Horror fans worldwide have been eagerly awaiting the return of master filmmaker John Carpenter, who has not directed a feature film since 2010’s The Ward. However, fans have been begging for a new movie, and their prayers may soon be answered.
During a recent appearance at Fan Expo Philadelphia, Carpenter addressed an audience question regarding the possibility of a sequel to his 1982 masterpiece, The Thing. Carpenter’s initial response sent shockwaves of excitement through the crowd: “We’re working on it now.”
However, fans know better than to take definitive statements from the famously laid-back director. Carpenter immediately tempered the excitement by adding, “I don’t know. We’ll see.”
While the news remains officially unofficial, fans should maintain cautious optimism. Carpenter has openly admitted his preference for a relaxed retirement. Yet, the acknowledgment of a The Thing sequel has fans cheering. There have also been rumors that Kurt Russell may be willing to return.
When Universal released The Thing in 1982, the film was a critical and commercial failure. Starring Kurt Russell as a helicopter pilot at an Antarctic research base, the story focused on a parasitic shape-shifting alien that perfectly imitates any organism, igniting deadly paranoia and mistrust among the isolated crew.
Critics at the time expressed outright hostility toward the film’s cynical, anti-authoritarian tone and its graphically visceral special effects. Notoriously, film critic Gene Siskel branded it “the most unpleasant, sickening motion picture” he had seen in a long time. Today, however, The Thing is globally regarded as one of the greatest horror films ever made.
For decades, many critics often dismissed his films. Today, a new generation of filmmakers and fans has embraced his foundational influence. You can trace Carpenter’s distinct style across the current wave of neo-horror movies, influencing directors like Jordan Peele, Robert Eggers, Ti West, David Robert Mitchell, Jeremy Saulnier, Adam Wingard, Nicolas Winding Refn, and The Duffer Brothers.
Carpenter has created genre-defining films such as Halloween, The Thing, Escape From New York, Assault on Precinct 13, and They Live. It’s safe to say his legacy is secured. Now, we’ll keep our fingers crossed that he’ll come out of retirement for a sequel.
Now, there was a 2011 prequel. But if we are being honest, it was terrible.
Want to rewatch The Thing? You can find it on most streaming services, digital, and Blu-ray.
