In 1985, Stephen King referred to as Clive Barker the “way forward for horror,” however 40 years on, how correct did this declare show to be? Stephen King’s books have been an inescapable half of popular culture by the mid-Eighties, and whereas he could not have earned vital respectability (but), the creator was undeniably the king of horror throughout this time.
Stephen King films have been additionally arriving at an alarming charge, with producers wanting to snap up something he wrote. King himself was a vocal fan of the style, typically giving shout outs to authors and filmmakers whose work he cherished. In reality, Stephen King’s suggestions proceed to at the present time, as he repeatedly suggests films, exhibits and books on social media.
Stephen King Labeled Clive Barker “The Future Of Horror”
In 2025 alone, he shouted out Zach Cregger’s Weapons, Horror-Western Killing Religion, and the TV present From. Rewinding again to the Eighties, King had a number of horror authors he was competing towards, together with Dean Koontz, James Herbert and, ultimately, Clive Barker.
Barker broke onto the scene together with his Books of Blood anthology, which comprised six volumes of terrifying and slightly gory quick tales. The beginner creator obtained an enormous increase when King gave the Books of Blood a quote, stating, “I’ve seen the way forward for horror and his title is Clive Barker.”
Just about each novel and film Barker was a part of from that time on got here hooked up with King’s quote – which is kind of comprehensible. King was effusive in his reward of Barker’s writing, praising it as so unique and shattering that it made different title horror writers “… appear to be we have been asleep for the final ten years.”
Clive Barker Had An Unimaginable Run Throughout The Eighties And Nineties
Barker has claimed King’s beneficiant quote modified his profession eternally, and he went on to an unimaginable run of labor. He penned bestsellers like The Damnation Recreation, The Nice and Secret Present and The Thief of All the time. He additionally created two horror icons when he moved behind the digicam.
In 1987, Barker tailored his novella The Hellbound Coronary heart into horror traditional Hellraiser, a Faustian love story that additionally launched the world to the demon, Pinhead (Doug Bradley). 1992 additionally noticed Barker produce Candyman, based mostly on his Books of Blood quick story, The Forbidden.
Barker’s output was particularly prolific throughout the Nineties, the place he directed two films, produced a number of others, penned many books and comics; he even had his personal imprint with Marvel Comics. Transferring into the 2000s, he additionally tried his hand at video video games with Timeless and Clive Barker’s Jericho.
Sadly, the creator’s well being took a significant flip for the more severe in 2012, when a go to to the dentist led to him contracting poisonous shock syndrome. This put Barker in a coma and virtually killed him, and his recoverly would gradual his artistic output within the years that adopted.
Barker’s Work Has Influenced Many Authors And Filmmakers
Barker’s writing model could possibly be extraordinarily graphic, however there’s additionally an plain heat and humanity to his work too. A lot of his fiction takes the facet of the so-called monsters, with Cabal (later tailored as 1990’s Nightbreed ) exploring an underground world of creatures being hunted down by evil people.
His work has been cited as an affect by Guillermo del Toro, with monsters as heroes being seen in practically all of the director’s work, from Hellboy to 2025’s Frankenstein. Different filmmakers who cited Barker’s work as an inspiration embody Brannon Braga, Scott Derrickson and Mike Flanagan.
Scott Derrickson made his directorial debut with the 2000 sequel Hellraiser: Inferno.
Nic Cage cult favourite Mandy additionally took clear inspiration from Barker’s work, notably Hellraiser. As for different authors, his novels have been shouted by the likes of China Miéville, Poppy Z. Brite and Joe R. Lansdale (Bubba Ho-Tep).
Stephen King’s Clive Barker Prediction Was Largely Correct
Clive Barker could have by no means reached the identical stage of cultural acceptance as Stephen King, however that does not imply the latter’s “way forward for horror” prediction wasn’t spot on. Barker not solely grew to become a significant horror author and filmmaker, however his affect on the style are clear to see.
Barker’s writing was finally at all times going to be just a little too darkish, excessive and unusual to realize full acceptance with mainstream audiences. That was by no means his intent, although, so as an alternative of pumping out Hellraiser sequels and getting wealthy, he centered on inventive pursuits that excited him as an alternative.
From work to comics to films and video video games, Barker was by no means afraid to take dangers and check out new challenges. 40 years on from King’s quote, the horror panorama could not resemble Barker’s imaginative and prescient, however it’s additionally a richer, extra advanced style due to creators like him.
He pushed the envelope by way of bloodshed and sexuality in his work and inspired different authors and administrators to be bolder. Guillermo del Toro looks like his largest scholar, however his affect will also be present in latest TV exhibits and movies like American Horror Story, The Substance, Stranger Issues and so forth.
Barker continues to be writing and creating, so his future work may nonetheless proceed to thrill, repulse and encourage. Once more, Clive Barker did not develop into the title that Stephen King did, however the creator was completely proper about Barker turning into an necessary determine within the horror style.
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- Birthdate
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October 5, 1952
- Birthplace
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Liverpool, England, UK
- Notable Initiatives
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Hellraiser, Candyman
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- Birthdate
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September 21, 1947
- Birthplace
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Portland, Maine, USA
- Top
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6 toes 4 inches
- Notable Initiatives
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The Shawshank Redemption, The Shining, It, The Stand, Distress, The Darkish Tower, Mr. Mercedes, Carrie
- Professions
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Writer, Screenwriter, Producer, Director, Actor
Uncover the most recent information and filmography for Stephen King, recognized for The Darkish Tower sequence, The Stand, IT, The Shining, Carrie, Cujo, Distress, the Invoice Hodges trilogy, and extra.