In partnership with Kaleidoscope Film and Television, Cosmos Production announces the development of the Gothic Horror feature film, Chalice Island. Written by Writer-Producer Theresa Chaze, the project was originally conceived after a conversation with actor David Selby. A fan of both Dark Shadows and Selby, Chaze took his off-handed comment to heart and used plot threads left behind by Dan Curtis to weave a new feature. Combining new talent with the original actors, she continued the Collins' family legacy, However, when Chaze had been unable to attain rights to Dark Shadows, she edited out those elements to create an entirely new project.
Even after being off the air for nearly 50 years, Dark Shadows continues to have a strong and loyal fan base. It has launched several networks, including the SyFy Channel. The conventions continue to draw fans from around the world, More of a parody than a continuation of the Dark Shadows brand, the 2012 feature angered and frustrated the fans, which is why it failed at the box office. Yet the brand remains strong and viable in spite of the “movie that shall not be named.” Chalice Island cannot replace Dark Shadows. It wouldn't even try. What it will do both as a feature film and the pilot for a new series is stay true to the original Dark Shadows, buy continuing the tradition of Gothic Horror, Romance, and cliffhangers.
With characters ranging in age from 10 to 60+ with the primary age range between 20 and 50, Chalice Island will cross age demographics. It
will attract the prized 18-49 year old demographic while enticing the
fan bases with the original actors who have been cast fully
developed and substantial roles.The new characters include the 20-somethings Julia, Jonathan, Davy, Constance, and Katheryn's children, The list of 30-50-year-old characters include Susanna, Joe, Joshua, and Cheryl, Ethnic inclusiveness will be woven into the fabric with a strong Native American presence and the ethnic diversity of Katheryn's grandchildren.
Jacqueline's capacity to love is only exceeded by her need for vengeance after she finds her mother raped and murdered. When a source of evil offers both her and her brother, Jackson, the means to gain revenge, they enthusiastically embrace the dark arts. After 150 years of blood sacrifices, she meets Morgan. His love heals her old wounds. Hiding the chalice, she breaks the cycle of blood. Although Jackson could have stopped, them, he chooses to allow Jacqueline and Morgan to escape. His act of compassion costs him dearly. Decades later, Frank finds Jacqueline and Morgan on a small Reservation. Over the decades, she has earned grace. As long as she refrains from using her powers, she will remain untouchable. Yet, Frank knows her true weakness. His first attempt on her children only served to make Jacqueline more obsessive and controlling over their safety. Her smothering made her son, Jonathan, angry and vulnerable. As the clock winds down, Frank sends the vampire that he created to bring him to Chalice Island. Jacqueline and Morgan return to find their past has not been forgotten or forgiven. Frank demands that she return the chalice. If she returns it, he will release the ancient evil. If she refuses, her son will become a vampire that she will either have to kill or force him to live in eternal confinement. If she uses her power to save her son, she forfeits her grace, erasing her life with Morgan, their children, and all the good she had done. Jackson remains the wild card. Only Bailey knows he has returned. Which side will he take or does he have an agenda all his own.
Chalice Island, the series will continue the drama, suspense, and romance. The plot twists will create as many questions as it does answers. Will the vampire, Davy retain control over Jonathan or will the mysterious Constance steal him from her? Jonathan finds himself torn between the two women, yet he finds himself attracted to forbidden love. They thought they prevented Jon from becoming a vampire by performing the ritual and cremating his body. Yet Jackson's interference kept his soul from finding peace. As he reaches out to his wife, Katheryn, she becomes determined to bring him back by whatever means necessary. Will she reach out to the ancient evil? Or like Jackson, will she find another way? Did the ghosts of his victims take their revenge on Frank or did he find sanctuary? All these questions and more will be answered in the first season of Chalice Island.
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