Jamie Lee Curtis Unaware ‘Halloween’ Was a Trilogy, Might Have Passed
Jamie Lee Curtis recently revealed that she was unaware that agreeing to the 2018 “Halloween” film would lead to a trilogy. During a panel at SXSW titled “If Not Now, When, if Not Me, Who? Pivoting and Manifesting,” Curtis shared insights about her career and the filmmaking process.
Background on the “Halloween” Trilogy
The genesis of the latest “Halloween” films can be traced back to Curtis’s relationship with Jason Blum, founder of Blumhouse Productions. Curtis expressed her gratitude towards Blum, stating, “The only reason I am sitting in this chair today is because of Jason.” She noted that it was Blum who revitalized the franchise, which originally began in 1978.
Initially, Curtis assumed that her role would be limited to one film. She admitted that she might not have accepted the opportunity if she had known a trilogy was planned. Curtis humorously remarked on Blum’s reputation for budget-conscious filmmaking, suggesting that lower compensation could have influenced her decision.
Creative Partnerships and Funding
During the discussion about the trilogy, Curtis recounted a significant moment with director David Gordon Green while they were editing the first film. He informed her that the project would extend into two more films, which came as a surprise.
- Curtis approached Blum with ideas for future projects.
- She advocated for a development deal, wanting to secure funds to support filmmaker Russell Goldman.
- Goldman is currently working on his directorial debut at SXSW with “Sender.”
She referred to Blum as having given her a “vanity deal.” This terminology reflects the complex relationship between actors and producers regarding credits and pay. Curtis did not initially intend to produce multiple projects but felt inspired by various stories, including one about a bus driver who saved children, leading to the forthcoming Apple TV film “The Lost Bus,” which has earned an Oscar nomination for Best Visual Effects.
The Evolving Landscape of Horror
During the panel, Curtis also touched on the recognition of the horror genre within mainstream filmmaking. She acknowledged that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences seems to be valuing horror films more than ever, evidenced by the acclaim given to “Sinners.” Although Curtis has a reputation as a “Scream Queen,” she conveyed a nuanced appreciation for the genre.
- She enjoys the independent filmmaking aspect of horror.
- She is pleased to see greater diversity in storytelling within the genre.
Future Projects and Aspirations
Curtis’s ambitions extend beyond acting into production. She mentioned her interest in adapting Patricia Cornwell’s “Scarpetta” series, sparked by Blum’s awareness of the yet-unproduced stories. Her desire to work with Nicole Kidman, whom she admires, only heightened her interest when Kidman expressed a wish for Curtis to star in the project.
Despite her varied experiences, Curtis confessed a preference for sitcoms, hoping her future endeavors might lead her in that direction. Her trajectory within the film industry continues to unfold, fueled by her passion for storytelling and collaboration.
