Divisiveness is just a part of the movie business and if you’re going to remake a popular movie, or do an adaptation, you’re going to get some guff from fans. Even sequels to popular films have to go through the court of public opinion. We are still mad at David Gordon Green’s mishandling of The Exorcist franchise.
However, as long as there are movies, there will be remakes. While it’s fun to see a different director’s take on a script, some people don’t think a remake is necessary. Take Speilberg’s Jaws for instance. No one will redo it. But if you think about it, every film that came after it is basically a remake, we don’t need to seethe at an underwhelming direct one.
Below, we have listed some remakes (and new adaptations) that are either in the works or have been announced. if some of the titles make you mad, you’re not alone. Fans would rather keep their sacred movies (even bad ones) as they are. Keep in mind there are very few remakes that make improvements to the original.
The Blob
It was announced in early 2024 that a remake of this classic monster movie was in the works by Rob Zombie. He left the project, but that didn’t mean it was dead. David Bruckner (Hellraiser-2022) was brought on board. There is no word on where this film is in development.
Carrie
There is probably no one better to helm a remake or adaptation, of a Stephen King work other than Mike Flanagan. He has proven himself time and time again that he is able to do it. But Carrie? Brian De Palma’s original is nearly perfect. Still, this is one of those rare times when we want to see another interpretation of the novel since Flanagan created so many masterpieces himself.
The People Under the Stairs
This might be the only one on this list that needs a remake. Jordan Peele is producing and we aren’t mad at it. Wes Craven’s 1991 original was an off-the-rails effort that didn’t get the same love as his A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984), but it remains a cult classic.
Night of the Comet
Where George Romero used a zombie apocalypse as commentary on American consumerism in 1979’s Dawn of the Dead, Night of the Comet did it for the mid-80s. This was a sleeper hit in 1984 and it’s still solid. But it might be interesting to see a modern take on the subject if we ever see it come to fruition. It’s been proposed with Orion Pictures behind it, but nothing has been said since 2018.
Urban Legend
The pitch for a remake was put out there in 2020 with Colin Minihan (Grave Encounters) slated to direct. But it was scraped perhaps due to the pandemic or the studio losing interest and there have been no updates. This one might be a fun remake to do and we are hoping the studio re-gains interest.
Christine
Back in 2021, it was announced that Bryan Fuller (Star Trek: Discovery) was getting behind the wheel of this adaptation. Even Blumhouse was interested. Since then nothing has moved forward, but it might be time to see this Plymouth Fury back in theaters.
An American Werewolf in London
five years ago, it was reported that this John Landis classic was getting a reboot. Dexter Fletcher (The Walking Dead) was tapped to produce, but as of yet there hasn’t been any word on its progress. Unless they use practical effects, this one isn’t worth it. Fans will go ballistic if they see a CGI transformation in a movie known for its expert practical effects.
