The Fly Movie: A Glimpse of Cronenberg’s Canceled Sequel
The iconic sci-fi horror film The Fly is getting a much-anticipated follow-up, which may closely resemble David Cronenberg’s previously scrapped sequel project. Few films in the sci-fi genre have left such a significant mark as David Cronenberg’s 1986 classic, The Fly. This film, inspired by George Langelaan’s 1957 short story and the 1958 film adaptation, introduced us to the character of Seth Brundle, portrayed by Jeff Goldblum, a unique and brilliant scientist engaged in a highly secretive project. His life changes dramatically when he encounters science journalist Ronnie Quaife, played by Geena Davis, and showcases his groundbreaking invention: the telepods that enable teleportation.
In a risky move, Seth decides to conduct an experiment by testing the telepods himself, completely unaware that a housefly has inadvertently entered one of the pods. This fateful decision triggers a horrifying transformation as viewers witness Seth’s chilling metamorphosis into a grotesque human/fly hybrid. This gradual descent into madness and loss of humanity is captured with haunting precision, as Ronnie helplessly observes his tragic decline. Upon its release, The Fly was not only a box office hit but also garnered critical acclaim, winning an Academy Award for Best Makeup in 1987. Although the film’s success laid the groundwork for a sequel, Cronenberg never pursued it, despite a follow-up being made in 1989. Now, after decades, The Fly is making a return, potentially aligning closely with the vision of Cronenberg’s unrealized project.
Exciting News: The Fly Is Back with a New Film (Not a Sequel)
Discover How The Fly Universe Will Expand Once More
The original film’s conclusion left a tantalizing opportunity for further exploration of the story, although many believed a sequel was not essential. In the climactic moments of The Fly, Seth’s transformation reaches its peak when he attempts to merge himself with Ronnie, only to become trapped in a horrific amalgamation with the metal door and wires of the teleportation pod. In a heart-wrenching moment, he implores Ronnie to end his torment, leading her to take the devastating action of shooting him. However, the story leaves audiences in suspense, as Ronnie is pregnant with Seth’s child, leaving their legacy shrouded in uncertainty. The follow-up film, The Fly II, capitalized on this narrative thread, focusing on the life of their son, Martin, portrayed by Eric Stoltz.
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Despite the attempt to continue the story, The Fly II ultimately fell short of its predecessor in quality and substance, receiving a disappointing 33% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Fast forward over three decades, and the universe of The Fly is being revived with a new project, which is not a direct sequel. Reports from Deadline indicate that the upcoming The Fly film will be crafted by writer and director Nikyatu Jusu, and it represents a fresh narrative inspired by Cronenberg’s iconic film rather than a continuation of its plot, indicating a unique story set within the established universe of The Fly.
The critical acclaim and box office success of
The Substance demonstrated that the audience’s appetite for body horror remains strong.
As of now, plot details regarding Jusu’s new The Fly remain under wraps, but the resurgence of interest in body horror shouldn’t come as a surprise. The success of films like The Substance has proven that audiences are eager for fresh narratives in the body horror genre, and The Fly possesses a wealth of material to draw from within this intriguing realm.
David Cronenberg’s Vision: A Follow-Up to The Fly That Wasn’t a Sequel
Unveiling Cronenberg’s Unique Concept for a New Film
The Fly II is the only film linked to Cronenberg’s original, yet several other projects were halted before reaching production. Among these, Cronenberg had a follow-up in mind, but he has expressed that his films typically have definitive conclusions, which is why he avoids sequels. In
