Hellraiser Timeline ( Real )

publication
1986

Publication of 'The Hellbound Heart' by Clive Barker

Clive Barker publishes his novella 'The Hellbound Heart', which serves as the basis for the Hellraiser franchise.

film_release
September 11, 1987

Release of Hellraiser Film

The first Hellraiser film, directed by Clive Barker, is released, introducing the iconic character Pinhead and the universe of the Cenobites to audiences.

film_release
September 16, 1988

Release of Hellbound: Hellraiser II

The sequel to Hellraiser, titled 'Hellbound: Hellraiser II', is released and expands the mythology of the Cenobites and the Hell dimension.

film_release
February 17, 1992

Release of Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth

The third Hellraiser film, 'Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth', is released, taking the horror elements to a more urban setting.

announcement
June 1, 2020

Clive Barker Announces Work on New Hellraiser Film

Clive Barker announces he is developing a new Hellraiser reboot film, generated renewed interest and anticipation in the franchise.

Hellraiser Timeline ( Fictional )

artifact_creation
ancient era

Creation of the Lament Configuration

The mysterious puzzle box known as the Lament Configuration is crafted, serving as a gateway between the human world and the realm of the Cenobites.

key_event
circa 1986

Frank Cotton Opens the Lament Configuration

Frank Cotton solves the Lament Configuration, opening the gateway and summoning the Cenobites to claim him for their realm of sadomasochistic horror.

setting_event
circa 1986

Larry Cotton Moves into Elliott Family House

Larry moves into the family house with his new wife Julia and brings his brother Frank's old belongings, unknowingly setting the stage for the return of Frank and the Cenobites.

resurrection
circa 1986

Frank Cotton Returns in a Partial Form

Frank is resurrected in a decayed and partial form after draining the life energy of others, including Larry's daughter, setting the horror events into motion.

key_event
circa 1986

Kirsty Cotton Encounters the Cenobites

Kirsty discovers the dark secret of her uncle Frank and bargains with the Cenobites to save herself and others from eternal torment.

key_event
circa 1986

Exploration of the Cenobite Realm

Kirsty ventures into the Cenobite dimension where the laws of pain, pleasure, and punishment blend, revealing the true nature of the Cenobites.

resolution
circa 1986

Resolving Frank's Curse

With Kirsty's help, the Cenobites recapture Frank, restoring order and preventing further incursions into the human realm.

lore_expansion
post-1986

Discovery of New Lament Configurations and Cenobite Lore

Further developments reveal different puzzle boxes and variations of Cenobites, expanding the mythology beyond the original Lament Configuration.