Horror aficionados, brace yourselves—James Wan, the visionary behind iconic franchises like The Conjuring and Saw, is in early talks to helm a new adaptation of Creature From The Black Lagoon for Universal Pictures. This project marks Wan's first directorial venture since his Atomic Monster banner merged with Blumhouse Productions, setting the stage for a highly anticipated collaboration.
The original Creature From The Black Lagoon (1954) is a beloved classic that helped define the monster movie genre. Wan, known for his ability to craft atmospheric and terrifying films, is developing a modernized retelling that remains true to the original's spirit while amping up the visceral horror. This grounded approach promises to breathe new life into the iconic creature, making it relevant and terrifying for today's audiences.
Wan will also produce the film under his Atomic Monster label, alongside Michael Clear and Judson Scott as executive producers. Universal's EVP of Production Development, Jay Polidoro, will oversee the project, reflecting the studio's commitment to revitalizing its monster movie catalog with filmmaker-driven projects.
With a resume boasting four major franchises—Saw, Insidious, The Conjuring, and Aquaman—Wan's involvement is sure to excite both fans of the original film and newcomers alike. Notably, Wan is part of an elite group of directors with multiple films grossing over $1 billion worldwide, further underscoring his ability to connect with global audiences.
Although details about the cast and release date remain under wraps, the combination of Wan's horror pedigree and Universal's commitment to its monster universe makes this project one to watch. If you're a fan of horror and classic cinema, this modern take on Creature From The Black Lagoon could be the film event of the decade.