Doug Bradley reveals why there is a new Hellraiser sequel without him

Last Updated on July 23, 2021

Oh this is going to get some serious backlash. Just a couple of days ago, Jared Pacheco talked about a new HELLRAISER sequel (not a remake) that was in the works. Of course it was greenlights all the way for fans and the one thing on everyone’s mind was “bring back Doug Bradley”. If you wanted the original Pinhead I’m afraid I’ve got news that you’re not going to be too groovy with. 

Doug Bradley has shared with Dread Central his comments on why he will not be returning in the ninth installment of the HELLRAISER series. I’ll give you some time to take this in…

Bradley commented (vaguely) on the budgeting and scheduling of the film and it just didn’t vibe too well with him. Don’t take my word for it, just read what he has to say himself: “I know that many of you will have caught up with the sudden burst of Internet chatter about a new Hellraiser film going into production, and will be keen to know whether I’ve been approached to play Pinhead again, so here’s the deal …”

“I have been approached just in this last week (w/b 16 August) regarding a proposed new Hellraiser film. This is not the ‘remake’ which has been endlessly discussed for the last three years: with the working title Hellraiser: Revelations, it will be the ninth film in the series. I would stress that I have had no contact from, or negotiations with, anyone from Dimension Films: rather these contacts have been by way of private discussion with individuals involved with this project.”

“Following these discussions, and after reading the script and giving it due consideration, I have decided not to participate. The ink is barely dry on the script, and it is scheduled to be in front of the cameras in two weeks time and in the can by the middle of next month (September 2010). The miniscule shooting schedule is more than matched by the budget.”

“Whether or not this means that somebody else will be stepping up to play Pinhead, I have no idea. I guess we can watch this space together …”

“One way or another, this does not seem to me to represent a serious attempt to revive the Hellraiser franchise. However, I wish everyone who will be directly involved in the making of this film, good luck with it.”

I can understand changing actors for remakes but Bradley has been Pinhead for so long. It’s hard to see a change that is not remake related. On the subject of a remake, we’ll still see another actor change whenever that comes around. I can already see the hordes of HELLRAISER fans either bowing their heads in silence or lighting their pitchforks in angry spite. What say you? Leave your comments (vent) below and tell us what you think about this move on Bradley’s part.

How about a little something to lighten the mood: Scarlett Johansson.