It’s time to reboot The Fly

Posted on September 24, 2009
Filed Under Actors, Actresses, Directors, Remake, Sequel

I was just over at Risky Business Blog and found this very interesting post. Apparently David Cronenberg is planning a reboot of the 1986 classic “The Fly” with Fox, the studio that released that film, directing and potentially writing the new picture. The move marks an about-face for the Canadian director, who in the past has said he did not want to be involved on a remake of the film. Cronenberg did work on an opera version of “The Fly” that was staged first in Paris and then in Los Angeles.

The 1986 title, itself a remake of Kurt Neumann’s 1958 sci-fi classic, starred Jeff Goldblum and became a huge hit for Fox, earning $40 million and turning into a phenomenon. It centered on Seth Brundle (Goldblum), an eccentric scientist who, after an experiment with teleportation goes awry, is transformed into a fly. Geena Davis starred as Goldblum’s love interest and partner, Veronica.

The sequel which came out 1989 ( it was directed by Chris Walas) did not fare as well, and was panned by critics and largely ignored by filmgoers. The project would represent a chance for Cronenberg to return to a film that helped establish his career, but to do so in the effects age, using techniques that weren’t possible nearly a quarter-century ago.

How about that guys and girls? Cronenberg is rebooting his own film. A bit weird but interesting, I guess. Cronenberg’s first version was well received and is considered a “classic.” I’m not quite sure exactly what he wants to achieve with the reboot… Sure, the effects will be better but how can you top the 1986 version? Well, the future will tell…

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