Is Halloween Ends really the finale of the Halloween series?

As a long-time fan of the Halloween franchise, I can’t help but feel a mix of emotions as I reflect on the upcoming conclusion to this trilogy. Growing up with Laurie Strode and Michael Myers has been like a rollercoaster ride through the darkest corners of my imagination.

You can now stream “Halloween Ends” on Netflix UK, marking the conclusion (albeit a controversial one) of the revitalized “Halloween” movie trilogy.

The film unfolded the storyline from Halloween (2018) and Halloween Kills (2021), with the legendary survivor, Laurie Strode (portrayed by Jamie Lee Curtis), confronting the infamous serial killer Michael Myers in their final showdown.

As someone who has spent a considerable amount of time following Lee Curtis’s career, I can’t help but feel a sense of melancholy as her final outing approaches. Ever since she announced it back in July 2021, I’ve been eagerly awaiting more details about this new movie. In an interview with Digital Spy, she compared the experience to going through a break-up, which resonates deeply with me given my own life experiences. As a fan, I can only imagine how difficult it must be for her to say goodbye to a profession she’s been a part of for so long. It will certainly be bittersweet to see her on the big screen one last time.

After watching the latest movie installment, I can confirm that I won’t be reprising my role as Laurie anymore. Director David Gordon Green himself confirmed this, stating, “I do believe we are bidding farewell to Jamie playing Laurie in this universe.” He shared this with Entertainment Weekly.

In the future, it’s possible that a new character named Laurie could be introduced, a turn of events will unfold, and the mythology will carry on. However, I have a sense that this is our final goodbye to her anxious grin and the delightful traits that made Laurie Strode who she was.

Could it truly mark the conclusion of the whole Halloween series? Let’s explore the grim finale of Halloween Ends and contemplate if there might be any sequels in store.

Major spoilers are ahead.

Is Halloween Ends really the finale of the Halloween series?

Halloween Ends ending explained: Does Laurie die?

The upcoming film is set four years following the incidents of “Halloween Kills” and since then, no resident of Haddonfield has encountered Michael Myers. Instead, the town’s feared figure is now Corey Cunningham (Rohan Campbell), who was implicated for a murder he allegedly committed while babysitting a year prior.

Corey enters the picture for Laurie when he’s defended by her against some tormentors, and his granddaughter Allyson (Andi Matichak) is also drawn to him romantically. Unfortunately, both of them cross paths with Michael Myers in the sewage system following another clash with the bullies.

In a surprising turn of events, Michael initially sets out to harm Corey, yet abruptly halts his actions. However, an alteration occurs within Corey following this strange episode, and he embarks on a rampage, at times joining forces with Michael and at other times acting independently.

Laurie grows suspicious that Corey might not be who he claims to be, and she thinks she recognizes “Michael’s gaze in Corey.” On Halloween night, after Corey grabs Michael’s mask (The Shape is weakened following the events of Kills)), he intensifies his murderous rampage, with Laurie as his ultimate target.

Is Halloween Ends really the finale of the Halloween series?

She outwits Corey though and shoots him, but not fatally. Corey then stabs himself in the neck, framing Laurie for his murder which would put an irreparable rift between her and Allyson. Michael comes back and finishes the job on Corey, before the final showdown begins.

In a chilling turn of events, I found myself overpowering Michael and cornered him against my kitchen table, using the fridge for support. At one pivotal moment, it seemed like we were destined to leave our mark on this world together as I goaded him, urging him to choke me (“do it,” I urged him). In a twist of fate, Michael’s grip tightened around my throat as I made a desperate move and slashed his neck. Alas, help arrived just in time from Allyson, who managed to halt the carnage and watch as Michael bled out before our eyes.

Nevertheless, Laurie understands that the town of Haddonfield requires more than just being informed that Michael is deceased. She secures his body onto her car and drives him through the town towards the junkyard as a final demonstration. There, she feeds Michael’s remains into the metal grinder in an attempt to ensure his demise completely.

As a gamer, I can tell you that this epic finale wasn’t just part of the original plan; it was an unexpected bonus, added at the eleventh hour when the director felt the need for something truly spectacular to bring the trilogy to a climactic close.

Later on, we observe Laurie completing her memoir and possibly embarking on a romantic relationship with Deputy Frank Hawkins (portrayed by Will Patton). Meanwhile, Allyson departs from Haddonfield. Given all that she has experienced, it’s understandable for her to do so.

Is Halloween Ends really the finale of the Halloween series?

Is this the end of the Halloween franchise?

It seems undeniably conclusive, as Laurie somehow lives on, yet Michael appears to be reduced to pulp, and even the infamous “Shape,” who has regained his head previously, may find it challenging to reconstruct himself again.

It’s worth noting that this trilogy significantly altered the original storyline by disregarding all sequels following the film “Halloween.” However, it doesn’t necessarily mean there won’t be another direct sequel to the first “Halloween” movie, which could then lead the series in a new direction.

If we adopt a skeptical perspective, it’s reasonable to assume that another Halloween film will largely hinge on the performance of Halloween Ends at the box office. This is essentially what creator John Carpenter hinted at back in August 2022 when he stated, “If the movie earns profits, I don’t think it’s over. There’s a pattern: when a film makes money, it seems to spark the creation of the next one.”

It seems that Jamie Lee Curtis’ portrayal of Laurie Strode in Halloween Ends might mark her final appearance as the character, based on her statement made in July 2021.

Is Halloween Ends really the finale of the Halloween series?

Laurie has come back from the dead before, so it’s hard to rule out any possibilities, given that she made it through this trilogy. Moving forward in the story within this timeline appears improbable, but not completely out of the question.

In “Ends,” although there’s no explanation about Michael Myers’ supernatural aspects, it introduces the idea of his evilness influencing others. It seems plausible that when Corey gazed into Michael’s eyes during their initial meeting, something inside him shifted, igniting his violent nature.

In this scenario, it’s possible that Michael could have died in this timeline, but it’s not impossible that he encountered someone else whom he “contaminated.” Slip on a William Shatner mask, and suddenly Haddonfield has another Michael Myers.

In Laurie’s concluding voiceover, she suggests that her words could hold significance if we revisit the same timeline. She states, “Evil does not disappear; it simply transforms.” This is a subtle reference to one of Michael’s other aliases.

An upcoming antagonist may not physically be Michael Myers, but instead embodies his malevolent essence. Some viewers have speculated that this wicked spirit might have possessed Laurie Strode, explaining her continued possession of his mask, which is evident in the climactic scene.

Is Halloween Ends really the finale of the Halloween series?

A more streamlined option for a potential 14th Halloween film could involve restarting the storyline once more. This trilogy could then stand independently as its own timeline, with a fresh branch emerging either directly from the initial movie or at another significant point within the narrative.

It’s uncertain whether this will occur or not, but it’s clear that slaying Michael Myers permanently is no simple task.

Halloween Ends is available to watch on Netflix UK.

2024-08-16 15:21

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