“Good night, bloodsucker!” This year, Joel Schumacher’s 1987 vampire classic The Lost Boys is marking its 35th anniversary. In a new interview to commemorate the occasion, Entertainment Weekly gathered Alex Winter (vampire Marko) and the vampire-slayin’ Frog Brothers, Corey Feldman and Jamison Newlander, who all reminisced fondly on behind-the-scenes tales and the movie’s cultural context and, yes, the sax player.
Considering when the movie came out, it may be no surprise there was quite a bit of partying. As Winter noted that “things got really dark in the late ‘80s”, saying, “The party overstayed its welcome, basically. [But during] Lost Boys everything was still firing on all cylinders and it was a fucking madhouse.” Feldman blamed the older cast members, which says something considering Feldman has been open about his drug use.
Interestingly, Corey Feldman considers The Lost Boys “a family film”, “something that Joel was always very cognizant of. And I think that is something that really hits home and makes it feel naturalistic.” He also reflected on his friendship with the late Corey Haim, saying, “it was an instant attraction. We instantly felt a kinship, which was interesting because we were poised to be nemeses.”
The Lost Boys hit for Warner Bros., earning $32 million on an $8.5 million budget. Its legacy has only built, becoming a cult classic and earning its place as a staple of the vampire genre.
Unfortunately, other major players like Jason Patric, Keifer Sutherland and Billy Wirth were not featured in the Entertainment Weekly interview. Numerous cast members–including Corey Haim, Brooke McCarter and Edward Herrmann–have passed away.
The Lost Boys is credited with presenting vampires in a fresher light with younger audiences. It, too, expanded on the sexuality that comes with the genre.
The Lost Boys spawned two direct-to-video sequels in 2008 and 2010–way later than they needed to to capitalize. There is another movie planned, although details are fairly slim at this point. Honestly, another sequel isn’t a bad idea–if you can get the main stars onboard.
Are you a fan of The Lost Boys? What is your favorite moment or quote from the movie?