With the demand for slasher films to make a triumphant return to cinemas on the rise – thanks in-part to the success of David Gordon Green's HALLOWEEN and the announcement of LeBron James hoping to produce a reboot of FRIDAY THE 13TH – it was only a matter of time before Hollywood decided to dip their toes into cult horror waters. Today, Orion has announced that they've tapped SOUTHBOUND scribe Roxanne Benjamin to write a re-imagining of the 1984 doomsday horror-comedy NIGHT OF THE COMET.
Originally directed and written by Thom Eberhardt, NIGHT OF THE COMET focused on two Valley Girls who, after a comet wipes out most of life on Earth, are forced to defend themselves against a group of scientists and cannibalistic zombies. In the past, Joss Wheson has credited Eberhardt's eerie vision and characters as elements that inspired his Buffy the Vampire Slayer. From what Deadline is reporting, it sounds as if the remake will focus down on the sci-fi aspects of the story, rather than its more comedic beats.
The original film, which starred Kelli Maroney, Robert Beltran and Catherine Mary Stewart, was made on a shoe-string budget of less than $1 million. Despite its financial shortcomings, NIGHT OF THE COMET went on to become a sleeper hit among horror fanatics, with $14 million earned in the U.S. during its domestic theatrical run.
Up next for Benjamin is the thriller BODY AT BRIGHTON ROCK, which she wrote, directed, and produced. The upcoming film stars Emily Althaus, Martin Spanjers, and Miranda Bailey, and centers on a park ranger who spends the night gaurding a potential crime scene on a remote mountain trail. The Brighton Rock project is currently in post-production and is set to be releaed by Magnet sometime in 2019.
What other cult horror classics would you like to see be rebooted for a modern day spin? Personally, I think we're about due for a re-imagining of John Carpenter's IN THE MOUTH OF MADNESS. I also think THE BROOD, SANTA SANGRE, and PRINCE OF DARKNESS could be a fine way to go as well. Let us know your suggestions in the comments section below.