‘What We Do in the Shadows’ TV Spin-Off Confirmed By Director Taika Waititi
Zack Sharf
Taika Waititi’s best year ever just got even more amazing. Not only has the New Zealand filmmaker released the crowdpleaser indie hit “Hunt For The Wilderpeople,” which broke box office records in his home country, and started production on Marvel blockbuster “Thor: Ragnarok,” but he’s also now confirmed that cult favorite “What We Do In The Shadows” is getting a television spin-off. Waititi and his “Flight of the Conchords” co-creator Jermaine Celement had been vocal about interest in taking the film to television, but now the spin-off is officially moving forward.
Released in 2014, “What We Do In The Shadows” was shot in documentary style and followed four vampire roommates living in the inner-city of New Zealand. The film earned $6.9 million worldwide opposite its $1.6 million, instantly sparking fan desire for a followup TV series or sequel. While the movie focused on the vampires, Waititi explains the show, titled “Paranormal Event Response Unit,” will be a bit more procedural based as it follows Karen and Mike, the two naive police officers whose duty is to keep residents safe from all paranormal shenanigans.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, New Zealand broadcast funding agency NZ On Air is giving Waititi and Clement a $1 million budget to make six half-hour episodes. The show will screen TVNZ 2. No plans for a U.S. release have been announced, though expect fans of the cult hit to make sure it comes stateside.
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