‘Basket Case’ Director Frank Henenlotter Talks New Sequel, Thoughts on a Remake

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with the extremely humorous filmmaker Frank Henenlotter. He was doing press for the upcoming Blu-ray release of his cult classic film “Basket Case.” The movie hits stores on September 27 through Image Entertainment.

When an independent film that cost around $35,000 to make ends up being a surprise hit and plays midnight screenings straight for two years, it’s inevitable that producers and directors will be asked to make a sequel. That’s exactly what happened to Henenlotter. Instead of doing what most would do and prematurely make a follow-up with a half-written script, the filmmaker took his time.

“I was asked to do a sequel to ‘Basket Case.’ I thought, ‘Well, they [brothers Duane Bradley and Belial] died,’” Henenlotter said. “I really didn’t know what to do with them. I mean, what do I have them do? Go to another Skid Row hotel? It just seemed to be rehashed.”

“Basket Case 2″ came out in 1990 and avoided being a retread of the first film, which is what ends up happening with lots of slasher sequels. Henenlotter actually came up with a way to expand the world of “Basket Case.”

“What I came up with is the idea of having a community of freaks,” he said. “I thought, ‘That’s wonderful, because now it’s a bigger canvas.’ More monsters mean more fun. That’s okay. ‘Basket Case 2′ I like a lot.”

Unfortunately, Henenlotter doesn’t feel the same about his third entry in the series. It was titled “Basket Case 3: The Progeny” and came out in 1991. He shared with me how he felt about the movie.

“I’m disappointed with ‘Basket Case 3.’ I couldn’t change the formula. I really did rehash Part 2,” Henenlotter confessed.

Just like every genre movie that is adored, the question of another sequel always comes up in conversations with “Basket Case” fans. Apparently Henenlotter has given the subject some thought.

“Yeah. I have a crazy idea to do a fourth one but it ‘s not a sequel,” he said. “I think it’s so crazy it’s worth doing. I’m not sure people are going to be happy with it, but I think I should do it and we should find out.”

As I was closing out my conversation with Henenlotter, another familiar subject was brought up. Remakes of old classic horror films are popular right now. Would he let someone remake “Basket Case?” He gave a very direct answer:

“I’d allow it if someone would give me enough money to shut me up. I have a very comfortable sell-out price. I’m not going to give it away for free. I wouldn’t be a part of it. I would just sell the rights. Just give me a wheel barrel of money and maybe I’ll walk away.”

For more articles by Eric Shirey, check out:

‘Pragul Martii (Death’s Door)’ Accomplishes a Lot in a Little Time
‘Straw Dogs’ Remake Fails to Update Original
Interview with ‘Creature’ Actor Mehcad Brooks

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