Tim Burton has one of the most creative minds in the film industry. As much as he's known for his quirkiness, it's his macabre mind and gothic take on fantasy that's his biggest attribute.
On the acting front, heartthrob Johnny Depp has made a name for himself with his bizarre and offbeat roles. It goes without saying that Burton and Depp are a match made in gothic heaven and have collaborated numerous times in the past.
There's a never-ending sense of mystery when it comes to the man who's starred in plenty of roles Burton has created, most notably, Edward Scissorhands, and adaptations such as Sleepy Hollow, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Alice in Wonderland. In fact, Dark Shadows, based on the 60s TV soap opera of the same name, marks their eighth collaboration. This time, while Burton directs as usual, lead actor Depp takes on the additional duty of co-producer.
'Obviously, the one person who immediately came to mind to bring this project to life was Tim [Burton],' Depp says.
'He became really pumped up about it as we began to develop it.'
A few years ago, co-producer David Kennedy expressed an interest in adapting the series created by Dan Curtis, who died in 2006. Curtis had picked Depp to play Barnabas, but delays kept the project on the back burner for years. Depp says his portrayal of Barnabas is an homage to the first actor to play the role.