Long before VAN HELSING was even released, Universal was already treating it as if it was a boxoffice phenomenon, planning movie sequels and even an NBC TV series called TRANSYLVANIA.
Then the movie was released.
Here’s the thing about exploiting a big hit movie… it needs to be a big hit movie first. It also helps if the movie is good.
Now Variety is reporting that the ambitious plans for the VAN HELSING-inspired TV series have been scrapped.
“Transylvania” may live– but don’t look for it at NBC.
Nine months ago, the Peacock pacted with Universal Network Television for “Transylvania,” a drama set in the universe of Universal Pictures’ “Van Helsing” and exec produced by Stephen Sommers. Hopes were high that a pilot would be in this month’s upfront lineup and that the nascent series could benefit from a summer’s worth of movie promos.It turns out, however, that NBC quietly cooled on “Transylvania” just a few months after the project was announced
Network execs claim the decision has nothing to do with the fact VAN HELSING was a boxoffice dud and a critical bomb (because, as we know, networks clamor to do TV series based flop movies.. THE NEW ADVENTURES OF GIGLI is going to be big at ABC, don’t you think?)
“The box office has no bearing whatsoever on our plans to move forward or not,” says NBCU entertainment prexy Jeff Zucker. “It’s a creative decision based on content and concept. We just want to make sure it has the right network home.”
“Transylvania” may still walk among us: Other networks outside the NBC U universe are said to be interested in the show.
We’ll keep our eyes open for it on PAX.