The 1982 horror classicPoltergeistis still considered one of the scariest movies ever released with a PG-13 certificate. However, a new A.I. generated fan-poster has reimagined the classic Tobe Hooper film as a neon nightmare that is probably more frightening than anything that befalls the Freeling family.
The poster, shared by@nckss_82on Instagram, deviates significantly from the originalPoltergeistposter to create something that screams “modern sensibilities” over subtlty. The classic poster’s iconic black-and-white image of central character Carol Anne, transfixed by a possessed television, gives way to a colorful depiction of the Freeling’s cursed home being loomed over by a grinning demonic presence. That being said, there is certainly a lot about the new interpretation that hints at the sinister plot of the movie, and the neon highlights sit very well with the film’s 1980s setting. Check out the poster below and make up your own mind about its worth.
Despite being made over 40 years ago,Poltergeisthad the distinct advantage ofhaving the visionary Steven Spielberg producing, and the undeniably ahead-of-their-time special effect of George Lucas’ Industrial Light and Magic. For this reason, the film’s horrifying haunting still manages to be unnerving when put alongside modern horror movies. The film’s legacy continued with sequelsPoltergeist II: The Other SideandPoltergeist IIIin 1986 and 1988, respectively.Poltergeist IIIbecame more notable as the final on-screen appearance of child star Heather O’Rourke,who tragically passed away at the age of 12.
A New Poltergeist Project Is in the Works
Efforts to revive thePoltergeistfranchise have been ongoing for decades. In 2015, a remake directed by Gil Kenan, starring Sam Rockwell and Rosemarie DeWitt, attempted to recapture the original’s eerie magic but fell short in matching its unique horror appeal. Despite advanced effects and CGI capabilities compared to the 1982 film, the movie could not capture the same sense of terror and ultimately failed as a result in box office terms, making just $95.4 million compared to the $121 million the original made decades earlier.
However, we are never too far away from any franchise being considered for another reboot, and the acquisition of MGM by Amazon means thatPoltergeistis once again doing the rounds, this timeas a possible TV series. Details about this project remain scarce, but with many franchises from the last generation now pivoting to the small screen, it will probably not be long before more about that project comes to light.
Whether A.I. generated tributes to the original movie are a good way of generating interest in the franchise ahead of this potential reboot, or just another reason for people to debate the unnecessary use of A.I. as a source of “art,” there is no shortage of this kind of reimagined image to be discovered across social media. One thing for certain is that, following the resolution of last year’s strikes, the newPoltergeistseries will be coming from seasoned writers and stars and not from the prompt-based world of Chat GPT.
All of thePoltergeistmovies are available to rent or buy on Prime Video.
Poltergeist
