The Hellraiser Reboot Wanted To Get An Original Star Back
Original star Doug Bradley was asked to make a cameo for the Hellraiser reboot, but he declined.
After debuting as the lead Cenobite in 1987’s Hellraiser, Doug Bradley went on to reprise the role in several of its subsequent sequels. But when he was approached for a cameo in the upcoming Hulu Hellraiser reboot, the actor turned down the offer explaining that he wanted to leave his legacy with the character. It’s still unclear if the 68-year-old was offered a demonic role, or if he would have appeared in a more human capacity.
In an interview with Jake’s Takes, director of the Hellraiser reboot, David Bruckner confirmed the news, saying, “We reached out to Doug because we wanted to have him a cameo in some way in the movie. “But in the middle of a pandemic, I don’t know… He also respectfully wanted to leave his legacy with the character and you can’t argue with that.” Interestingly, after retiring his version of the character, Bradley has donned the intensive makeup for many in-person photo opportunities.
Besides being the lead figure of the demonic Cenobites in the horror classic, fans bestowed Bradley’s villain with the nickname “Pinhead” since his entire skull was covered in nails. The first time his character appeared with the scary makeup was in Hellbound: Hellraiser II as the story showcased how the human figure transformed into a monstrous creature. Given the actor’s history with the role, it’s understandable that fans are disappointed he declined a cameo in the Hellraiser reboot.
Directed by David Bruckner, from a screenplay by Ben Collins and Luke Piotrowski, the Hellraiser reboot is intended to serve as a new adaptation of Clive Barker’s 1986 novella The Hellbound Heart. As such, the Hulu project will not rehash the original movie. Instead, it will readapt some aspects of the source material into a new story that will potentially kick start the franchise for a new generation.
“This is not a remake,” Bruckner explained of the Hellraiser reboot. “I just didn’t think you could ever remake the original.” He added that the 1987 classic is too much its own thing and it would be perilous territory for filmmakers to top that. The new story in the franchise stars Odessa A’zion as Riley and Jamie Clayton as Pinhead. Brandon Flynn, Goran Višnjić, Drew Starkey, Adam Faison, Aoife Hinds, Selina Lo, and Hiam Abbass have been cast in undisclosed roles.
The Hellraiser reboot tells the story of a young woman struggling with addiction, who comes into possession of an ancient puzzle box. But she is unaware that its purpose is to summon the Cenobites, a group of sadistic supernatural beings from another dimension. The project is a co-production between 20th Century Studios, Spyglass Media Group, and Phantom Four Films.
Meanwhile, the recently released trailer has promised a dark, disturbing journey into the world of the Cenobites, desire, and pain. The movie is scheduled to have its world premiere at Beyond Fest in Santa Monica on October 4th. It will then be released as a Hulu original in the United States on October 7th. The Hellraiser reboot will also debut on Disney+ in some international territories.
