to tie up all the loose ends of its origin story. Already, there have been many cast announcements that have fans chomping at the bit to see beloved roles (and beloved actors) returning to characters they played more than 40 years ago.
Notably, Charles Cyphers is reprising his role as Sheriff Leigh Brackett and Kyle Richards is returning as Lindsay Wallace. Though the actor isn’t the same, audiences will see Anthony Michael Hall portraying Tommy Doyle, which points to what could very well be a touching – or tragic – reunion between Tommy and Lindsay on another bloody Halloween night in Haddonfield with Michael Myers on the loose. Nick Castle and James Jude Courtney will also be returning to co-star as the “Bogeyman” himself.
Similarly, fans can anticipate seeing their way back to noteworthy locations in Halloween Kills, including a return visit to Haddonfield Memorial Hospital, which comes alongside news of Nancy Stephens’ reprisal of her role as Nurse Marion Chambers from the original film. This, and many other Easter eggs, are certain to lace every frame of David Gordon Green’s next film which provided terror alongside a hefty dose of nostalgia for Halloween groupies.
Halloween’s Future Looks Bright (And Bloody)
Halloween (2018) saw Michael Myers returning as a man completely unhinged. Gone was the notion of a sibling relationship between him, and Laurie and all traces of involvement with the Cult of Thorn seemed to be a whisper of previous shoddy canon. His brutality hints toward a new era of not only Halloween, but slasher films which are geared toward a more discerning audience. The title says it: Halloween Kills, and Michael Myers will rampage again on another very fatal Halloween night. Then, in October 2021, all good things must come to a conclusion when Halloween Ends.
- Halloween Kills (2020) release date: Oct 16, 2020
- Halloween Ends (2021) release date: Oct 15, 2021
