John Carpenter says he isn’t allowed to talk about a possible Blumhouse reboot of The Thing. Carpenter, who helmed the 1982 original sci-fi horror picture, revealed back in 2020 that he could be involved in the horror studio’s adaptation of the source material. Based on John W. Campbell Jr.’s novel “Who Goes There?” the story of the original The Thing follows a group of researchers in Antarctica who discover a parasitic alien organism that kills and imitates any living thing it encounters.
While Carpenter’s classic sci-fi horror may be the most iconic adaptation of Campbell’s work, a previous iteration was released back in 1951 entitled The Thing from Another World, and a prequel to Carpenter’s original film, also titled The Thing, was released in 2011. Kurt Russell claimed the leading role as R.J. MacReady in Carpenter’s picture, starring alongside A. Wilford Brimley, Keith David, Richard Masur, Donald Moffat, Joel Polis, Richard Dysart, and T.K. Carter. Though initially slammed by critics upon its release, The Thing has since risen into the exalted halls of iconic sci-fi horror films like Alien and The Fly, serving as inspiration for major filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino and Guillermo del Toro.
Asked about Blumhouse’s plans for a fresh adaptation of The Thing, Carpenter admitted to ComicBook.com that he wasn’t allowed to talk about the project. Though the director revealed that there were developments in regards to the potential film, he insisted he could not provide any details. Appearing optimistic that The Thing adaptation would eventually reach fruition, Carpenter said, “Never say never in the movie business, never say never.”
While the nature of Carpenter’s involvement in The Thing reboot remains a mystery, fans of the director’s original picture will likely feel a bolstered sense of confidence in the Blumhouse project with his endorsement. In addition to The Thing, Carpenter boasts an impressive list of big sci-fi and horror titles including Halloween, Escape From New York, and Christine. Amassing a cult following over the course of his filmmaking career, it can be assumed that Blumhouse will at least seek Carpenter’s advisement on its approach to the source material, thus ensuring it will stay true to the tone and narrative of the original.
Carpenter’s comments, while vague, are somewhat reassuring that the Blumhouse The Thing reboot remains in the works. Though updates have been few and far between, it’s likely that the studio will want to take extra time and care in developing the project, to ensure it meets the high expectations of such an iconic original film, but also keeps itself from remaining in the shadow of its fabled 1982 predecessor. Whether The Thing reboot will ultimately live up to the standard set by Carpenter will only be revealed if and when it releases.
