This year marks the 70th anniversary of “Creature from the Black Lagoon,” a classic film featuring one of Universal’s iconic monsters who has seen fewer remakes than others in the franchise. However, this may change soon, as reports suggest that James Wan, a well-known figure in horror, is in talks to direct and produce a new version of the film.
Wan’s approach is expected to be a modernized and grounded retelling that emphasizes visceral horror while honoring the original 1954 film’s legacy.
In the original movie, the Gill-man, portrayed by Ben Chapman and Ricou Browning, is a mysterious creature encountered by an expedition in the Amazon rainforest.
The Gill-man develops an intense and unreciprocated attraction to Kay Lawrence, played by Julia Adams, which drives much of the film’s drama. The creature’s unfulfilled desire and the ensuing conflict with the expedition’s members form the crux of the story.
Since the release of the original film, two sequels followed, but no new entries into the “Creature from the Black Lagoon” series have been produced for nearly sixty years. Various directors have tried to reboot or remake the film over the years, including notable names like John Landis, John Carpenter, Ivan Reitman, Breck Eisner, and Guillermo del Toro.
Del Toro’s proposed idea to include a romantic subplot between the Gill-man and Kay was turned down by Universal, though he later explored a similar theme in his acclaimed film “The Shape of Water.”
If the new remake moves forward, Wan will handle production through his Atomic Monster company, collaborating with Universal Pictures. Known for his work on horror hits like “Saw,” “The Conjuring,” and “Insidious,” as well as the successful “Aquaman” films, Wan’s involvement suggests a fresh and potentially impactful take on the classic monster story.
The potential remake of “Creature from the Black Lagoon” under James Wan’s direction offers an exciting opportunity to revisit and reimagine this beloved character. Fans and critics alike will be watching to see how Wan’s vision aligns with the original while introducing new elements that could resonate with contemporary audiences.
