“The Masque of the Red Death” Revamped: A Modern Retelling with a Twist!

by Haley January 22, 2025

Set in the Middle Ages, Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Masque of the Red Death” reflects his unique literary style that harkens back to an older sensibility, despite living in 19th century America. The story follows the arrogant Prince Prospero, who invites a thousand nobles to a walled abbey to escape the deadly Red Death, while leaving the serfs outside to perish. However, Death himself infiltrates the masquerade ball, mingling with the oblivious nobles. While previous adaptations have diverged from the original setting, a new film may introduce a revisionist twist, perhaps reimagining Prospero as a debauched princess. The story’s timeless relevance resonates in a world still plagued by leaders who prioritize power and deceit over humanity, as evidenced by recent global events. Hence, a modern retelling of Poe’s tale, infused with pointed criticism and social commentary, seems incredibly apt, especially considering the success of the Gothic horror genre’s resurgence. Moreover, the casting of Sydney Sweeney, known for her role in a series of pro-choice horror films, only heightens the anticipation for this timely and scathing adaptation.

“The Masque of the Red Death” Revamped: A Modern Retelling with a Twist!

– Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Masque of the Red Death” is a 19th-century story set in the Middle Ages, where a prince invites nobles to a walled abbey to escape the bubonic plague.
– The story has been adapted before, but the new film adaptation may take a more modern and fun approach, possibly featuring a gender-swapped protagonist.
– The story’s themes of power, deceit, and denial of suffering resonate in the present day, particularly in the aftermath of a global pandemic.

Edgar Allan Poe, a prominent figure in 19th century American literature, possessed a literary sensibility that harked back to an older era. This is evident in his renowned tale, “The Masque of the Red Death,” published in 1842. Set in the Middle Ages, the story revolves around a proud and arrogant Prince Prospero, who extends an invitation to a thousand “lighthearted” nobles of equal opulence and power to seek refuge within the fortified walls of an abbey. Their aim is to outlast the imminent arrival of the Red Death, a deadly plague reminiscent of the bubonic plague. While the commoners outside face their inevitable demise, the privileged nobles and their entourage indulge in extravagant festivities, including an elaborate masquerade ball held within lavishly adorned chambers. However, Death himself appears in human form, infiltrating their midst.

Over the years, “The Masque of the Red Death” has been adapted multiple times, most notably by Roger Corman in a 1964 film featuring Vincent Price. While the adaptation maintained the medieval setting, it diverged considerably from the original story, incorporating elements of Satan worship and a provocative insinuation that Prospero’s event was descending into debauchery.

As for the new film adaptation, it remains uncertain whether it will delve into lurid territory or adopt a period setting. The recent success of Robert Eggers’ reimagining of “Nosferatu,” a classic Gothic horror tale, suggests that audiences are ready for a revival of this genre. Referring to the new adaptation as “revisionist” may suggest a modernized approach, similar to how Mike Flanagan adapted the story as an episode in his Netflix series “Fall of the House of Usher” in 2023. However, there is a possibility that the revisionist approach could take a more lighthearted and enjoyable route, perhaps even transforming Prospero into a princess who invites the most debauched individuals into her castle of revelries.

What makes “The Masque of the Red Death” resonate even after almost 200 years since its publication and about 700 years since its setting, is its timely nature. The 21st century recently experienced a global pandemic that claimed millions of lives. Astonishingly, some leaders who callously disregarded the severity of the pandemic are now rewarded with power, as they attempt to rewrite history to suit their narrative. Despite enduring a plague, they believe that money, power, and dishonesty can shield them from the horrors of the natural world and the suffering of others. They foolishly cling to the belief that simply building metaphorical walls will protect them.

In this regard, it is fitting to consider the involvement of Sweeney, who portrayed a significant role in last year’s film, “Immaculate.” This movie was the first installment in a series of pro-choice horror films that explored the control men attempt to exert over women’s bodies in a post-Roe v. Wade America. Sweeney’s ability to bring a pointed and scathing sensibility to Poe’s already sardonic tale, which mocks the delusions of a royal figure who believes they can elude death through wealth and influence, couldn’t have come at a more opportune moment.