Elvira and 'American Idol' producers pitching reality TV show project

Cassandra "Elvira" Peterson wants to find a new "Mistress of the Dark" with a reality TV show.

Peterson is pitching a macabre reality show that would have contestants compete for a one-year contract to portray "Elvira, Mistress of the Dark," the character Peterson created more than 25 years ago, The Hollywood Reporter said.

Peterson is joined in the project by her manager, Eric Gardner, as well as Stuart Krasnow of the "Weakest Link" and "American Idol" producer FreemantleMedia North America.

Peterson pointed to the many portrayers of Bozo the Clown in explaining her need to shed her goth robes and makeup, saying, "Obviously, I don't want to be walking around dressed up like Elvira when I'm 105 years old."

Krasnow said the show would blend comedy with the macabre.

"We're looking at a show where the cast is going to be sleeping in coffins in a pretty scary place and part of the production will be shot in Transylvania," he said.