Depp as Vamp? Tim Burton Probes Dark Shadows


Leave it to director Tim Burton to put the creepiest possible spin on cheeseball mid-century soap opera Dark Shadows.

The daytime drama, which hypnotized TV viewers between 1966 and 1971 with story lines peopled by zombies, vampires and warlocks, is being adapted for the big screen by frequent Burton collaborator John August (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Big Fish).

August is bouncing back and forth between Shadows and Billy Batson and the Legend of Shazam. According to IESB.net's interview with Get Smart director Peter Segal, who is set to helm Shazam, August is writing Dark Shadows for Burton.

So, will Johnny Depp play alpha vampire Barnabas Collins? No word yet. But he previously investigated Headless Horseman decapitations in Burton's Sleepy Hollow and cut throats with relish in their most recent collaboration, Sweeney Todd, so we're thinking Depp should be able to sink his teeth into Dark Shadows, no problem.