Questions
When did Pumpkinhead come out?
It had a limited release on October 14, 1988, followed by a wider release on January 13, 1989.
Who directed Pumpkinhead?
Legendary special effects artist Stan Winston, and Pumpkinhead was his directorial debut.
How did Stan Winston end up directing it?
The De Laurentiis Entertainment Group reportedly sent Winston the script expecting him to handle only the creature effects, but he saw it as his chance to direct.
What is the movie actually about?
A grieving father summons a demonic creature through a witch to avenge his son, who was killed accidentally by teenage campers, then discovers he and the monster are spiritually linked.
Who plays the father, Ed Harley?
Lance Henriksen stars as the grieving father Ed Harley.
Is that really a young Mayim Bialik in the cast?
Yes, a young Mayim Bialik appears as Christine Wallace, alongside John D’Aquino as Joel and Kerry Remsen as Maggie.
Who was actually inside the Pumpkinhead suit?
Effects artist Tom Woodruff Jr. wore the Pumpkinhead suit, and he was also one of the creature’s designers.
Who designed the creature?
Stan Winston gave free rein to artists Alec Gillis, Shane Mahan, John Rosengrant, and Tom Woodruff Jr., who created the gigantic, spindly demonic monster with its pumpkin-like head.
What inspired the story?
It was inspired by a poem written by poet Ed Justin.
Was the movie always called Pumpkinhead?
No, it was originally titled Vengeance: The Demon.
How does the link between Ed and the monster end?
Realizing he and Pumpkinhead share a psychic connection, Ed shoots himself, the creature bursts into flames, and the witch buries Ed in Pumpkinhead’s grave.
How much did it cost and how did it do at the box office?
Made on a budget of about $3.2 million, it grossed roughly $4.4 million domestically, a disappointment at the time.
Did critics like it?
It holds a 51% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but it has built up a cult following since its release.
Are there any sequels?
Yes, three: Pumpkinhead II: Blood Wings (1994), Pumpkinhead: Ashes to Ashes (2006), and Pumpkinhead: Blood Feud (2007).
