The name Michael Myers has been terrifying audiences since his debut in 1978's resident of Haddonfield, IL, with a particular interest in Laurie Strode, the infamous final girl and Myer's unyielding adversary. But of course, with every villain, there's always a haunting origin story lurking in the shadows.
The legacy that Halloween's Michael Myers has left behind on pop culture should not be understated. Originally only referred to as 'The Shape' in the first draft of Halloween's script, the name Michael Myers has become synonymous with horror to fans across the globe. The creation of the name behind one of horror's beloved icons seems completely random at first, almost as if producers had names drawn from a hat. But when it comes to slasher legend John Carpenter, there are always lingering easter eggs hidden in the fabric of every one of his iconic films.
Related: Halloween: Why Michael Myers Was Originally Called The Shape
The origin of Michael Myer's name is revealed during The Movies That Made Us season 3, episode 1, which is entirely dedicated to the iconic horror film. Halloween producer Irwin Yablans provides the whole story. Carpenter named his iconic horror villain after esteemed British producer Michael Myers of Miracle Films, a film distribution company. Myers purchased the distribution rights to Assault on Precinct 13, John Carpenter's second film. Myers also entered the film into the London Film Festival in 1977, which would eventually catapult John Carpenter's name into the pop culture lexicon, giving his career a definite boost.
Carpenter lovingly dedicated the most iconic horror villain of all time, an emotionless psychopathic serialThe Thing.
The name of Halloween's Michael Myers is a fond tribute to a man who helped launch the career of one of the most celebrated directors of all time. Not only did Myers extend kindness to horror master John Carpenter, but he also provided him the faith and dedication he'd needed to continue making films. While on the surface the dedication might not seem altogether flattering, to be named after one of the most recognized horror icons in the world is quite an everlasting bequest. The adoration of John Carpenter's directorial legacy continues to live on, thanks to Michael Myers, both the brutal murderer and the British producer.
