Warner Bros. has released two official set photos from Tim Burton’s Dark Shadows.  The film is based off the cult TV series of the same name which ran from 1969 – 1973 and centered on vampire Barnabas Collins (played by Johnny Depp) and his attempt to reintegrate with his descendants after being buried 200 years ago.  Burton and Depp decided 1972 was the right time to set the movie. Screenwriter Seth Grahame-Smith explains to Empire, “1972 is right at the time when the hippie movement and all its peace and love is dying out and being replaced by this me-me-me generation in the ’70s who are all about showing their wealth and having everything.”  Is the film going to act like the hippie movement dying out was a bad thing?  Who likes hippies?

Hit the jump to check out the set photos as well as the College Humor video that immediately sprung to mind when I saw the photos.  The film also stars Chloe Moretz, Eva Green, Gulliver McGrath, Bella Heathcote, Ray Shirley, Jackie Earle Haley, Jonny Lee Miller, and Michelle Pfeiffer.  Dark Shadows opens May 11, 2012.

After the leak of disconcerting photos of Johnny Depp in make-up on the set of Tim Burton’s adaptation of the 1960s cult TV series Dark Shadows, Warner Bros. has released a somewhat-reassuring image of the cast.  The look is unmistakably Burton with an emphasis on distinctive costumes (I would say they look retro but the movie is in the 1970s) and daunting architecture.  Oh, and there’s Helena Bonham Carter’s ridiculous bright orange hair and white pancake make-up because Burton clearly can’t help himself.  As for Depp, you’ll notice the whiteface and big blue sunglasses are gone, but this a promo shot and the set photos are from another scene in the movie where his character, vampire Barnabas Collins, has to go out into broad daylight.

Hit the jump to check out the full image along with the official synopsis and descriptions for some of the character.  The film also stars Chloe Moretz, Eva Green, Gulliver McGrath, Bella Heathcote, Ray Shirley, Jackie Earle Haley, Jonny Lee Miller, and Michelle Pfeiffer.  Dark Shadows opens May 11, 2012.

Warner Bros. has announced that principal photography has begun on Tim Burton’s adaptation of the cult classic TV series  Dark Shadows.  While I’ve always found announcements about the start of production to be slightly baffling (Movie studio is making movies!  Will wonders never cease?!), they sometimes contain useful information.  In the case of this Dark Shadows announcement, there are two newsworthy items.  First up, Jonny Lee Miller (Dexter) has joined the cast which features Johnny Depp (of course), Helena Bonham Carter (again, of course), Eva Green, Michelle Pfeiffer, Chloe Moretz, Gulliver McGrath, Bella Heathcote, and Jackie Earle Haley.

Secondly, Warner Bros. has also released the full synopsis which not only provides plot details (but nothing spoilery) but also details the relationship between all of the characters.  Hit the jump to check out the press release, which includes the synopsis.  Dark Shadows is set to open May 11, 2012.