Director Matthijs Van Heijninger’s - THE THING (prequel) April 2010

[Jonathan Smith]

A series on on-set images have gone online for next Springs release of the prequel to the classic John Carpenter sci-fi horror The Thing. It would appear the prequel also bares the very same name. First reports seem positive, but as much as we know what is going to happen, the set reports suggest a film although seperate from Carpenters, but one which will honor what was seen onscreen on Carpenters.

You can read the online article and view the pictures below:

LINK: THE THING Prequel Set Visit; First Official Images

LINK: First inside look at The Thing prequel shows why it may be awesome after all

[jimw1]

Looks like one to watch out for....thanks for the Info and pics Jonathan......

[Jonathan Smith]

I'm a big fan of the 1982 Carpenter version, so I have been following this one for a while. I hope its true what they say that this prequel will honour the Carpenter version. Should be one to look out for.

[Onedin]

One of the best directors here in Holland - I grew up with quite many of his productions.

[Moor Larkin]

classic John Carpenter film? .........

I daresay he would laugh even louder than me.............

[Jonathan Smith]

They are both classics in my humbled opinion, but then neither are in the same catagory. They are classics in their own right. Although the scariest part of the Hawks original version was the guy who had a drink thrown in his face. Carpenters was of my generation.

[Moor Larkin]

They are both classics in my humbled opinion, but then neither are in the same catagory. They are classics in their own right.

That's fair comment I suppose. I guess there's more than one version of Dracula over the years that were great, in their own and differing ways. I was reading that Carpenter wanted to do a sequel (rather than a prequel) of his own, to his version of The Thing, but couldn't get any backing ( I'm guessing because the 1982 movie failed to be a big success at the Box office at the time) and he ended up being pressured into making Escape from New York instead.

I also read an account that he didn't make The Thing because he personally wanted to especially (as I had assumed because of his known admiration of Howard Hawks' movies), but was asked to do so by the studio, which had been arranging the *rights* etc of the old 1951 original and just needed a director. The new movie seems to have the same motivation so who knows how good it might turn out to be.

[Jonathan Smith]

Funny you should mention that as some time back I read some old reviews of Carpenters The Thing and as mixed as they were, most were more negative towards the film. Maybe due to it's over the top gore FX as a main stream movie. I can only think of one sci-fi horror that had the shocks previous to this and that was Alien (there may have been other films but I cannot think of any at the moment). But then again, Carpenter had the reputation of making dumb horror films, if you know what I mean and doesn't appear as the serious director. Nearly 30 years on, The Thing is regarded as a classic, not in the same category as those that deserve the "classic" trophy, but a cheesy classic in it's own right.

[batman]

Both versions are great in their own way .... the original 'cos of it's spooky atmosphere, exciting action and almost noirish quality, the second version 'cos of the 'orrible monsters and the growing atmosphere of mistrust and paranoia that slowly inhabits every frame of the film. Donald Moffat is excellent in the film IMHO, a very under-rated actor. I am looking forward to this new film.

[Jonathan Smith]

Couple more onset/behind-the-scenes images

[markrgv]

I'm a big fan of the original and the remake - one of the few times when a remake surpasses the original in my opinion.
Just hope that this film doesn't overly rely on CGI (as is the fad for every action or horror film now)... but won't be holding my breath!

[Jonathan Smith]

I'm a big fan of the original and the remake - one of the few times when a remake surpasses the original in my opinion.
Just hope that this film doesn't overly rely on CGI (as is the fad for every action or horror film now)... but won't be holding my breath!

According to some info released from those working on the film, they say its a mixture of both, CGI and animatronics.

[supermoo]

I am so looking forward to this film. I love John Carpenters films The Thing & The Fog are uba faves. It will do well if they can create the suspence thet Carpenters managed. Thanks for the info hun. xxxxx

[torinfan]

classic John Carpenter film? .........

I daresay he would laugh even louder than me.............

I love the real original with James Arness as the eggplant or celery stalk from outer space. I think John Carpenter pulled off an excellent remake but I'd have to see a trailer of this prequel before I make any decisions about seeing it.

[Jonathan Smith]

[Jonathan Smith]

This is "rumoured" to be a concept design for one of the creatures for possibly 'The Thing' prequel by concept artist Michael Broom.

[Moor Larkin]

[wadsy]

[lionheart]

That image sprung straight to my mind also


On the DVD of Carpenter's The Thing.
there are some great extras included ,

heres one :



also the half wolf/half husky (named Jed )
is described how he would like a Wolf sometimes do , stare at you without growling.
some of the actors were not at ease around him.


but this new remake does look promising ,
maybe just needs a haunting sound track like
Carpenters version had Morricone's ( which right from the opening scene felt like the begining of the end .... ultimately of mankind )


Rich

[Jonathan Smith]

According to what I read last night online, the film has been removed from the April slot due to it not being ready on time.

"It appears we will all have to wait a bit longer to see the prequel to John Carpenter's sci-fi and horror classic, The Thing. According to the LA Times, Universal Pictures did not feel that director Matthijs van Heijningen Jr.'s prequel was ready to go and pulled it from its April 2011 release date, moving Fast Five up from its June 2011 release to fill the slot. No new release date for The Thing has been set at this time."

Source: The Thing Prequel Release Date Scrapped