Hollywood is about to remake another classic, but this time they are keeping it in the family. According to a new report, prolific screenwriterMax Landisis set to write and direct a remake of the classic horror/comedyAn American Werewolf In London. His fatherJohn Landiswrote and directed the original and this time, he will serve as an executive producer.
The news comes courtesy ofDeadlinewho claim thatThe Walking DeadcreatorRobert Kirkmanis also set to produce the movie through his Skybound Entertainment production company for Universal.Max Landisdid indirectly address the report on Twitter shortly after the news broke, saying that he couldn’t add any further details on the project, but also that the story had “multiple factual errors” in it. It isn’t clear if he was talking about this Deadline report for sure, but here is what he had to say.
“That said, it was an unofficial story, with multiple factual errors in it, and I have nothing further to offer on it at this time.”
It is very unclear what those factual errors may be, but according to the Deadline report,John Landis, andAnthony Wallerwho directedAn American Werewolf In Paris, recently secured the rights toAn American Werewolf In London. The deal withMax Landisis apparently still being worked out, but he is most definitely attached.Max Landisrecently made his feature directorial debut withMe Him Her, but he has directed several popular shorts, such asThe Death and Return of Superman.
An American Werewolf In Londonis not only a belovedhorror classic, but it is considered to be one of the best horror comedies ever made. The movie arrived to mixed reviews when it originally was released in 1981, but it has since found a lot of acclaim. It did win the legendaryRick Bakerhis first Oscar for his work with the makeup on the movie. In case you are unfamiliar withAn American Werewolf In London, here is the official synopsis.
“David (David Naughton) and Jack (Griffin Dunne), two American college students, are backpacking through Britain when a largewolf attacksthem. David survives with a bite, but Jack is brutally killed. As David heals in the hospital, he’s plagued by violent nightmares of his mutilated friend, who warns David that he is becoming a werewolf. When David discovers the horrible truth, he contemplates committing suicide before the nextfull mooncauses him to transform from man to murderous beast.”
Currently,Max Landisis serving as a writer and executive producer for the BBC America seriesDirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agencyas well as executive producing on SyFy’sChannel Zero. He also recently sold his fantasy/action movieBrightto Netflix, which is being directed byDavid Ayerand will starWill SmithandJoel Edgerton. There was no word on an anticipated release date or casting for theAn American Werewolf in Londonremake, but more solid information will likely be released once all of the deals are finalized.
