Trans Actor Jamie Clayton Leads in 'Hellraiser' Reboot
Out trans actor Jamie Clayton leads the cast of an upcoming reboot of the horror classic "Hellraiser," starring as a gender-swapped version of iconic Cenobite baddie Pinhead, Entertainment Weekly reported.
Clayton, who is known for her work on television shows "The L Word: Generation Q" and the Wachowskis' "Sense8," takes over the role of the iconic "Hell Priest" from original Pinhead actor Doug Bradley.
The Hollywood Reporter tweeted side-by-side images of Clayton and Pinhead (as portrayed by Bradley).
"The project is described as a 'loyal, yet evolved reimagining' of the movie based on Clive Barker's novella 'The Hellbound Heart,'" The Hollywood Reporter said.
"Barker expanded the story into a 1987 movie he wrote and directed about a puzzle box that opens a gateway to a horrific world run by Cenobites, mutilated beings dedicated to torture," the Variety article detailed.
Barker had lost the U.S. rights to the franchise, but is now set to reacquire them, Variety noted. He joined the project as a producer. David S. Goyer is also producing, and is credited with the film's story; Ben Collins and Luke Piotrowski penned the screenplay, and "The Night House" director David Bruckner helms the film.
Bruckner expressed utmost confidence in the casting, "including the amazing Jamie Clayton, who fully embodies the role as the Hell Priest," and said the new film would be "a very special new chapter in the 'Hellraiser' legacy."
Barker also waxed enthusiastic for the horror reboot, saying, "This is a Hellraiser on a scale that I simply didn't expect. David and his team are steeped in the story's mythology, but what excites me is their desire to honor the original even as they revolutionize it for a new generation."
The film recently completed filming, Variety noted, but it wasn't until Oct. 7 that production company Spyglass announced the cast.
The new "Hellraiser" is expected to stream on Hulu next year.