Back in February, fans of Netflix’s The Haunting of Hill House, now known as The Haunting, rejoiced at the announcement of a second season. This joy was followed by a head tilt at the news that this season would not be following the now infamous Crain family. Instead, we will be introduced to a brand new story, with brand new characters entitled The Haunting of Bly Manor.

Inspired by the 1959 Shirley Jackson novel of the same name, Hill House followed the Crains. After purchasing the grand Hill house, flippers Olivia and Hugh Crain instantly start construction so they can sell the home for a huge profit in hopes of buying a “forever home” for their family. Luckily for them they have their five children to help. It doesn’t take long for things to get unusual and after a tragic loss, the now adult Crain children come together again. And it’s obvious they are still haunted by the ghosts of their past. Is Hill House trying to draw them back? Or is it simply all in their head? 

RELATED: THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE Gets Season 2 and New Anthology Format

The series became an instant hit among viewers worldwide. Even viewers that aren’t fans of horror couldn’t help but appreciate the bizarre beauty Hill House offered in its mere 10 episodes. Now this new installment, inspired by Henry James’ 1898 horror novel The Turn of the Screw, promises to offer Hill House fans another sinister tale to feast upon.

It tells the story of a young governess hired to care for a pair weirdly beautiful, strangely distant, oddly silent siblings. Things quickly take a strange turn for this governess. She soon discovers a beckoning evil is festering on this estate. And the evil appears to have a hold on the children. 

RELATED: A Guide to the Ghosts in THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE

The last several weeks have offered exciting news (especially with casting!) that offer fans an insight into the series. With some of the details finally starting to come together, let’s take a look at what we know so far about The Haunting of Bly Manor!

The Plot

At this point it’s well established what the general plot is. Just for good measure let’s look at a more detailed summary: On a Christmas Eve night during a gathering a friends, ghost stories are being shared. One of the guests, Douglas begins to tell the tale of two children (Flora and Miles) and his sister’s governess. A handsome bachelor hired the governess to take care of his niece and nephew at his country home in Bly. When strange events transpire on within the manor and the grounds the governess soon becomes convinced the estate is haunted. 

Seems pretty straight forward. However, seeing as this story takes place in the 19th century, one can’t help but wonder if the show will stay faithful to the book’s setting. Or if they will give it a modern revamp like with Hill House. It’s unclear as of right now but honestly? I can’t say I would be upset if they gave Bly Manor a modern twist. I was certainly skeptical about Hill House and look how great that turned out.

The Cast

Understandably nobody expected to see the Crains in this installment. This is a whole new story after all.  Yet in the last few weeks, 2 Hill house veterans have announced their return to The Haunting universe. Oliver Jackson-Cohen, who played Luke Crain, announced his return as “a charming fellow” called Peter. Along side him returns Victoria Pedretti, who played Eleanor “Nellie” Crain, as the governess named Dani who “takes care of two very unusual children.”

Recasting two actors for different roles in a new series is pretty unusual. Could the Crains be connected to these new characters? Like a past life situation? Or are they going a similar route to FX’s American Horror Story? If that’s the case, is it just a matter of time before more familiar names are announced for Bly Manor’s cast?

Release Date

While we don’t have an exact date as of right now, Hill House’s official Twitter account has confirmed a release sometime in 2020.

Production Team

Mike Flanagan directed all of the Hill House episodes. It’s a known fact Flanagan currently has a contract with Netflix that will lock him in with the streaming giant for quite a while. And it looks like Bly Manor is part of the package! Flanagan will be returning as director along with his producing partner, Trevor Macy. Flanagan and Macy are currently working on the upcoming Doctor Sleep, the sequel to Stephen King‘s The Shining. Looks like they’ll be awfully busy!

Production Status

No official announcement has been made yet. But with the rough confirmation of a release date and some cast members, it’s safe to assume filming will start soon.

Behind the Scenes Photos

There are currently no set or promotional photos for The Haunting of Bly Manor.

Trailer

No trailer or teaser has been released yet. Once a teaser/trailer is released, we’ll be sure to update you!

Are you excited for The Haunting of Bly Manor? Let us know!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fallon Marie Gannon
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