British author and artist Clive Barker burst into the mainstream horror conscious with his debut feature film Hellraiser. Since then, Barker has been a staple of the horror genre as an author, screenwriter, director, producer and visual artist. Now, one of his most beloved short stories, “Jacqueline Ess: Her Will And Testament,” will get a movie make over.
ScreenDaily.com reports that Toronto-based production company Raven Banner has optioned the short story (first published in Barkerâs “Books of Blood” anthology. Raven Banner will produce alongside Barkerâs production company Seraphim Films.
Said Raven Banner partner Andrew Hunt, âAll of us at Raven Banner have been huge fans of Cliveâs for years and I personally have always loved the story of ‘Jacqueline Ess.’ It has all the qualities one wants in a modern horror film, so Iâm excited to see it finally being brought to life on film.â
“Jacqueline Ess” is the story of a woman who discovers she has the power to change a personâs physical shape using only her mind. Once she discovers this gift, her life changes drastically in a grisly way. This is the most recent in a long list of horror short stories to be adapted into feature films, notably Stephen Kingâs work including 1408, The Mist (based on King’s novella), and most recently Mercy, starring Dylan McDermott and Chandler Riggs, for Blumhouse.
Jacqueline Ess is scheduled to begin production this fall.
Barker’s work has always been hit & miss when brought to the screen. Finger’s crossed for this one.