MGM Sells Motel Hell Remake

About 2 months ago we announced that MGM's remake of Motel Hell was slated to get a release on October 31st, 2008.  It looks like now that date has gone by the wayside as word is beginning to spead that MGM has washed their hands of the project and officially sold the rights to the film.  ShockTilYouDrop and Bloody Disgusting are both reporting that MGM has been announcing that the project has been sold to Twisted Pictures.  No word on any specifics like when the film will see the light of day but rumors are Twisted Pictures plans are to not do a direct remake but turn Motel Hell into an entirely new horror franchise. 

Seeing as though the original is a top 10 film for me, this is big news as I have been curious about a remake since it was originally announced.  I think if done right a remake could very well prove to be successful.  But if it turns out it is indeed being developed into a new franchise with little to no tie to the original, I am not sure how I feel about this.  I dont think there is enough to make this into a successful "franchise".  Until more information is announced it is unknown what exactly to expect, but for now my expectations have been flattened.