Dark Shadows (2012), directed by Tim Burton, reimagines the cult classic TV soap opera with a blend of gothic style, dark comedy, and supernatural flair. Johnny Depp stars as Barnabas Collins, a centuries-old vampire who awakens in 1972 and tries to restore his family’s former glory — all while facing witches, ghosts, and groovy culture shocks. The film is a visual feast filled with quirky characters, undead drama, and that unmistakable Burton charm.
Think you remember every creepy twist, cursed romance, and undead punchline? Take this 10-question trivia challenge and prove you’re the true heir of Collinwood!
Dark Shadows (2012) Trivia Questions & Answers
- Who plays the vampire Barnabas Collins in Dark Shadows (2012)?
Correct Answer: Johnny Depp
Johnny Depp gives a darkly comedic and melancholic performance as Barnabas, a 200-year-old vampire navigating the eccentric world of the 1970s while clinging to his old-world manners and morals.
- Who directed Dark Shadows?
Correct Answer: Tim Burton
Tim Burton brings his signature gothic style and offbeat humor to this adaptation, blending supernatural melodrama with 1970s kitsch in a way only he can. His direction sets the quirky, macabre tone of the film.
- What century is Barnabas originally from?
Correct Answer: 18th century
Born into the Collins family in the 1700s, Barnabas lived a privileged life until he was cursed by a witch. His 18th-century sensibilities clash hilariously with the modern world after his reawakening.
- What causes Barnabas to be imprisoned in a coffin?
Correct Answer: He is cursed by a witch
The jealous witch Angelique curses Barnabas with vampirism and buries him alive, trapping him underground for two centuries. His release jumpstarts the film’s fish-out-of-water storyline.
- What is the name of the witch who curses Barnabas?
Correct Answer: Angelique
Angelique, portrayed by Eva Green, is both powerful and obsessed. Her centuries-long grudge against Barnabas fuels the film’s central conflict and adds a mix of passion and menace.
- What year is it when Barnabas is released from his coffin?
Correct Answer: 1972
Awakening in 1972, Barnabas is bewildered by disco culture, feminism, and modern technology. His anachronistic behavior offers much of the film’s humor and cultural commentary.
- What is the name of the Collins family estate?
Correct Answer: Collinwood
Collinwood is the once-grand but fading mansion that symbolizes the decline of the Collins family. Restoring it becomes Barnabas’s mission — both practically and symbolically.
- What is Barnabas’s main goal after returning?
Correct Answer: To restore the Collins family’s fortune and legacy
Driven by duty and pride, Barnabas seeks to rebuild his family’s crumbling empire and reestablish their place in the town. This goal pits him against his old nemesis, Angelique.
- What supernatural power does Dr. Julia Hoffman attempt to use for herself?
Correct Answer: Vampirism
Dr. Hoffman, secretly injecting herself with Barnabas’s blood to gain eternal youth, is ultimately undone by her ambition. Her betrayal adds a layer of irony and tragedy to the family dynamic.
- What theme is central to Dark Shadows (2012)?
Correct Answer: Family legacy and redemption
Amidst the vampires, witches, and gothic oddities, the film’s heart lies in Barnabas’s desire to reclaim his family’s lost honor and reconnect with his modern descendants — a journey of both restoration and redemption.
