Like every beloved property these days, the iconic film Little Shop of Horrors is getting a remake/reboot. But here’s the good news: horror icons Joe Dante and Roger Corman are teaming up with producer Brad Krevoy to reimagine the classic, aiming to recapture the dark humor and macabre thrills that captivated audiences decades ago.
A Return to the Roots
The new movie reunites Corman, the original film’s director and producer in 1960, with Dante, who honed his craft as Corman’s apprentice in the 1970s. Dante, known for The Howling and Gremlins, takes the helm as director, while Corman joins forces with Krevoy as co-producer. Scriptwriting duties fall to Charles S. Haas, who previously collaborated with Dante on Gremlins 2: The New Batch.
The Original “Little Shop”: A Low-Budget Triumph
The 1960 Little Shop of Horrors was a testament to Corman’s innovative low-budget filmmaking style. This darkly comedic tale of Seymour Krelborn, a struggling florist, and his carnivorous plant Audrey Jr. quickly gained a cult following despite its shoestring production. Interestingly, due to Corman’s focus on efficiency, the film wasn’t copyrighted and entered the public domain, paving the way for future adaptations.
A Legacy of Musical Adaptations and Remakes
Little Shop of Horrors transcended its B-movie origins. Alan Menken and Howard Ashman transformed the story into a successful Off-Broadway musical in 1982. Four years later, a critically acclaimed remake arrived, directed by Frank Oz and starring Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, and a stellar comedic cast. Though it initially underperformed, it still secured its place as a cult classic.
There have been announcements made about remakes/reboots for years, as far back as 2016, that never materialized. It looks like this time, it is actually going to happen.
Dante’s Take: A Directorial Homecoming
This movie marks a homecoming for Dante. Having established his directing career under Corman’s wing, Dante brings a wealth of experience and a penchant for blending humor and horror. Audiences can expect a fresh interpretation that honors the original’s spirit and injects a modern twist.
With its legendary team and focus on a beloved cult classic, Little Shop of Horrors has the potential to be a major box-office success. Whether it captures the same magic as its predecessors remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: horror and comedy fans are in for a wild, blood-drenched ride.
A Treasured Legacy
Here’s a look back at the trailers for the 1960s version and its remake of Little Shop of Horrors, a campy, musical movie that captured the hearts of generations.
If you haven’t seen both versions, we recommend that you do so. The 1960 original is now streaming free on Crackle, Tubi, and Vudu, and the 1986 version is available on Apple TV, Prime Video, and Vudu.
