James Wan Eyeing a Modernized Version of The Creature From The Black Lagoon

A Natural Fit

Given his experience bringing horror franchises to screens and his time spent on watery adventures with the Aquaman films, it feels somehow natural that James Wan would consider jumping aboard a modernized version of The Creature From The Black Lagoon. So word that he’s in early talks for exactly that is not truly surprising.

The Origins

The 1954 original, directed by Jack Arnold, leaned into the 3D technique to tell the story of the Gill-Man, a prehistoric human-fish hybrid monster who lived in the water and the ichthyologist – played by Julie Adams – who catches his eye.

Past Attempts

Various updates have been attempted through the years, including by John Landis, Ivan Reitman, Gary Ross (son of the original film’s scriptwriter Arthur A. Ross) and Breck Eisner, but all sank into the development more. An effort to include the Creature in Universal’s Dark Universe shared cinematic concept got as far as Will Beall writing the script.

Modern Vision

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Wan’s take is being described as a grounded, modernized retelling that will lean into visceral horror, while still paying respect to the original.

Ongoing Development

Right now, Wan is in early talks to direct, with the hunt on for a writer to work on the script with him. So we’ll have to wait and see if this one swims or sinks.