When The Haunting of Hill House debuted on Netflix, people claimed it was so terrifying it made them 'pass out'. (I watched it and didn't pass out - can I sue Netflix?) But regardless of whether or not you jumped, fainted or peed your pants, you have to admit it was an excellent series. (If you don't, The Bent Neck Lady will get you.)
The hit series told the story of the dysfunctional Crain family, and how the creepy specters at Hill House changed their lives forever. Each episode focused on different Craines, jumping around in time, a character-driven drama mixed with supernatural horror. There were also impressive stylistic touches, like an episode comprised of four long takes, and hidden ghosts in the background of many scenes.
After the series became a megahit, rumors flew about a second season. Fans are clamoring for more horror, but wondered how the show could continue. At the end of the last episode, the Crains' story appears to be done. Would a new series take place in the past, with a new set of characters? Or tell the haunted stories behind Steven Crain's other books? How about a spin-off series called Theo Crain, Magic Touch Detective? I'd watch that.
Carla Gugino, who played doomed house designer Olivia Crain, opened up about season two in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. "Mike Flanagan said he would be interested in the notion of an anthology, where some actors come back to play different characters," said Carla. "I think he feels like he has told the complete story of the Crain family. But if I was invited and I was able to, I would really love to, just because I do love to collaborate with him."
So, it looks like The Haunting Of Hill House will return for a second season, with actors coming back to play different characters. Michiel Huisman, who played young Steven Crain, made similar remarks during a recent interview.
"Well, you know what, very early on, when we were still shooting this show, we had conversations about what a second season could look like," said Michiel. "I think that one of the crazy things about Mike [Flanagan, the show's creator] is that he is an infinite well of ideas and stories. I don’t think he ever sleeps! There are possibilities - if the show is a hit - to create a second season and still be in this world of Hill House."
The show might become an anthology series, featuring a different set of characters each season, like FX's American Horror Story and Fargo. And Michiel added that he's open to the idea of a spin-off, which gives hope to my spin-off idea, Theo Crain, Magic Touch Detective!
"But I could also totally see [Flanagan] pitch an idea where we just do a spin-off," said Michiel. "Film an anthology series and take it in a completely different direction. We have to wait and see. That’s one of the cool things about Netflix, they’re open to anything."
There was a specter hiding in the background of every paragraph in this article.
