By David Weiner
At the time of this posting, I have started conducting interviews for my newest documentary, IN SEARCH OF DARKNESS ‘90s.
It’s a real treat for me to be able to meet my movie heroes and talk about genre film, influential filmmakers, cinematic trends, and even unmade projects.
Chatting with Sandy King Carpenter — producer of all of John Carpenter’s films in the ‘90s, such as IN THE MOUTH OF MADNESS, the VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED remake, VAMPIRES, and BODY BAGS — I got to pick her brain about John Carpenter’s unmade CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON remake.
It’s a storied production that many film fans wish was made. There are many tales as to why it did not make it to the filming stage, and what the content of the story was in the script that differentiated it from the ‘50s classic CREATURE.
Oscar winner Rick Baker designed the updated title monster, trying his best to stay true to the classic Universal Studios look, but also to give the misunderstood Gill Man a somewhat fresh and updated appearance. Did he succeed?
While I won’t be sharing specifics about the failed ‘90s production here (you’ll have to see the documentary when it comes out!), I thought I’d share a few images I took of Rick Baker’s invaluable maquette of the Creature design.
What a thrill to be able to get up-close and personal with the star of a remake I would have loved to have seen…!
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IT CAME FROM... 