Halloween: Resurrection (previously under working titles of Halloween 8 or Halloween: Homecoming) is a 2002 American horror comedy film that is the eighth instalment in the Halloween film series. Directed by Rick Rosenthal, who had also directed Halloween II in 1981, the film builds upon the continuity of Halloween H20: 20 Years Later. It continues with the masked serial killer Michael Myers (Brad Loree) continuing his murderous rampage in his hometown of Haddonfield. Yet, this time, the killer's old, derelict childhood home is being used for a live internet horror show.
The film came out to mostly negative critical reviews, but it was somewhat of a box office success, with over $30 million made in the box office. Actress Jamie Lee Curtis returned in her long-running role as Laurie Strode; Larry Brand and Sean Hood devised the screenplay. Resurrection is currently the final instalment in the original Halloween film series. Although more sequels were planned to follow Resurrection, the series was eventually rebooted with Rob Zombie's 2007 remake of the original Halloween.
According to the Halloween: 25 Years of Terror documentary DVD, Miramax wanted to take Michael Myers out of the film but Moustapha Akkad and the fans disagreed. After learning a lesson with Halloween III: Season of the Witch, Miramax decided not to develop another sequel without the Myers character. The film's working title was Halloween: The Homecoming, but its producers wanted a title that said Michael Myers is alive, so in February 2002, the film was officially renamed Halloween: Resurrection. Also, the release date for the film was originally set as September 21, 2001, but producers wanted the film to be stronger so re-shoots took place from September to October 2001. The release date was thus changed to April 19, 2002 and then again to July 12, 2002.
Both Whitney Ransick and Dwight H. Little were approached to direct the film but turned it down. Later Rick Rosenthal, the director of Halloween II, was chosen to direct. The film's trailer was delivered on April 26, 2002 with the release of Jason X.
Halloween: Resurrection's delayed production and reshoots meant at least two alternate versions exist. The first work-print, titled onscreen as Halloween: The Homecoming, contained differences, some of which appeared on the DVD release including an alternate opening, multiple alternate endings, deleted scenes and an alternate score. Screencaps from a second work-print featuring deleted and alternate footage have been posted online, but copies are rare. This work-print is rumoured to include the deleted scenes, some of which are viewable on the retail DVD and YouTube.
Jamie Lee Curtis was contractually obligated for a 30-second cameo in the film, but reportedly was so interested in the story that she agreed to do a full four-day shoot and appeared in the entire opening sequence.