Every Cancelled John Carpenter Film We NEVER Got To See

Despite Halloween III: Season of the Witch's attempts to revise the franchise into an anthology, the divisive entry underperformed. As a result, the IP returned to its slasher roots, bringing Michael Myers back for Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers.

Although the sequel was directed by Dwight H. Little, Carpenter was initially approached to return. The original Halloween director planned to adapt the script of Dennis Etchison, who'd written the novelisations of the last two entries. The structure was similar to what we got, with Michael returning to Haddonfield to stalk his niece, Jamie.

But in this version, Michael functioned like a ghostly embodiment of evil rather than a flesh-and-blood killer. Furthermore, the story focused more on suspense and dread, rather than Michael's body count. Jamie had a psychic link with Michael, so she knew when her uncle was near, emphasising the supernatural element. When Michael was cornered during the conclusion, he'd transfer his evil to Jamie (which was hinted at but discarded in the finished product).

Despite Carpenter's efforts to reinvent the brand he created, the producers worried his idea was too cerebral. Carpenter wasn't interested in doing more of the same and so, deserted the project.