The Untold Ending that Would Have Ended Halloween's Reboot Trilogy

The Big Picture

Fans and critics loved the 2018 Halloween reboot because it was a return to form with well-formed characters and a scary Michael Myers.

The conclusion of Halloween 2018 revolves around the themes of trauma and female empowerment. The initial alternate ending suggested the demise of both Laurie and Michael, however, this was revised to emphasize Laurie's resilience and readiness, resulting in a more impactful conclusion.

Fans and critics alike were captivated by the 2018 Halloween reboot. It marked a triumphant return to its roots, with meticulously developed characters and a genuinely intimidating portrayal of the Boogeyman by James Jude Courtney, perfectly complemented by his eerie mask. While the film didn't shy away from delivering plenty of chilling kills, director David Gordon Green skillfully balanced it with a sincere exploration of our empathy towards the hapless victims within this intricately crafted world. Adding to the film's allure, Green masterfully convinced the legendary Jamie Lee Curtis to reprise her iconic role as Laurie Strode. Yet, it is the conclusion of Halloween that truly shines. Although it diverges from the original ending, the final few minutes unveil an entirely captivating conclusion.

What Is the Premise of the 2018 'Halloween' Film?

Image via Universal Pictures

The Halloween franchise met a tragic end in 2009 with the disappointing performance of Rob Zombie's Halloween II. Both critically and commercially unsuccessful, it seemed like there was no way to salvage the series. The original timeline became a convoluted mess involving cults and a weakened boogeyman getting bested by Busta Rhymes in Halloween: Resurrection. It was an irreparable damage, but Zombie's intention was to start fresh. Unfortunately, his creative vision quickly crumbled, turning Michael Myers into an unmasked, bearded vagabond with psychological issues stemming from his mother. For almost a decade, Myers remained dormant until director David Gordon Green resurrected him with a simple premise: disregarding all the insanity and acknowledging only the significance of the initial John Carpenter film. Consequently, the franchise regained control by exploring the aftermath of trauma. How has Laurie coped with the agonizing memories of that fateful Halloween night after 40 years, and what will be her response when the nightmare once again unfolds before her?

What Is 'Halloween's Theatrical Ending?

Despite the complicated manner in which Michael Myers made his way to Laurie Strode's house for their first encounter in 40 years in the 2018 Halloween reboot, what ensued was a suspenseful experience that kept viewers on the edge of their seats. Throughout all those years, Laurie had anticipated Michael's return, pushing away her daughter Karen (Judy Greer) in the process. Now, on the verge of doing the same to her teenage granddaughter Allyson (Andi Matichak), Laurie's obsession with guns and her preparation for the Shape's comeback have rendered her almost deranged. She has gone to great lengths, such as fortifying her home with bars and sealing off a basement where she can hide if necessary.

When Michael finally attacks, all three generations of women fight back. They manage to trap him in the basement, which they then set on fire. Interestingly, the house was not just a hiding place but a cleverly devised trap. Halloween (2018) explores not only the lingering effects of trauma but also the empowerment of women as they confront and ultimately defeat their male aggressor. This unintentionally aligns with the timely theme of reclaiming power in a post-Me Too era. Although this could have served as a fitting conclusion with no further sequels, it was not the original ending.

'Halloween's Alternate Ending Hinted at the Deaths of Its Hero and Villain

Image via Universal Pictures

If you watched the original Halloween trailer five years ago and then saw the film in theaters, you would have noticed that some of the shots in the trailer are not present in the final version of the movie. These missing moments from the trailer are actually from the original unused ending of Halloween. In the original ending, Laurie's house is not set up as a trap. The climax of the film does not take place in her home with cages and fire, but instead it happens outside in the yard.

Although David Gordon Green has never officially revealed this ending, it can be reconstructed from the original script. In this version, Laurie and Michael engage in a knife fight in the yard, which can be glimpsed in the trailer. Laurie, the ultimate final girl, sustains several wounds from Michael's weapon and begins to bleed profusely. While we never witness her actual death, it is implied that she is dying. Her long-standing nightmare is finally coming to an end. Karen, Laurie's daughter, emerges from the house armed with a crossbow in an attempt to save the day. She repeatedly shoots Michael, causing him to stumble into the woods and sit down. He gazes into the darkness, also bleeding out. We do not definitively see his death, but as the film fades to black, it appears that both Michael and Laurie's lives are coming to an end. Since this was intended to be a standalone film, it is a logical conclusion to reach.

Why Was the Ending of 2018's 'Halloween' Changed?

Halloween's alternate ending lacks excitement and feels tame and dull. It was changed for multiple reasons, including the fact that it didn't showcase Laurie's extensive preparation and made her seem caught off-guard. The decision was made to depict her as someone who had learned from the past and demonstrate how her preparation saved her. It was important for the film to emphasize the strength of a family of women working together to defeat their aggressor. Jamie Lee Curtis, in the book Halloween: The Official Making of Halloween, Halloween Kills & Halloween Ends by Abbie Bernstein, mentioned that every addition to the movie made it work, highlighting the power of collaboration and flexibility.

Despite the alternate ending, it could be argued that the Halloween franchise should have ended in 2018, as it was a highly successful slasher film. The subsequent sequels, Halloween Kills and Halloween Ends, felt like filler with no clear direction other than to see Michael Myers die. However, the ending we ultimately received is still the best. It is empowering to see Laurie taking an offensive stance rather than constantly being on the defense. She is not defined by her circumstances but rather is a strong, empowered woman.

Halloween

Created by John CarpenterFirst Film Halloween (1978)Latest Film Halloween EndsCharacter(s) Michael Myers

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I have mixed feelings about the alternate ending of the 2018 Halloween reboot. On the one hand, I can understand why the filmmakers decided to change the ending. The original ending, in which Laurie and Michael both die, would have been a more definitive and satisfying conclusion to the story. It would have also been a more tragic ending, and it would have left a lasting impact on viewers.

On the other hand, I also appreciate the new ending of the film. The new ending is more hopeful, and it suggests that Laurie is finally able to overcome her trauma and defeat Michael. This is a more empowering message for survivors of trauma, and it is one that I think is important to share.

Ultimately, I think the decision of whether or not to change the ending of the film was a difficult one. There are valid arguments to be made for both endings. However, I believe that the filmmakers made the right decision in changing the ending. The new ending is more hopeful and empowering, and it is a message that I think is important to share.