The Crypt Keeper is back on TV after roughly 30 years, but only as AMC FearFest host
AMC has brought back the Crypt Keeper for FearFest, with new host segments starting Thursday, October 1.
One of horror TV's most recognisable hosts is returning in a form fans have not seen for roughly 30 years. AMC has brought back the Crypt Keeper for its 30th-anniversary FearFest, with brand new hosting spots set to begin on Thursday, October 1.
AMC announced on September 21 that the Crypt Keeper will serve as the official host of this year's FearFest. The comeback includes John Kassir returning as the voice behind the character, while special effects artist Greg Nicotero rebuilt Kevin Yagher's original 1989 puppet at KNB EFX.
The updated version keeps the details long-time viewers would recognise, including the decayed look, missing nose, blue eyes and worn grin. Nicotero also refreshed the sculpt and paint work for 4K and added more movement to the hands.
The new segments also change up the wardrobe. Instead of the familiar black tuxedo, the Keeper appears in a copper smoking jacket and, in one sponsor joke, a coral track jacket. AMC's spots place him behind turntables in a crypt-themed bar surrounded by skulls.
Nicotero said recreating the character and revisiting his pun-heavy style with Kassir again was both an honour and a privilege.
What this return actually means
This is not a full revival of Tales from the Crypt. The character has been tied up for years by a rights split involving the Gaines estate, which controls the EC Comics property, and the producers linked to the HBO-era version of the Keeper. According to the announcement, that division has prevented new episodes from moving forward because the comic rights are still needed.
The same issue also derailed M. Night Shyamalan's 2016 TNT reboot. The current breakthrough only covers the existing series and new wraparound material licensed to Shudder and AMC.
FearFest will run for more than 650 hours across AMC and AMC+, with Bacardi Rum listed as presenting sponsor. The schedule includes programming blocks built around Halloween, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Friday the 13th and Stephen King titles.
