Behind the Scenes Chaos: Rob Zombie's Return to Halloween 2

Rob Zombie returned for Halloween II despite experiencing an unprofessional environment during the shooting of the first movie. As the director, producer, and writer of the 2007 remake, Zombie created a slasher film that followed Michael Myers' pursuit of high school student Laurie Strode. Even though Halloween was a success, Zombie was hesitant to continue the project. In an interview on the Howie Mandell Does Stuff podcast (via ComicBook.com), Zombie shared that he only returned to finish what he started and fulfill his contractual obligations without being held hostage for a third movie.

The Chaotic Filming Of Halloween

Initially, I had refused to make the sequel due to my desire to terminate my contract and end my life. I was bound to a three-picture deal, but after the production company had gone through twelve different directors for Halloween II, they asked me to return. I agreed to direct the film only if they released me from the third picture. I did not want to be obligated to do three films. As I was shooting, Bob Weinstein, one of the producers, came to the set and showed me the trailer for my Halloween. He praised it, saying, "Every frame of this movie's f-cking genius." This was the same individual who had previously expressed his dislike for the film.

Rob Zombie had a difficult time producing Halloween II, which led to him having a negative view of the horror franchise. He found the entire experience of creating Halloween to be "miserable" due to the actors not knowing what to do on set and the director constantly facing disagreement and contradictory ideas from the executive producers. As a result, returning for a third Halloween movie would be more terrifying than Michael Myers' worst attack.

During the release of Halloween, Zombie faced criticism over low numbers even before the theaters opened. The producers' constant fighting added to the already toxic environment, leading Zombie to lie about the Halloween II production schedule to prevent future interference. Eventually, his experience with the franchise led him to give up on it entirely. He hasn't watched the new Halloween movies since, as he can't bring himself to care for it anymore. His limited involvement with the franchise makes sense given his experience on set, and it explains why he returned solely to get out of his contract after Halloween II.

Source: Howie Mandell Does Stuff (via ComicBook.com)