From TNT and M. Night Shyamalan (Split), comes the highly anticipated return of the cult classic horror anthology series (originally from HBO), Tales From The Crypt. There is no official release date at this time.
Tales from the Crypt is an American horror anthology television series that ran from June 10, 1989 to July 19, 1996, on the premium cable channel HBO for seven seasons with a total of 93 episodes. It was based on the EC Comics series of the same name and John Kassir was the voice of series host The Cryptkeeper, who would introduce various tales of terror, which featured an incredible cast of performers and directors such as Robert Zemeckis, Richard Donner, Joe Pesci, Brad Pitt, Demi Moore, Sandra Bullock, Steve Buscemi, Benicio Del Toro, Dan Aykroyd AND MANY, MANY more amazing artists.
I was ecstatic when I learned that my beloved Tales From The Crypt would be returning to air… Less so when they announced showrunner/producer M. Night Shyamalan… But since then he’s delivered with acclaimed films like The Visit and Split, both horror films that seem like a return to form. So I regained confidence in his vision to see this cult classic horror anthology returned to a brand new audience and be welcomed back by all of us fans who grew up adoring the original seven seasons on HBO.
Then the teaser trailer was released. It was intercut with Shyamalan talking about what makes the series great and compared it to “forbidden fruit” etc. The trailer even featured what sounded like John Kassir’s voice (he’s the original Crypt Keeper). Turns out – it wasn’t, or it was lifted without the man’s permission. Also – turns out Kassir hasn’t even been approached to return in the role — a role in which is he absolutely ESSENTIAL. The damn Crypt Keeper is THE FACE and THE VOICE of this series. In fact it’s the only familiar face you will see at the beginning and end of every stand-alone episode. Kassir’s voicework is legendary in this part and although sure, they could get somebody to mimic his style — but that’s blasphemous in my opinion.
no approach.. they seem to have lifted my voice for the sizzle reels they put out … hmmm
— John Kassir (@JohnKassir) March 1, 2017
Shyamalan said that he has someone in mind for the Crypt Keeper on his upcoming reboot for TNT, but we still don’t know what that means officially. Is it a new character? New actor? What is it?
Here’s my stance on the issue. If John Kassir does not return as the voice of the Crypt Keeper – I will not be watching the new series of Tales From The Crypt. Period. Kassir deserves that role – that is HIS character (even if it legally isn’t) and for fans of the original series, we should all be taking this position because it’s the right thing to do. Do the right thing Shyamalan and bring the original Crypt Keeper back.
I know..it did sound like my voice didn't it? Not sure if it is..otherwise, I'll be waiting for my check..lol!
— John Kassir (@JohnKassir) February 22, 2017
you go girl! Sadly, I'm not involved in this one.
— John Kassir (@JohnKassir) March 1, 2017
The teaser for the new series below: