In the world of horror cinema, few films have left a lasting impact like John Carpenter’s 1982 masterpiece, “The Thing.” The suspense, the isolation, and the haunting ambiguity of the ending have made it a beloved cult classic. And now, after decades of speculation, John Carpenter himself has shared an update on the possibility of a sequel that would provide closure to the story.
Possibilities and Discussions
In a recent interview with Fandom, Carpenter hinted at the existence of untold chapters in the saga of “The Thing.” He mentioned that discussions have taken place regarding the continuation of the story, considering the fate of the two main characters, Childs (played by Keith David) and MacReady (played by Kurt Russell), who were both still alive at the end of the original film.
While Carpenter remained tight-lipped about the details during his appearance at this year’s Texas Frightmare Weekend, his words were enough to ignite the imagination of fans. The mere possibility of a sequel to “The Thing” has sent ripples of excitement through the horror community.
John Carpenter has a story idea for ‘The Thing’ sequel, which may or may not include Kurt Russell returning 👀
➡️ https://t.co/KfKpDzTzFx pic.twitter.com/4C49yeR4bM
— Fandom (@getFANDOM) February 22, 2022
Exploring the Source Material
The rumors of a sequel started swirling in 2020 when it was reported that Universal Pictures and Blumhouse were exploring the original source material, John W. Campbell’s “Who Goes There?” Alongside this, they were also looking into the expanded version of the story known as “Frozen Hell,” which includes previously lost chapters. This renewed interest in the source material only added fuel to the speculation surrounding a potential sequel.
Stuart Cohen, one of the lead producers of the 1982 film, shared his thoughts on the matter. He acknowledged that John Carpenter had already told the story of “The Thing” as well as it could be told. However, he believes that there is still more to explore within the franchise. Cohen suggests a fresh approach, a cutting-edge reimagining of Campbell’s original short story.
Preserving the Essence
As discussions around a potential sequel continue, Cohen emphasizes the importance of preserving the essence of the original film. He believes that any new installment should maintain the practical effects and the analog feel that made “The Thing” a groundbreaking work of horror. By staying true to the spirit of the original, while introducing fresh perspectives and contemporary filmmaking techniques, Cohen envisions a sequel that honors the legacy of the franchise.
While fans eagerly await further updates on the potential sequel, it’s worth remembering what made “The Thing” such a unique and enduring film. The combination of containment, isolation, and internal horror created an atmosphere of dread that lingers long after the credits roll. The film’s ability to tap into primal fears and evoke a sense of claustrophobia has solidified its place as a genre classic.
In the meantime, fans can revisit the original “The Thing” and its 2011 prequel to relish in the suspense and chilling atmosphere that made these films so memorable. And for those hungry for more creature features, streaming platforms like Peacock offer a selection of films such as “Terror of Mechagodzilla,” “Jumanji,” “King Kong,” “Land of the Lost,” “Abominable,” “The Golem,” “Cocaine Bear,” and the original “Jurassic Park” trilogy.
As the journey towards a potential sequel unfolds, fans of “The Thing” can find solace in the fact that the legacy of this iconic film continues to inspire and captivate audiences. The possibility of revisiting the terrifying world of shape-shifting aliens, combined with the vision of talented filmmakers, promises an exciting future for fans of the franchise.
