The horror genre is set to receive a fresh addition as Nikyatu Jusu, director of Nanny, takes on a new project that buzzes back to a classic, The Fly. The spin-off film, set in the universe of David Cronenberg’s 1986 body horror staple, is currently under development, with Jusu writing and directing. This new venture, however, is not a remake or a reboot but rather a unique continuation within the same chilling universe, as reported by Deadline.
The announcement of this project comes as body horror enjoys a resurgence in popularity, highlighted by the recent successes of films like Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley’s The Substance, which brought in over US$44 million globally. Cronenberg himself revisited the genre with 2022’s Crimes of the Future, adding to the momentum.
While specific plot details of Jusu’s The Fly remain shrouded in mystery, the film promises to share thematic and narrative elements with its 1986 predecessor. The original film, known for its gripping transformation sequences and profound narrative, starred Jurassic Park‘s Jeff Goldblum as Seth Brundle, a scientist whose experiment with teleportation goes disastrously wrong when his DNA fuses with that of a fly. The result is a harrowing metamorphosis that captivated audiences with its groundbreaking effects and intense portrayal of Brundle’s descent into monstrosity.
The follow-up adaptation is poised to tap into the rich thematic veins of Cronenberg’s work while exploring new narrative territories. 20th Century Studios and Chernin Entertainment, known for their work on the Planet of the Apes reboot series, will back the project.
Jusu, a rising star in the horror scene (she’s currently attached to direct a Night of the Living Dead sequel and is developing a project with Universal and Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions, expanding on her short horror film Suicide by Sunlight), brings a fresh perspective to this iconic story. Her previous works, including the award-winning Nanny, have demonstrated her capability to blend psychological depth with horror, making her a fitting choice for reviving Cronenberg’s nightmarish scenario.
There’s no confirmed release date for The Fly, but its development signals an exciting new chapter for fans of classic horror and modern thrillers alike. As Jusu steps into this larger cinematic universe, her vision for The Fly will likely intertwine with the contemporary fabric of horror, promising both a tribute to and an evolution of Cronenberg’s original masterpiece.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of Sylus from Love and Deepspace.
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