The original Hellraiser cut a terrifying opening scene from its source horror novella, but here's why Hulu's upcoming Hellraiser remake must put it back. Clive Barker's Hellraiser is based on a horror novella penned by the author himself. First published in 1986, the story was featured in the third volume of Dark Harvest's Night Visions anthology series. Barker had previous experience writing films such as 1986's Rawhead Rex, but Hellraiser marked the British screenwriter's transition into directing.
Though many of the later installments failed to reach mainstream success, the original Hellraiser and its sequel have a strong reputation among horror fans. With Hulu's Hellraiser remake promising a reimagining of the original, many are curious as to what that means. Like most adaptations, there are differences between Barker's Hellraiser books and the movies, but the majority of the book's plot remains intact. However, there is a key scene missing at the beginning of the film that, if executed correctly in the Hellraiser reboot, could be much more terrifying than what was shown in the original.
In The Hellbound Heart when Frank Cotton first solves the puzzle, the four Cenobites appear and ask him if he is sure he wants to partake in their pleasures. After giving his consent, Frank is sent into complete sensory overload and what he experiences can be described as sheer horror. Frank can smell the paint on the ceiling and the wood under his feet, he can feel the dust motes crash on his skin and he hears voices from miles away. The cacophony of senses makes Frank feel as though he will literally explode and it's even worse when he shuts his eyes. In the original Hellraiser movie, Frank solves the puzzle and experiences none of this. Instead, hooks rip into Frank's flesh and the Female Cenobite later walks among the wreckage of his destruction. Frank's face, torn apart, is shown on the floor and the puzzle is returned to normal. After this, the scene immediately cuts to Julia and Larry's introduction.
The scene itself is pivotal in the original Hellraiser source novel, as it introduces readers to the world of the Cenobites, while also conveying the horrors Frank has invited into his life. It's unclear why this scene wasn't included in the original, or if it will appear in Hulu's Hellraiser reboot. It could be that Barker didn't feel the scene was important enough to include. On the other hand, it could be that film technology at the time wasn't advanced enough to accurately convey what Barker would want from the scene. Technology has made many leaps and bounds since the '80s, therefore the Hulu Hellraiser remake has the opportunity to include Frank's unique sensory overload experience - and the visceral horror of it.
Like any movie adaptation is different from its novel origins, a remake changes its source material as well. Already there have been welcomed changes to the horror franchise, such as casting Jaime Clayton in the titular role of legendary villain Pinhead, once fulfilled by actor Doug Bradley. If the "loyal yet evolved" Hellraiser reimagining includes this terrifying Frank scene it will provide the same abundant introduction into the world of the Cenobites as the novella. If done correctly, it could elevate the film to new heights while providing viewers with a memorably horrifying experience.